Jauron Pleased: Dick Jauron is excited about how free agency has gone so far. He said it's not over but it has gone quickly but very well for the team. He expects to use Marcus Stroud as both a one and a three technique guy and the team is excited about getting him in the middle of the rotation. Jauron doesn't think trading for Stroud is a significant risk but there is always a risk with any player but you can't control the injury factor. They checked it out thoroughly and feel good about Stroud's ankle.

Johnson Used To Defense: Spencer Johnson is a player that hasn't played too much but has tremendous upside. He has played in the Tampa 2 in college and the pros. He has played in all defensive line positions including both the one and the three on at tackle. He feels his transition will be an easy one. He knew Buffalo was interested in him and heard nothing but good things about the team and the area from former teammate Pat Williams.

Stroud Out To Prove Something: Marcus Stroud said in a press conference this evening that the is out to prove that he has a lot left in the tank. He knows he's been hurt the past two years and everyone has been asking about his ankle. He said he just wants to go out, get ready and show everybody what he can still do. He said his ankle feels good and he's extremely confident and it's just a matter of staying healthy. He spoke of the storied history of the franchise and what he called a great, young nucleus of players the Bills have. He expects to be able to use his attributes of being a big, powerful guy who will be able to get up field to disrupt and make plays. He's happy to having a first start and new beginning in Buffalo.

Bills Trade For Stroud: The Bills consumated a trade for Marcus Stroud this afternoon with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The team did not disclose what draft picks went to the Jaguars but it is reportedly a 3rd and a 5th round pick. That has been the going rate for big name defensive tackles on the first two days of trading in the free agency period. The sticking point was Stroud asking for a raise it is unclear if he will get his contract restructured as part of the deal. He has three years left on his contract. Stroud has been an elite defensive tackle in the past but has missed 12 games the past two years because of an ankle injury. He also has had a 4 game suspension in his past for steroids use meaning another drug policy violation would result in a year suspension. He said that's all in the past but he did take enhancements to help him get over the ankle problem.

Bills Add Johnson: A smaller move to help sure up the defensive tackle situation was also made today when the Bills signed Spencer Johnson to a five year deal. Johnson spent the first four years of his career with the Minnesota Vikings. The 6'3" 286 lb. tackle has nine starts in his career but none the last two years as he played behind Pat and Kevin Williams in Minnesota. The Buffalo News, citing a league source, say he signed a five year deal for a whopping $17.5 Million with $6 Million guaranteed. That is essentially the same money that Kawika Mitchell signed for even though the linebacker has more experience. It shows how tough the market for defensive tackles are. Johnson will likely be on the 2nd line of the Bills defensive tackle waves. Depth Chart.

Stroud Interest Cools? Associated Press is reporting that Marcus Stroud cut his visit to Buffalo short yesterday. The Bills apparently balked that he would want a significant raise wherever he ends up in a trade with Jacksonville according to a source close to Stroud who spoke to AP. If Stroud is out, the market for defensive tackles is bare and now the Bills are down one instead of adding to an already weak position.

Mitchell Anxious To Get Started: Kawika Mitchell held his introductory press conference yesterday and said that the college atmosphere and the love of football by the fans of Western New York were some of the reasons why he's excited to be a Bill. He's anxious to get started. He thinks it's a great opportunity to win a lot of games because it is a good young team. He hopes to contribute to winning games and feels it is a good opportunity for his family. He spoke about the great linebacking tradition of the Bills and wants to be part of that as well. He said a deal was struck very quickly.

Jauron Got His Man In Mitchell: Dick Jauron said the team did a lot of work preparing for free agency and they knew Kawika Mitchell was a high character player who would fit in. In film study they realized he was a hard hitter, aggressive, and tough with good size. By adding a starter like Mitchell they add depth as well. They are really happy that they got the guy they had their sights set on when free agency began because he fits it all for the team. Jauron said Mitchell will play the weakside and they wanted a more physical guy at that spot and they got that with Mitchell. He is just very happy to have added to the football team. They all recognize they need to get better and they feel they have with this addition.