Former NFL Network reporter Rand Getlin has tweeted that the Buffalo Bills are releasing veteran safety Aaron Williams. Williams is coming off back-to-back seasons ended by neck surgeries.
The move saves Buffalo at least $1.775 million on the salary cap in 2016. If they decide to make him a post-June 1 cut, that number jumps to $4.2 million. That seems to be the smart move because while it would move some of his cap hit to 2018, the Bills have a lot of space to work with next year. If Williams decided to retire, Buffalo wouldn’t get the option to move his cap hit off the 2017 league year, which could have led to his release.
Williams was hurt early in the 2015 season making a tackle against the New England Patriots. He came back but eventually was placed on injured reserve. In 2016, a vicious blindside hit from Miami Dolphins receiver Jarvis Landry put Williams in the hospital and on injured reserve for the second straight year. Williams was reportedly contemplating retirement but leaning toward returning. This could make his decision for him.
A former second-round pick of the Bills, Williams played in Buffalo for six seasons.
Buffalo’s secondary is really thin now. Stephon Gilmore is in New England. Nickell Robey-Coleman is released. Ronald Darby and Corey Graham are the only players with extensive playing experience.