The Bills dropped a veteran linebacker when they cut Nick Barnett last month and they’ve added one on the second day of free agency.
Linebacker Manny Lawson was the first free agent to visit the Bills and he won’t be leaving after signing a contract with the team on Wednesday. The team announced the signing and there will be a press conference later in the day to introduce Lawson.
“The last 24 hours have been a blast. Just talking to the guys and getting a feel for the organization,” Lawson said, via the team’s website. “I’m happy to be here and I expect a lot of things. I think we’re going to have a lot of fun. I think we’re going to put a show on for the fans out here in Buffalo. I’m just ready to kick the season off.”
Lawson saw his playing time drop with the Bengals last season, but still made 10 starts and recorded 39 tackles. Lawson’s never been an elite pass rusher, 18 sacks in seven years with the Bengals and 49ers, but he’s been solid in other areas and should push for a starting gig in Buffalo this offseason.
If that opportunity wasn’t enough, Lawson will also get to play with college teammate Mario Williams. Both players were selected in the first round of the 2006 draft and will be reunited for their eighth NFL season.