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BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- Offensive lineman Mike Williams was released by the Bills on Thursday, ending an underachieving four-year tenure in Buffalo for the former No. 4 draft pick.
The move, announced by the team in a news release, allows the Bills to save more than $3 million in salary cap space for next season. Williams had two years left on his contract, was due a $3 million roster bonus in July and was scheduled to count about $10.8 million against the cap next season.
Salary cap issues certainly fit into that," general manager Marv Levy told Buffalo's WIVB-TV, while attending the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. "There's some difficult decisions that have to be made and we would like to address them early if we can. ... It's never fun to release a player."
In a statement released by the team, Levy said: "We appreciate his efforts and wish him well in what lies ahead in his career."
Williams' agent, David Dunn, declined comment.
Williams' release did not come as a surprise because of his hefty salary and his history of sporadic performances. Last year was the player's worst, as Williams lost his starting job at right tackle to undrafted free agent Jason Peters midway through the season.
Attempts to convert Williams into a left guard failed when the player hurt his back, an injury that forced him to miss the final five games of the season.
In four seasons, Williams had 47 starts in 51 games.
His future was in question in Buffalo even before team president Tom Donahoe was fired in January and coach Mike Mularkey resigned a week later.
Levy, who replaced Donahoe, also questioned Williams' ability and work ethic as recently as last week.
"I want to find out if he is truly, intrinsically motivated. I'm reflecting the sentiment of the whole staff when I say that," Levy said.
A former star at Texas, Williams was the first offensive lineman selected in the 2002 draft.
The solid run blocker struggled in pass situations, a knock that prevented the team from using him at left tackle -- a more high-profile and demanding position.
Williams' off-field problems led to further questions.
He was fined by the team after being unexcused for a training camp session in 2004. Williams, who also missed numerous optional minicamps earlier that spring, cited undisclosed personal reasons for missing practice.
On his way to a home game against Houston in 2003, Williams flipped his truck and hurt his shoulder, forcing him to miss the game.
Williams' release comes a day after the Bills designated cornerback Nate Clements their franchise player, retaining his rights by offering him a $5.89 million contract.
The Bills also must determine whether to retain veteran receiver Eric Moulds, who is scheduled to make $10.8 million in the final year of his contract next season. Levy has expressed interest in attempting to restructure Moulds' contract.
Moulds' adviser, Greg Johnson, said this week that Moulds, who completed his 10th season with the Bills, would like to stay in Buffalo but only if a fair deal can be achieved.
"I think Eric would like to stay. He's big on loyalty," Johnson said. "But it's got to make good sense for both parties. It's got to be truly, truly a win-win situation."
