REPORT: The Buffalo Bills Lose Second Lineman In Free Agency

A few days ago, the Buffalo Bills lost their starting guard, David Edwards in free agency to the New Orleans Saints. Today, it appears as though they've lost a second one.

The Bills had four offensive linemen head to free agency this offseason. Two starters and two backups had the potential to go to other teams to make more money. Today, it looks as though they were able to keep half of them here.

The free agency situation was different for each of them

All four of the linemen, Connor McGovern, David Edwards, Alec Anderson, and Ryan Van Demark, were all headed to free agency, but each situation was different. Both Connor McGovern and David Edwards were considered unrestricted free agents, which means they could go to any team that wanted them. However, Alec Anderson and Ryan Van Demark were considered restricted free agents. Their process is a little different.

What's the difference between a restricted and an unrestricted free agent?

The process for unrestricted and restricted free agents is different. As mentioned above, unrestricted free agents can go to any team that gives them an offer, if they choose to. Restricted free agents (RFAs) are a little different. The RFAs original team (in this case, it's the Bills) can place what they call a right of first refusal tender on that player. Then, if a new team (in this case, it's the Vikings) gives the player an offer, the team that placed the tender on the RFA has the option to match the offer of the new team or to let them go to the new team. In the case of Ryan Van Demark, the Bills have chosen to NOT match Minnesota's offer, so he is free to go there.

The Bills have now lost two linemen in free agency

Van Demark isn't the only lineman who has decided to move on. He and David Edwards will both be wearing new jerseys next time they take the field. They were, however, able to retain their center Connor McGovern and last year's backup/extra lineman Alec Anderson who might need to step into the starting guard spot next season.