It may not mean much in May, but second-year TE Brad Cieslak has moved up to No. 2 on the depth chart behind free agent Robert Royal.

Credit Cieslak's own hard work and the coaching staff change that puts him on equal footing with fellow returnees Kevin Everett, Tim Euhus and Ryan Neufeld.

Cieslak, who signed as a free agent out of Northern Illinois last season and made the team's practice squad, was called up to the active roster late in the year and played the final two games. At 6-3, 262, he has great blocking skills but he has impressed Buffalo's new coaching staff this spring as a receiver, as well. His route-running has especially improved.

The Bills desperately need to involve their tight end situation again, and Cieslak is a player to watch heading into the summer, though it would appear Royal and Everett, if he can bounce back from ACL surgery, have better size and skill to nail down the top two spots.

FRANCHISE PLAYER
CB Nate Clements (re-signed).

TRANSITION PLAYER
None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
QB Shane Matthews.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered offers): OG Lawrence Smith.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
None.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS
CB Jabari Greer.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: WR Sam Aiken; CB Nate Clements; DE Ryan Denney; LB Mario Haggan; OT Greg Jerman; OT Jason Peters; WR Josh Reed; LS Mike Schneck; WR Jonathan Smith; LB Josh Stamer; C Trey Teague; RB Shaud Williams.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED
S Matt Bowen; WR Andre' Davis; C Melvin Fowler; OT Aaron Gibson; OT Matt Morgan; QB Craig Nall; WR Peerless Price; OG Tutan Reyes; TE Robert Royal; RB Anthony Thomas; CB Kiwaukee Thomas; DT Larry Tripplett.

PLAYERS LOST
DT Sam Adams; DT Justin Bannan; TE Mark Campbell; DT Ron Edwards; S Lawyer Milloy; WR Eric Moulds; OT Mike Williams.

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