The Buffalo Bills on Thursday announced the release of five players, including LB Blake Costanzo, OT Joel Bell, DB Kyle Ward, DT John Faletoese and DE Gerald Washington.
Costanzo, a three-year pro out of Lafayette, spent two seasons in Buffalo as a specialist. He was a key contributor on nearly every special teams unit on the field. His release likely comes as a result of the team having an abundance of young talent at his position, including 2008 fifth-round pick Alvin Bowen and 2009 fifth-round pick Nic Harris.
In need of a left tackle prospect after the trade of Jason Peters, many believed Furman's Bell would be a worthwhile project as a developmental tackle. However, with 2008 seventh-round pick Demetrius Bell on the roster as a "project" player, Joel Bell's chances at a roster spot were slim.
Ward is a one-year player that was signed as a street free agent just prior to rookie mini-camps. Faletoese and Washington were undrafted rookie free agents out of UC Davis and USC, respectively.
Additionally, our SBN friends over at University of Kentucky blog A Sea of Blue inform us that the Bills have scheduled a June 18 tryout with former UK receiver Dicky Lyons.