Bills release unproductive Mario Williams after four seasons

The Buffalo Bills finally pulled the trigger, releasing Mario Williams after a season full of turmoil. The Buffalo Bills will now save $12.9 million against the cap and finally create some breathing room for them to operate in free agency.

The Bills have released 11-year veteran and four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Mario Williams, a person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports’ Tom Pelissero.

The linebacker was informed of his release on Tuesday, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per a source close to the player.

Could this mean that the Bills are still unable to afford free-agent offensive guard Richie Incognito, who is coming off a good season?

The move was expected after a down season in which Williams repeatedly attacked coach Rex Ryan’s defense, openly questioning his role. He slumped to five sacks last season, but Williams had 38 sacks in his first three years in Buffalo and someone will take the chance that he’ll rebound with a change of scenery. He often was asked to play out of position under Ryan, dropping into coverage more frequently and not being asked to rush the passer, which has been his forte.

The Bills could use some depth on their defensive line now, as heralded as it remains, with Williams gone.

The Bills drafted Glenn 41 overall in 2012. It’s likely that the Bills will still try to pursue a long term contract with Glenn in an effort to reduce the offensive tackle’s cap charge.