The Bills made a couple of moves to bolster their defensive secondary, signing free agent CB William James (Philadelphia) and re-signing S Bryan Scott. The moves address a need to get bigger in the backfield: James is 6-feet-2, 200 pounds, and Scott is 6-1, 219.

After letting go Kiwaukee Thomas and watching Jason Webster sign with New England, Buffalo was down to just four corners and needed some veteran depth. James, the former Will Peterson, started 39 games for the New York Giants from 2001-05 and if healthy should challenge Jabari Greer for one of the starting spots opposite Terrence McGee. James has a history of back problems.

The Bills did visit with free agent safety Marlon McCree but wound up retaining Scott, who played in 15 games last year and made two starts. He finished with 20 tackles and once forced fumble. All things considered, the six-year veteran brings experience at a good value for what the Bills were looking for behind starter Donte Whitner at strong.

TEAM NEEDS/OFFSEASON STRATEGY

Wide receiver and cornerback are the team's top priorities moving forward.

After failing to sign free agents Bryant Johnson, who signed with San Francisco, and D.J. Hackett, who went to Carolina, the Bills will almost certainly spend the No. 11 pick in the draft on a big wide receiver.

After releasing Kiwaukee Thomas and losing free agent Jason Webster (New England), the Bills have to replenish depth at cornerback. Signing veteran William James helps, but a cornerback is still high on the team's shopping list in the draft.

1. Wide receiver: The Bills desperately need a tall, strong No. 2 man to complement the speed of Lee Evans. They draft 11th overall and players like 6-6 James Hardy of Indiana, 6-4 Malcolm Kelly of Oklahoma and 6-3 Limas Sweed of Houston top the shopping list. Buffalo's top four receivers last year (Evans, Josh Reed, Roscoe Parrish and Peerless Price) were each under 6-foot.

2. Cornerback: The Bills released Kiwaukee Thomas and lost Jason Webster (New England) in free agency and will look to rebuild depth here and maybe find an upgrade for starting right corner Jabari Greer. Newly signed veteran free agent William James will challenge Greer. But in a division with Tom Brady and Randy Moss, a team can never have enough options. South Florida's Mike Jenkins is likely to be here with the 11th pick.

3. Tight end: Even after signing free agents Teyo Johnson and Courtney Anderson, the Bills could add to this position, which has been inconsistent since the days of Jay Riemersma.

MEDICAL WATCH
WR Lee Evans had minor surgery to repair a bothersome shoulder after the season and is on schedule to take part in all organized team activities that begin in May.

FRANCHISE PLAYER
None.

TRANSITION PLAYER
None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--LB Mario Haggan is likely to be retained for depth and special teams work. He appeared in all 16 games for a fourth consecutive season, recording 13 special teams hits and career-high 16 tackles on defense.

--DE Anthony Hargrove has been suspended for 2008 after violating the NFL's substance abuse policy and has worn out his nine lives.

--FB/TE Ryan Neufeld isn't a priority to retain now that the team has decided to employ a true fullback again.

--LB Josh Stamer has been a mainstay on special teams since 2003 but has probably priced himself out of that role.

--DE Al Wallace spent the entire year in IR. Team needs a better option.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered offers)

--FS Jim Leonhard (not tendered as RFA) earned six starts in emergency duty and is a good punt return man.

--RB Shaud Williams (not tendered as RFA) was added to the roster in late December but isn't a high priority at a deep position.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--DT Jason Jefferson (tendered at $927,000 with 6th-round pick as compensation) has been grooming two years in depth role.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS

--LB Blake Costanzo is not a high priority.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

--TE Courtney Anderson: UFA Falcons; terms unknown.

--CB Will James: UFA Eagles; 2 yrs, terms unknown.

--DT Spencer Johnson: UFA Vikings; $17.5M/5 yrs, $6M guaranteed.

--TE Teyo Johnson: FA; terms unknown.

--LB Kawika Mitchell: UFA Giants; $17.5M/5 yrs, $3.5M guaranteed.

--DT Marcus Stroud (trade Jaguars).

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

--S Dustin Fox: ERFA; terms unknown.

--DE Corey Mace: ERFA; terms unknown..

--TE Tim Massaquoi: ERFA; terms unknown.

--WR Scott Mayle: ERFA; terms unknown.

--OT Matt Murphy: UFA; terms unknown.

--S Bryan Scott: UFA; terms unknown.

--OG Jason Whittle: UFA; terms unknown.

PLAYERS LOST

--WR Sam Aiken: UFA Patriots; $1.555M/2 yrs, $225,000 SB/$40,000 WO.

--CB Jerametrius Butler (released).

--TE Michael Gaines: UFA Lions; $10M/4 yrs, $3M guaranteed.

--LB Leon Joe: UFA Buccaneers; terms unknown.

--WR Peerless Price (released/failed physical).

--RB Anthony Thomas (released).

--CB Kiwaukee Thomas (released).

--DT Larry Tripplett (released).

--CB Jason Webster: UFA Patriots; $800,000/1 yr, $130,000 guaranteed/$70,000 WO.

--LB Coy Wire (released/failed physical).

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