Buffalo Bills Release Veteran Linebacker

In a move that will save the team over $5 million dollars in cap space heading into 2022, the Buffalo Bills have released a veteran linebacker.

Today, the Bills confirmed the move on their Twitter announcing that the team has released AJ Klein.

The move will save the team around $5.1 million in cap space and get them closer to the salary cap number. Before releasing Klein, the Bills were around $6.6 million over the cap.

Klein signed a 3 year deal with the Bills in 2020 after spending time with the New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers. Last season Klein had 35 total tackles and one interception. He was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week in week 12 last year.

Klein was a 5th round draft pick in 2013 for the Carolina Panthers. That is also when current Bills head coach Sean McDermott was the defensive coordinator. McDermott and Klein have spent several years together on the field.

For his career, Klein has 449 total tackles, 15.5 sacks, 8 forced fumbles, and 4 interceptions.

Of course, Klein could re-sign with Bills and take a lower salary, or can he can now sign with any other NFL team.

The official start of the season is set for March 16th. Teams can begin negotiations with free-agent players as early as noon on Monday, March 14th. The Bills will have to work on getting under the cap, reworking some other contract, or releasing players before the NFL draft.