Terrell Owens might be the Buffalo Bills' highest-profile free agent this off-season, but safety George Wilson is arguably the team's most valuable free agent. A report indicates that the Bills realize this, and are ready to do something about it.
Pat Moran of BuffaloSportsDaily.com is reporting that the Bills will try to sign Wilson, a restricted free agent, to a long-term contract extension prior to the start of free agency on March 5. Should that extension not come to fruition, the source Moran cites expects the Bills to place a second-round tender on the fourth-year safety, which would pay him $1.76 million for the 2010 season.
Wilson, who turns 29 in March, is coming off of a career season. Starting several games at free and strong safety after injuries to both starters, Jairus Byrd and Donte Whitner, Wilson racked up career highs in tackles (103), interceptions (4) and sacks (2). Wilson was second on the team in tackles, finishing behind only middle linebacker Paul Posluszny.
According to his source, Moran also reports that the team plans to place a third-round tender on restricted free agent guard Richie Incognito, whom the Bills claimed off of waivers from St. Louis on December 17. Incognito started the team's final three games at right guard, and with the status of second-year guard Eric Wood in doubt, the Bills apparently would like to preserve a little depth along the interior offensive line.