WGR’s Sal Capaccio is reporting that the Buffalo Bills have retained Pro Bowl linebacker Lorenzo Alexander on a two-year deal.
Alexander, 33, is coming off what is a textbook definition of a career year. After nine years as a special teams ace, Alexander earned a major role on the defense after an injury to first-round pick Shaq Lawson and responded by recording more sacks in 2016 (12.5) than he had in his previous nine seasons combined (9.0).
It’s not exactly clear where Alexander fits into the defense as the team transitions from the Rex Ryan-led 3-4 to the 4-3 defense preferred by Sean McDermott and Leslie Frazier, especially given the fact that Lawson will be healthy going into 2017. He should slot in as an outside linebacker alongside Preston Brown and Reggie Ragland for the time being, but we’ll see how things develop.
ESPN’s Josina Anderson is reporting that the deal is for $9 million, with $4.1 million guaranteed.