CURTIS HENRY
Assistant Sports Editor
The Buffalo Bills announced their final 53-man roster for the start of the season on Friday, more than 24 hours in advance of the league’s 4 p.m. Saturday roster cut deadline. The most notable takeaway from Friday was the release of veteran fullback Jerome Felton, which cleared the way for 716 native Glenn Gronkowski to make the roster.
Gronkowski grew up in Amherst and is the younger brother of Rob, the star tight end for the New England Patriots and current ‘Madden NFL 17’ coverboy. Glenn is the fourth in the family to find his way into the NFL; older brothers Dan and Chris also played in the league as a tight end and fullback, respectively. Glenn and Rob are the only two that remain in the league.
Glenn making the roster is a feel-good story for all of those who have followed the rookie. He spent his four years of school at Kansas State, earning second-team all-Big 12 honors in 2015. Despite going undrafted in May, the Bills signed Gronkowski shortly after the draft concluded. His hard work in training camp and the preseason was of note to both coaches and fans alike. That hard work resulted in one of the 53 coveted roster spots that the team had to offer.
The biggest cut of the day was that of linebacker Manny Lawson. Lawson is a 10-year pro and appeared ready to be a starter for the Bills this season on the front seven, especially after injuries this offseason to fellow linebacker IK Enemkpali and rookies Reggie Ragland and Shaq Lawson.
The obvious explanation for Lawson’s release is the salary cap implications: Buffalo stands to save $2.35 million against the cap with Lawson off the roster for opening day. The questions surrounding a potential suspension for Lawson could have also contributed to his release; he is rumored to be facing a one-game ban for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. It stands to reason that the Bills could elect to bring back Lawson on a week-to-week deal after Week 1 that wouldn’t be fully guaranteed and count against the cap.
Other notable cuts from Friday include running back Boom Herron, linebacker Kroy Biermann, cornerback Mario Butler, guard Cyril Richardson and receiver Dez Lewis. Lewis was promptly re-signed to the practice squad over the weekend upon clearing waivers.
The Bills will suit up in Baltimore on Sunday, Sept. 11 at 1 p.m. to kick off the 2016 season.