The Buffalo Bills have announced that the team has signed outside linebacker Danny Batten, a sixth-round pick out of South Dakota State. It's a multi-year deal, but contract terms have not been disclosed.
Batten becomes the second of nine Bills rookies to sign rookie deals, joining fifth-round pick OT Ed Wang, who signed his first NFL contract back on May 27.
A 6'3", 246-pound athlete, Batten is a sleeper prospect that could surprise with ample amounts of playing time if things fall correctly for him at outside linebacker. Batten will compete with the likes of Aaron Schobel (if he doesn't retire), Aaron Maybin, Chris Kelsay and Chris Ellis for playing time at his new position as the Bills transition to the 3-4 defense.
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. Buffalo has seven more rookies to sign this year, including another sixth-round pick, inside linebacker Arthur Moats.
UPDATE: Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post is reporting Batten's deal included a bonus of about $101,000 with a total base value of $1.891 million. (MRW)