ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) - Linebacker Kawika Mitchell is in, and
defensive tackle Larry Tripplett is out in Buffalo, as the Bills
opened free agency Friday intent on revamping a porous defense.
Mitchell signed a five-year contract, capping a month of
February he'll not soon forget after helping the New York Giants
beat New England in the Super Bowl.
"I had to cut my Super Bowl celebration short to make sure I
had this thing handled," said Mitchell, a fifth-year player who
started all 20 games, including four in the playoffs, last season.
"I could say, from this point exactly last year, to this point
today, it has been an unbelievable year," said Mitchell, the
Giants' only notable free-agent addition last offseason. "I
started working out last week, so it's time to move on."
The Bills moved on, too, terminating the final three years of
Tripplett's contract, an indication the team will pursue at least
one experienced defensive tackle in free agency. Minus Tripplett,
Buffalo has two experienced tackles left, second-year starter Kyle
Williams and backup John McCargo.
There have been numerous reports that the Bills are interested
in acquiring defensive tackle Marcus Stroud, a seven-year veteran
who has received the Jacksonville Jaguars' permission to seek a
trade. Bills spokesman Scott Berchtold said he "could not confirm
nor deny" reports that Stroud was scheduled to visit with the
Bills.
Stroud is due to make $6.3 million next season.
Tripplett, a six-year veteran, was scheduled to make a base
salary of about $1.7 million this season after joining the Bills as
a free agent in 2006. He started all 32 games during his two-year
tenure in Buffalo, but was part of a unit that finished 31st in the
NFL in yards allowed last season and particularly lacked a
run-stuffing presence in the middle.
Tripplett had 51 tackles and one sack this season, after
managing 56 tackles and 2½ sacks in 2006.
Bills coach Dick Jauron, who spoke prior to the team announcing
Tripplett's release, said Buffalo immediately focused on signing
Mitchell.
"We feel we had the guy in our sights that we wanted, and we
were lucky enough to get him," Jauron said. "We need to take a
step forward, and we all recognize it. We need to get better, and
we feel like we have."
Mitchell, who plays the weak side, is expected to round out a
starting unit of returning veteran Angelo Crowell and second-round
draft pick Paul Posluszny, who missed the final 13 games of his
rookie season after breaking his forearm.
Selected in the second round of the 2003 draft by Kansas City,
Mitchell became a full-time starter midway through his rookie
season and spent his first four years with the Chiefs.
Last year, Mitchell had 87 tackles, 3½ sacks and an
interception, which he returned for a touchdown against the Bills.
He also had a fumble return for a TD and added two sacks in four
playoff games, including one in the Giants' Super Bowl win.
Going from a Super Bowl champion to a Bills franchise coming off
its second straight 7-9 finish and not made the playoffs in eight
years, was not a concern.
"I think it's a great opportunity," Mitchell said.
"Obviously, we're a young team, but we have a great opportunity to
win a lot of games."
Mitchell is coming off his best season, and benefited from
opponents double-teaming the Giants' star defensive ends.
The focus on defense is a switch from last year, when Buffalo
concentrated on improving its offense, signing guard Derrick
Dockery and tackle Langston Walker to contracts worth a combined
$74 million on the first day of free agency.
The Bills, on Friday, also expressed interest in former
Tennessee tight end Ben Troupe, who is scheduled to visit with the
team this weekend. The Bills have also had preliminary talks with
former Arizona receiver Bryant Johnson, said agent Joel Segal, who
represents both Johnson and Troupe.
Johnson, a 2003 first-round draft pick, has had a consistent
five-year career - averaging 42 catches and 535 yards receiving -
while playing behind the Cardinals' two star receivers, Larry
Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin.

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