Free agent OT Cornell Green is expected to start at right tackle in 2010, filling a hole left by Brad Butler's retirement. Green, who turns 34 in August, started 28 games on the right side for the Raiders the past two seasons. He started every game for Tampa Bay's 2002 Super Bowl champs.

Securing Green allows Buffalo to concentrate on the left side of its line, which last year was overwhelmed by injuries. Demetrius Bell and Kirk Chambers were the only tackles left under contract until Green's arrival. Bell opened last season at LT but struggled with his footwork and then was hit with leg problems.

The Bills lost out on versatile Chiefs free agent OL Wade Smith, who signed with Houston, and landing one of the top college tackles in the draft is a strong possibility now.

GM Buddy Nix was in Stillwater, Okla., for that school's pro day and watched 6-6, 310 All-American tackle Russell Okung and reportedly spoke with him and his agent afterwards. Detroit and San Francisco also sent their GMs.

OFFSEASON STRATEGY

The Bills filled a hole on the right side of their offensive line, signing free agent Cornell Green of Oakland. He'll likely start and replace the retired Brad Butler.

Meanwhile, the team visited with Vikings defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy. Buffalo is switching to a 3-4 and is looking for suitable talent at both end and tackle.

The Bills have kept intact the strength of their defense, the secondary, by retaining safeties Bryan Scott and George Wilson.

TEAM NEEDS

1. Quarterback: The Bills haven't had a 300-yard passer in 54 games. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Trent Edwards and Brian Brohm appear poised for a QB competition in camp unless Buffalo shocks onlookers and spends the No. 9 pick on Notre Dame's Jimmy Clausen. The Bills are also considering Florida's Tim Tebow as a second-round alternative and will attend his workout March 17.

2. Defensive linemen: The Bills plan to switch to a 3-4 defensive scheme but need personnel. The team mostly needs a prototypical nose tackle to clog the middle with both Marcus Stroud and Kyle Williams undersized for the job. And if Aaron Schobel retires, a pass-rushing edge player will become a top priority. Georgia Tech's Derrick Morgan is drawing interest with coach Chan Gailey's ties to the school.

3. Offensive tackle: Bills quarterbacks were sacked 46 times as the team cobbled together nine different line combinations. Brad Butler's surprise retirement makes replenishing this position even more important and the signing of Oakland free agent Cornell Green was only a start. Oklahoma State's Russell Okung, Iowa's Bryan Bulaga and Oklahoma's Trent Williams would fit the bill at left tackle.

MEDICAL WATCH
No updates.

FRANCHISE PLAYER
None.

TRANSITION PLAYER
None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--DE Ryan Denney, a capable backup pass rusher, was told by the team he was free to shop his services.

--LB Chris Draft was a valuable mid-year pickup, but with 11 seasons of wear he may not fit Buffalo's rebuilding model.

--DB Todd Johnson appeared in eight games before going on injured reserve. Not a priority to be retained.

--OG Seth McKinney, an eight-year vet with 46 starts, was brought in for depth but couldn't stay healthy. Doesn't figure to be part of new plan.

--WR Terrell Owens, the future NFL Hall of Famer, was thanked by the club of his one-year of headline making and told he wouldn't be retained. He's 36 but should still draw some interest on the market.

--WR Josh Reed, who had 311 career catches in eight seasons, was informed he would not be offered a new contract and is free to shop his services.

--OG Kendall Simmons, a former standout for Pittsburgh, has been plagued by injuries for two seasons. Remains to be seen if Buffalo's new Steelers' connections can secure him a job.

--LB Josh Stamer rejoined the team late in the season. Tough player who excels on special teams but team likely to explore more affordable options than paying a six-year minimum.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered offers)

--LB Marcus Buggs (not tendered as ERFA) will be coming back from major knee surgery and could be brought back as a depth player.

--RB Justise Hairston (not tendered as ER$FA) spent the entire year on injured reserve.

--*OG Richie Incognito (not tendered as RFA) brought some much-needed attitude to the team late in the year. Would like to re-sign with Bills but is now free to shop the market.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (*indicates restricted because of uncapped year)

--*LB Keith Ellison (tendered at $1.176M million with sixth-round pick as compensation) has logged 38 career starts but had his season cut in half last year due to a quad injury. Bills believe his speed and coverage skills can be asset in new 3-4 scheme.

--TE Derek Schouman (tendered at $1.684M with second-round pick as compensation) opened the year as the club's starter but went down with a knee injury in Week 3. Still a good prospect as a blocker.

--*FS George Wilson (tendered at $1.759M with second-round pick as compensation) successfully made the switch from WR to DB under former coach Dick Jauron and is a team captain and locker-room leader.

--*CB Ashton Youboty (tendered at $1.176M with thbird-round pick as compensation) has not been able to crack the starting lineup but has proven himself a capable nickel and dime player.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS

--OT Christian Gaddis appeared in one game. He's a depth candidate.

--TE Jonathan Stupar appeared in 15 games, catching five passes, and ranks as a good depth player.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

--LB Jon Corto: ERFA; terms unknown.

--TE Joe Klopfenstein: Not tendered as RFA; terms unknown.

--SS Bryan Scott: Potential UFA; $3M/2 yrs, SB unknown.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

--RT Cornell Green: UFA Raiders; $9M/3 yrs, guarantee unknown.

PLAYERS LOST

--OT Brad Butler (retired).

--TE Derek Fine (released).

--*QB Gibran Hamdan: Not tendered as RFA/Toronto-CFL).

--WR Justin Jenkins (released/failed physical).

--DE Jermaine McGhee (released/failed physical).

--LB Ashlee Palmer (released).

--C Marvin Philip (released/failed physical).

--OT Jonathan Scott: Not tendered as RFA/Steelers; 1 yr, terms unknown.

--DE Marcus Smith (released/failed physical).

--S John Wendling (released/failed physical).

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