BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -Newly acquired defensive tackle Darwin Walker won’t report to the Buffalo Bills until he receives a contract extension.
Acquired in a trade in March that sent linebacker Takeo Spikes to Philadelphia, Walker on Thursday said he hasn’t visited Buffalo yet and will not report until a new deal is completed. Walker has two years left on his existing contract, but was attempting to negotiate a new deal with the Eagles.
Walker’s agent, Albert Irby, said the Bills were aware of his client’s contract status when they made the trade.
“Yes, he’s under contract, and that contract was traded to Buffalo. But it was traded to Buffalo with the understanding that we wanted a new deal,” Irby told The Associated Press. “They made the trade knowing that this had to happen.”
Irby said he’s had discussions with the Bills, and hopes an agreement can be reached prior to the start of training camp in late July.
Bills spokesman Scott Berchtold said the team has been in contact with Walker’s agent and “we’re looking forward to Darwin’s participation in a mandatory minicamp in June.”
Walker is a seven-year NFL veteran, who proved expendable in Philadelphia after he and the Eagles reached an impasse in contract talks. The two sides then agreed to a trade, which also led the Eagles to land Walker’s replacement by signing defensive tackle Montae Reagor in free agency.
Walker is a penetrating tackle that fits the mold of a Bills defensive front that is being asked to do more than just stop the run.
He’s coming off a solid season in which he had 36 tackles and six sacks in 15 starts, and added two more sacks in a 27-24 loss to New Orleans in an NFC second-round playoff game.
As part of the trade, the Bills also acquired a conditional pick in next year’s draft, while dealing journeyman backup quarterback Kelly Holcomb.
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AP Sports Writer Elizabeth A. Davis in Knoxville, Tenn., contributed to this report.
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