The Buffalo Bills released defensive lineman Marcus Stroud on Wednesday in a move that freed up salary and playing time for the team's young, developing players.
The Bills had no comment aside from announcing Stroud's release. Stroud responded on Twitter by writing: "Thanks for my time in Buffalo. I enjoyed it and I wish all of my boys the best. Go Bills."
Stroud's departure wasn't considered a surprise after the 10-year NFL veteran struggled in making the transition in Buffalo's switch to a 3-4 defensive scheme. Stroud was scheduled to make $10 million in base salary during the final two years of his contract, including $4.5 million next season.
Stroud also proved to be expendable after the Bills selected defensive linemen Torell Troup and Alex Carrington in the second and third rounds of the 2010 draft. Both are expected to compete for additional playing time next season.
Stroud is a three-time Pro Bowl selection, who completed his third season in Buffalo after being acquired in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars in March 2008.
Stroud showed up to training camp in July leaner in preparing to make the switch from defensive tackle to end in the Bills' new scheme. However, he struggled, along with an entire defense that finished 24th in the NFL in yards allowed and last in rushing yards yielded. The Bills finished 4-12 and opened the season losing their first eight games.
Stroud finished last season with 49 tackles and three sacks -- matching the most he had since 2007 -- in 15 games, including 14 starts. In three seasons with Buffalo, he had 7.5 sacks in 46 games.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
