Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com, citing a league source, is reporting that the Buffalo Bills have agreed to terms with rookie fifth-round pick offensive tackle Ed Wang. Terms of the deal are not disclosed, though Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County-Times reports that it's a four-year deal.
Wang was the ninth player taken in the fifth round this past April, selected No. 140 overall. The Virginia Tech product has received international notoriety due to the fact that he is the first full-blooded Chinese football player to be drafted by an NFL franchise. Now, he's apparently the first with a contract.
The timing of this news is significant. A year ago, Buffalo didn't get sign its first drafted rookies until July 7, when it wrapped up deals for cornerbacks Cary Harris and Ellis Lankster. Furthermore, the team had not signed fifth-round pick linebacker Nic Harris until July 22; a year later, the new regime beat the old one to the punch by about two months.
Wang is in the mix at a muddled left tackle position that includes young veterans Demetrius Bell and Jamon Meredith. Wang will likely be a reserve player in his rookie season, but profiles as a potential down-the-road starting solution for a franchise desperate for help at tackle.
Buffalo now has eight draft picks that remain unsigned.