Marcell Dareus arrested on drug, paraphernalia possession charges

Buffalo Bills defensive lineman Marcell Dareus was arrested in Cleburne County, Alabama on Monday night when a routine traffic stop turned into drug charges.

Dareus, per the WVUA-TV report, was pulled over for speeding at 8:30 p.m. on Monday evening. Further investigation of the vehicle led to felony possession of a controlled substance (synthetic cannabis, or "spice") and drug paraphernalia possession charges. He was detained, then released less than an hour later.

The Bills in late April exercised a fifth-year option on Dareus' rookie deal, keeping him under contract through the 2015 season. They did so despite needing to suspend their former Top 5 pick twice in the 2013 season's final two games - for one quarter in Week 16, then for a full half in Week 17 - as punishment for being late to team meetings.

Bills GM Doug Whaley also told reporters at an April 25 pre-draft luncheon that Dareus, along with C.J. Spiller and potentially others, was on the team's short list for contract extension negotiations following the 2014 NFL Draft.

Update

Bills GM Doug Whaley on Tuesday issued a statement on the Dareus arrest.

"We are, obviously, disappointed with this latest development involving Marcell Dareus," Whaley said. "We will be in contact with the league regarding the situation and continue to offer support and assistance to Marcell."