Linebacker Ellison, three others tendered offers by Bills

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The Buffalo Bills have tendered contract offers to retain the rights to four players, including linebacker Keith Ellison.

Ellison, who missed the final eight games last season with a quadriceps injury, has been a reliable role player in four seasons with the Bills. He's a contender to start in a revamped 3-4 defense being installed by new coach Chan Gailey.

The Bills on Thursday also tendered offers to safety George Wilson, cornerback Ashton Youboty and tight end Derek Schouman.

The moves were made a day before the NFL's free-agency period begins.

Not tendered offers were offensive lineman Richie Incognito, tight end Joe Klopfenstein and third-string quarterback Gibran Hamdan. The three are eligible to become free agents.