National Football League

Bills release Anderson after one year

Published Jul. 23, 2013 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Buffalo Bills have parted ways with defensive lineman Mark Anderson just one year after he signed a four-year deal with the team.

Touted as a high-profile signing after a 10-sack performance with New England in 2011, Anderson agreed to a 4-year, $21 million contract with Buffalo in 2012.

But he battled injuries for the Bills during his lone season, which led to his release. He made just five appearances, registering 12 tackles and one sack as the Buffalo defense allowed 435 points, most in the AFC East. The Bills finished 6-10 and have since retooled their defense. Anderson wasn't in the long-term plans.

Buffalo's offseason acquisitions of pass rushers Jerry Hughes and Manny Lawson made Anderson expendable, as the team looks to build from the line out.

A fifth-round pick of Chicago in 2006, Anderson spent parts of five seasons with the Bears and another with Houston before moving to New England. He becomes the latest castoff on a team that has gone through a near top-to-bottom overhaul this offseason. New coach Doug Marrone has brought in an entirely new staff including the Bills' third defensive coordinator in as many years, Mike Pettine.

The defense saw numerous veterans either cut (linebacker Nick Barnett, safety George Wilson and cornerback Terrence McGee) or retire (defensive end Chris Kelsay and linebacker Shawne Merriman).

The Bills also moved offensive tackle Chris Hairston, 24, to the physically unable to perform list. A fourth-round pick in 2011, Hairston has battled ankle and foot injuries over his career but played in 25 games, starting 15 contests.

Hairston was expected to compete with Erik Pears for the starting right tackle position.