The Bills have declined to offer wide receiver Terrell Owens a contract, making him a free agent. Buffalo also declined to offer contracts to defensive end Ryan Denney and wide receiver Josh Reed. "We wanted to inform all three players ahead of the start of the free-agency period so they could begin making their plans," Bills general manager Buddy Nix said. "We just felt that was the right thing to do. All three have represented our organization with class, and we thank them for their dedication and hard work."

Bills starting right tackle Brad Butler announced his retirement on Thursday. Butler, 26, just completed his fourth NFL season. He majored in government studies at Virginia, and spent the 2008 offseason interning at Kemp Partners in Washington D.C. with former and late Bills quarterback and congressman Jack Kemp. "My passion for education, country and community is something that I am ready to devote my full attention to," Butler said in a statement released by the team. "I believe the best way to pursue these spheres of interest is to step away from the game of football at this point in my life."

The Buffalo News reports that there is at least a 50 percent chance that the Bills will give quarterback Trent Edwards another chance to start in 2010. New coach Chan Gailey has made the quarterback position work in the past with Mike Tomczak, Kordell Stewart, Jay Fiedler and even Tyler Thigpen. "That decision will play out once you get a complete evaluation of the guys in the draft, and a complete evaluation of the guys you've got, and a complete evaluation of the guys that are out there available in free agency, or on the trading block," Gailey said. "There's four categories there that you can make a move in or not make a move in, and play the pat hand, so to speak. I think it's too early for me to say. I know everybody would like for us to have a decision today and tell exactly where we're going, exactly what we're going to do ? I can't give you that today."

Behind the efforts of Ed Roski and Majestic Realty, and with their ?shovel-ready?? proposed $800 million stadium in the City of Industry, Los Angeles leaders are resolute that they are closing in on a team. ?I strongly believe an NFL franchise will play in Los Angeles for the 2011 season,?? said Majestic vice president John Semcken. ?I?ve been working on this for 14 years, and it?s been a long road. I know we?re very, very close.?? A team would play for two seasons in another stadium, either the Rose Bowl or Coliseum.

George Edwards, a 12-year NFL coaching veteran, was named Bills defensive coordinator Thursday. Edwards has been a defensive coordinator (2003) and assistant defensive coordinator (2002) in his time in the league. ?We are very excited that George Edwards has joined our staff as defensive coordinator,? said head coach Chan Gailey. ?He brings a wealth of experience, not only as a motivator and communicator, but he has been involved with some great schemes and we are excited about him being the head of our defense.? Buffalo?s new defensive boss will be making changes to the Bills defensive scheme, which has exclusively employed a 4-3 front the past nine seasons. ?Defensively, we will start from a 3-4 alignment,? said Edwards. ?But we will do what we feel is best for our players. We are not going to give anything away about exactly what we will do, but personnel will dictate what you can and what you can?t do. As far as the initial alignment, the 3-4 is what we will start off with and we will adjust from there.?