The Buffalo Bills were one of the most inconsistent teams in the NFL last season and after the defense didn't come through for most of the season, the team decided to draft linebacker Kiko Alonso in the second round to shore things up.
According to Pro Football Talk, the Bills signed Alonso to a contract, giving them six now that they have signed, with Robert Woods and first-round quarterback E.J. Manuel still left to go. The Bills were looking to get more athletic at the position and coach Doug Marrone likes his versatility from his time in Oregon.
Marrone said he liked what he saw from the linebacker in rookie camp and he has the chance to prove himself and maybe even get a starting position with the team depending on how things shake out. The team could also go after free agent Brian Urlacher, as he had some talks with the Vikings but no deal is imminent. Urlacher could be a veteran presence in the locker room and on the field with the team after not being brought back by the Bears and he has been waiting for a new gig but so far he has had no luck, most likely due to his age.
The Vikings appeared to be an option for him after they drafted defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd, cornerback Xavier Rhodes and wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson, btu the team said that theuy are not ready for that and they also have Erin Henderson as a player they like and want to give a chance to succeed. Urlacher could end up with the team, but that might be too late, as he could end up somewhere else by the time they decide.
The Bills went 6-10 last season in the AFC East and ranked 25th in the NFL in passing yards per game and sixth in rushing with almost 140 yards per game behind striong play from Cj Spiller. The etam ranked 10th in passing yards per game allowed, while the defense was ranked 31st in the NFL in rushing yards eopr game with ovr 140, meaning they need to shore up that unti.
The linebackers will play a big part in the rush defense under Marrone and even with Alonso in the fold, there is a good chance that Urlacher could make an impact if he is brought in at some point. If he is still available when summer rolls around, the Bills could be a prime option for him.
"He's shown that he can play multiple positions. He's shown that he can play on teams. He's shown that he's instinctive," Marrone saod via the Bills website. "I think he can play two (positions). He can play man-to-man, he has good zone awareness, has a bunch of pass breakups. You see it from a coverage standpoint and then you also see him coming downhill making plays and he has a lot of tackles for losses."
