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J. Bell, Costanzo, Faletoese, Ward and G. Washington cut (merged)
By Chris Brown - Posted June 11th, 2009
Of the five players that were waived by the Bills this afternoon, there wasn’t one that would not have been caught in a numbers game at his position.
Blake Costanzo was a solid special teams player, but at linebacker right or wrong he had about eight fellow linebackers ahead of him on the depth chart.
For the other players it was much the same case. Cornerback Kyle Ward’s chances were limited with two draft picks at the same position (C. Harris, Lankster) and a lot of experienced talent as well (McGee, McKelvin, Youboty, Corner, Florence).
Same goes for OT Joel Bell, who was the team’s fifth or sixth offensive tackle. The Bills have three reserve tackles with playing experience already in Demetrius Bell, Kirk Chambers and Jonathan Scott.
DLs John Faletoese and Gerald Washington were also buried on the depth chart as they ran with the third team defense all spring.
With the roster count at 75 and eight draft picks that don’t count until signed, the Bills will have to make room for three more draft picks when signings draw nearer.
Linebacker Blake Costanzo, who led the Bills in special teams tackles last season, was among five players released by the team today. Also cut were tackle Joel Bell, defensive tackle John Faletoese, defensive back Kyle Ward and defensive end Gerald Washington. Costanzo joined the Bills in December 2007 and was a mainstay on the special teams units. He had a team-high 26 tackles in kick coverage.
The Bills were at the limit of 80 players but that does not count their drafted rookies, who are unsigned. Room had to be made for those players. Costanzo had been practicing this spring with the third-teamers on the strong side. The Bills have more competition at linebacker than they had during the regular season last year, due to the drafting of Nic Harris in the fifth round this year, the return from injury of Alvin Bowen, a fifth-round pick in 2008, and the signing of free-agent Pat Thomas from Kansas City. They would have had even more if they could have inked free-agent Pisa Tinoisamoa, but he opted to join Chicago. The release of Costanzo is a slight help to Orchard Park native Jon Corto in his bid to win a backup linebacker spot again this year since Costanzo, like Corto, is primarily a special teamer. ---Mark Gaughan
Re: J. Bell, Costanzo, Faletoese, Ward and G. Washington cut (merged)
Sounds like there making room for our draft picks. We were at exactly 80 players - the maximum number the roster can have in the off season which doesn't include our draft picks since there not under contract.
Re: J. Bell, Costanzo, Faletoese, Ward and G. Washington cut (merged)
I was surprised at how early Bell (who I, like Yordad, thought was a good PS candidate) and Costanzo, who was with us all of last year, were released.
I think it indicates that our talent level is quite a bit better than last year.
Should have known, way back in 1960 when we drafted Richie Lucas Number 1, that this would be a long, hard ride. But who could have known it would be THIS bad?
Re: J. Bell, Costanzo, Faletoese, Ward and G. Washington cut (merged)
Originally posted by The Spaz
Good to see Costanzo gone. Now cut Corto and start fielding some real LB's.
You don't like Corto? I didn't think he was that bad. Didn't they cut him before then bring him back again? If so, there's got to be something they like about him.
Re: J. Bell, Costanzo, Faletoese, Ward and G. Washington cut (merged)
Originally posted by mybills
You don't like Corto? I didn't think he was that bad. Didn't they cut him before then bring him back again? If so, there's got to be something they like about him.
I think the Bills are going for the Orchard Park ticket buyers, since that's Corto's hometown. I like him too, though, but I don't think he'll survive the competition from Harris, Bowen, Palmer et. al.
Should have known, way back in 1960 when we drafted Richie Lucas Number 1, that this would be a long, hard ride. But who could have known it would be THIS bad?
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