Brad Butler Retires

Offensive tackle Brad Butler told the Bills Thursday that he is retiring from professional football, the team announced.

In a prepared statement given to the team, Butler said:

“I would like to thank Mr. [Ralph] Wilson, my teammates and the entire Bills Nation for giving me the opportunity to represent the Buffalo Bills for the past four years. Playing in the National Football League has been a tremendous opportunity and a great blessing. However, my passion for education, country and community is something that I am ready to devote my full attention to. I believe the best way to pursue these spheres of interest is to step away from the game of football at this point in my life. I will always remember my time spent in Western New York with great affection. I wish my teammates and Bills fans the best of luck next season and into the future.” (From ESPN)

Marv Levy always wanted to draft guys with high character. Well, it would seem that Brad Butler has a little too much character to want to play football. Look, ah salute to Butler for wanting to get involved in education, country and community. It shouldn’t shock Bills fans about Butler’s career aspirations, considering he did an internship in Washington DC under Jack Kemp’s company a couple years ago. I don’t know if getting injured last year had anything to do with his early retirement, but couldn’t help but think if the Bills were a 10-6 team, Butler probably would have decided to gut it out for a couple more years. Either way you slice it, Butler’s decision gives the Bills yet another a hole to fill in.

Sorry, but I’m not exactly getting excited about giving guys named Meredith, Bell and Scott a shot at my tackle spots. Now, the big question is do the Bills go out and draft a tackle with their first round pick? I honestly don’t know. I know I would, but knowing the Bills, they may not want to use another high pick on an offensive lineman.

Also, if you look at Buddy Nix’s resume in San Diego, the Chargers never drafted an offensive lineman in the first round throughout his eight year tenure. Hell, I couldn’t even tell you who the Charges offensive lineman are, so Nix may be more inclined to finding diamonds in the rough. Lets not forget that the Bills may be scared to invest a top 10 pick in a tackle (Mike Williams). I know that sounds naive, but we are talking about the Bills here. Heck, they are still blaming Tom Donahoe for their problems.

Plus, you have to realize that drafting a tackle means that you will have to pay him major offensive tackle money down the road. That’s something that the Bills may not be interested in doing (Just ask Jason Peters).

Don’t be surprised if the Bills decide to move Andy Levitre to his college position at right tackle, and plug in Richie Incognito as their starting right guard (Incognito is a RFA). This of course would hinge on if Eric Wood can come back from his gruesome leg injury.

Either way, if it’s from the draft or free agency, the Bills have to address their tackle situation. As for Brad Butler, good luck in trying to clean up Washington.