By Tim Graham
Buffalo Bills General Manager Buddy Nix met with reporters outside the team's headquarters to discuss dumping pass-rusher Shawne Merriman.
Nix's comments were somewhat standard. He said Merriman was competing for the fourth defensive end spot, and the club decided to take a closer look at "a couple of young guys" while also giving Merriman a better chance to latch on with another team.
Nix declined to say who those youngsters are, but the depth chart released today shows Robert Eddins as the backup left defensive end (where Merriman used to be) behind Mario Williams. Kyle Moore is the third right defensive end behind Mark Anderson and Chris Kelsay.
"I think he struggled a little," Nix said of Merriman. "First of all, let me say this: He can play. He did everything. He's been healthy since OTAs. He hasn't missed anything. He's very attentive in meetings. He's worked hard in practice, and he's played in spots really good during the games. He's a hard worker. He's done everything he could do.
"We think we've been patient. But there comes a point where we felt like we needed to move on and look down the road. So these young guys will get a shot."
Nix also said concerns over Merriman's health were not a factor and that the Bills didn't try to trade him.
tagged
Buffalo Sabres
