ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) -Linebacker Andra Davis wasted little time in free agency by signing a two-year contract with the Buffalo Bills on Tuesday.
The deal was reached during Davis’ visit to the Bills headquarters, five days after the player was released by the Denver Broncos. Financial terms were not disclosed.
“Very excited. I’m glad this process if over with,” said Davis, who will be a candidate to start at one of two middle linebacker spots in Buffalo’s new 3-4 defense. “I feel good, man, just ready to go.”
Listed at 6-foot-1 and 250 pounds, Davis is an eight-year NFL veteran who was credited with 90 tackles in each of his last two seasons. He also had a career-best 3 1/2 sacks last year.
Rather than questioning why he was released by the Broncos, Davis prefers looking ahead.
in my tank.”
He spent his first seven seasons with Cleveland, the last six as a starter after the Browns selected him in the fifth round of the 2002 draft out of Florida. Davis has 12 sacks in 96 starts and appeared in 121 career games
In Buffalo, Davis is reunited with new Bills defensive coordinator George Edwards, who served as the Browns linebackers coach in 2004.
Davis credited Edwards’ presence as a key reason he signed with the Bills.
“He was a huge factor. Not only do I know him, but he knows me and the type of player I am,” Davis said.
Davis becomes the second significant player the Bills have signed since the NFL’s free-agency period opened on March 5. He has the potential to fill a key need on a defense will rely heavily on its linebacking corps under the new scheme being installed by first-year head coach Chan Gailey.
Davis has played in the 3-4 defense in each of his past four seasons. He’ll compete with returning linebackers Paul Posluszny and Kawika Mitchell to start.
His signing is also considered insurance if Aaron Schobel elects to retire this offseason. Schobel, a defensive end who could play linebacker, has not made up his mind on whether to return for a 10th season.
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