After releasing pass rusher Mario Williams Tuesday, the Buffalo Bills' front office made another big move today when it released cornerback Leodis McKelvin.
The Bills veteran cornerback only managed to play in nine games during the 2015 regular season as he missed the beginning of the season with an ankle injury he suffered in 2014. The 30-year-old still proved to be effective in the league, recording 32 combined tackles, two interceptions and nine passes defended in limited time last season.
McKelvin's release was confirmed by his agent Hadley Engelhard today, and the team officially announced his release via Twitter. The Bills save $3.9 million by releasing him, and have approximately $13 million in cap space for 2016 with all the moves they have made. McKelvin is a former first round draft pick by the Bills during the 2008 NFL Draft. He has recorded 317 combined tackles and 13 interceptions in eight seasons in Buffalo.
The 5-foot-10, 185-pound corner is still a force in the league, but has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career (he has only completed a full 16-game season three times). Despite the health questions, McKelvin is expected to garner plenty of interest around the league, and would be considered a viable starting option for multiple teams.
The amount of legitimate starting corners expected to hit the market is shallow, which will only help McKelvin and his agent when looking for a landing spot for next season. The move also solidifies both Stephon Gilmore and Ronald Darby in the Bills' secondary, and could open the possibility of the Bills selecting a corner in the upcoming 2016 NFL Draft.
The Bills have needs on both sides of the ball this offseason, and while corner is likely not their top priority, it would not be shocking if they went with a prospect they believe can be effective in their secondary in the middle rounds of the draft. Bills head coach Rex Ryan is known for building dominant defenses, and the expectations are high for Buffalo's defense next season since he hired his brother Rob Ryan as an assistant head coach. Rob is expected to oversee the defensive side of the ball.
