ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) – Receiver Qadry Ismail wants to compete for a job behind Eric Moulds. Running back Olandis Gary wouldn’t mind backing up Travis Henry.
Both free agents visited the Buffalo Bills on Friday in hopes of finding a new home.
Meanwhile, the Bills announced that they formally signed defensive tackle Sam Adams. Adams, a member of last season’s AFC champion Oakland Raiders, verbally agreed to a reported four-year deal last weekend.
While the Bills have focused most of their attention on bolstering their defense this offseason, they do have several secondary roles left to fill on offense.
Running back is one position the Bills plan to address after releasing former backup Shawn Bryson last month.
Gary, who spent the past four seasons with Denver, could be considered a potential backup to Henry, who led
the Bills with 1,438 yards
rushing last season.
“Travis is a great back. I think I would complement him well,” said Gary, who managed just 147 yards rushing and one touchdown last year. Gary’s playing time was limited after the emergence of rookie Clinton Portis.
Gary’s best season came in 1999 when, as a rookie, he finished with 1,159 yards rushing and seven touchdowns.
Gary also plans to visit Jacksonville and the New York Giants.
Ismail, a 10-year veteran, who spent last season with Indianapolis, might have a tough time fitting into a Bills lineup that appears set at the receiver position, led by Moulds. Josh Reed, coming off a solid rookie season, is expected to take over the No. 2 spot after the Bills traded Peerless Price to Atlanta. The Bills also signed veteran Bobby Shaw, who is expected to be their third receiver.
Ismail was confident he could crack the Bills lineup.
if given the opportunity.
“I believe Eric is the No. 1 guy, period. Outside of that, I guess everything would be open to fair game,” Ismail said. “It’s a good fit for myself and for the Bills. But this is just a visit. Hopefully, we’ll progress.”
Ismail, who won a Super Bowl with the 2000 Baltimore Ravens, finished with 462 yards receiving with the Colts last season, missing the final two games with a concussion. His best season came in 1999 with Baltimore, when he had 1,105 yards receiving and six touchdowns.
AP-ES-03-28-03 1835EST
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