ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) - Kiwaukee Thomas' contract was
terminated by the Buffalo Bills on Thursday, further depleting the
team of experienced cornerbacks on the eve of free agency.
Safety Jim Leonhard and reserve running back Shaud Williams will
become free agents on Friday after the Bills elected not to issue
qualifying offers to retain their rights.
The Bills did retain the rights to defensive tackle Jason
Jefferson, by making him a qualifying offer. And they re-signed
four players - tight end Tim Massaquoi, safety Dustin Fox, receiver
Scott Mayle and defensive tackle Corey Mace - by issuing them
offers.
Thomas' release was unexpected after two years with the Bills.
He's an eight-year veteran, who had one year left on a contract
that was to pay him a base salary of $750,000 this season. He was
credited with 37 tackles and one interception in nine games,
including three starts, last season.
Thomas, however, missed the final seven games because of a groin
injury.
The Bills were already expected to bolster their depth at
cornerback in free agency and the draft in April. Without Thomas,
Buffalo is down to three experienced cornerbacks, including starter
Terrence McGee.
Leonhard's departure came as a slight surprise, although the
Bills are expected to attempt to re-sign him for less than the
$927,000 he was due had the team extended him a qualifying offer.
Joining the Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2005, Leonhard is
coming off a strong season in which he filled a role as a part-time
starter in a banged-up defensive backfield.
In 13 games last season, including six starts, Leonhard finished
with 56 tackles and two interceptions.
Williams proved expendable after the Bills cut him prior to the
start of the season before re-signing him in December following a
season-ending injury to backup Anthony Thomas.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)