Mark Anderson cut by Bills



The Buffalo Bills have cut former Patriot Mark Anderson, just one year after signing the defensive end to a four year, $19.5 million contract.


Anderson was expected to team up with fellow free agent DE Mario Williams to form a fearsome pass rushing duo in Buffalo, but was a disappointment in his only season with the team. He appeared in just five games before undergoing season ending surgery on his left knee, managing one sack and 12 tackles in his shortened season.

Buffalo's decision to cut Anderson leaves them with a $4.5 million cap hit for 2013 due to the proration of his signing bonus. Anderson pocketed $7.9 million in guaranteed money from the contract.

Anderson burst onto the NFL scene as a rookie in 2006, recording 12 sacks for the Super Bowl runner-up Chicago Bears. However, his production tapered off dramatically from 2007 to 2010, as he only managed 13 sacks in four years (3.25 per season) with Chicago and Houston. Anderson was signed by the Patriots during training camp in 2011 and found a niche with the team as a situational, third down pass rusher. The 2011 season saw Anderson revive his career, as he racked up 10 sacks in his one year in New England.

Some have speculated that the Patriots could bring Anderson back on board now as a free agent. I personally wouldn't rule anything out, especially if the price is right (i.e. low), but I am remaining skeptical. Anderson is a 30 year old, one-dimensional speed rusher coming off of his second knee surgery, none of which bodes well for future success. Even when healthy, Anderson is a bit inconsistent and prone to disappearing for long stretches. He also is undersized and struggles to hold up against the run. If the Patriots do bring in situational pass rushing help, I think the return of Trevor Scott (who is two years younger and coming off of a solid year) is more likely.

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