ProFootballTalk.com is reporting that the Buffalo Bills have agreed to a re-worked deal with veteran DT Marcus Stroud. With two years remaining on his original deal, the Bills have added on two more, meaning that Stroud will now collect $28 million ($12 million guaranteed) over the next four years. The 6'6", 310-pound tackle will earn $16 million over the next two seasons.
Stroud, entering his second season with the Bills and his ninth in the NFL, had a solid 2008 season in Buffalo, tallying 61 total tackles and 2.5 sacks. His presence also helped the Bills jump up to No. 14 overall in NFL defensive rankings.
Though he'll turn 31 on June 25 of this year, this is a wise investment for the Bills to make. Stroud proved last year that he has gotten past steroid allegations and microfracture surgery on his ankle, and he is still a dominant defender on occasion. Now he will continue to anchor Buffalo's defense for the next four years.
And, on a side note, these are dollars that will not be going into OT Jason Peters' pocket.
Editor's Note from MattRichWarren: I just got my official text from BB.com but haven't found a link on their website. We'll call it quasi-official.