ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Linebacker Andra Davis wasted little time in free agency by signing a two-year contract with the Buffalo Bills on Tuesday.
"Very excited. I'm glad this process is over with," said Davis, who will be a candidate to start at one of two middle linebacker spots in Buffalo's new 3-4 defense. "I feel good, man, just ready to go."
Listed at 6-foot-1 and 250 pounds, Davis is an eight-year NFL veteran who was credited with 90 tackles in each of his last two seasons. He also had a career-best 3.5 sacks last season.
Rather than question why he was released by the Broncos, Davis preferred to look ahead.
"I know I did my best in Denver and can look myself in the mirror knowing that," he said. "I know I have a lot left in my tank."
Davis spent his first seven seasons in Cleveland, the last six as a starter after the Browns selected him in the fifth round of the 2002 draft out of Florida. Davis has 12 sacks in 96 starts and appeared in 121 career games.
Davis credited Edwards' presence as a key reason he signed with the Bills.
"He was a huge factor," Davis said. "Not only do I know him, but he knows me and the type of player I am."
Davis becomes the second significant player the Bills have signed since the NFL's free-agency period opened on March 5. He has the potential to fill a key need on a defense that will heavily rely on its linebacking corps under the new scheme being installed by first-year coach Chan Gailey.
Davis has played in the 3-4 defense in each of his past four seasons. He'll compete with returning linebackers Paul Posluszny and Kawika Mitchell to start.
Davis' signing also is considered insurance if Aaron Schobel elects to retire this offseason. Schobel, a defensive end who could play linebacker, hasn't made up his mind on whether to return for a 10th season.
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
