Buffalo Bills Sign Mark Anderson: What It Means for Bills' Defense

Before last Tuesday, the Buffalo Bills didn't have a top-notch 4-3 defensive end for their new 4-3 defense under Dave Wannstedt, their new defensive coordinator.

They added Mario Williams last week and have now added former New England Patriots defensive end Mark Anderson to their roster on a four-year deal, according to his agent via ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss.

Anderson has seen way up and way down production in his career. He stormed out of the gates with 12 sacks in his rookie year, only to register 13.5 sacks over the next four years.

He made the most of an opportunity with the Patriots, and 10 sacks later, he was due for another big contract.

According to Chris Brown of BuffaloBills.com, Anderson wanted the opportunity to start and play a more significant role in the defense.

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...some of the teams that Anderson has already visited have likely offered him a full time role believing more snaps will lead to even more production from Anderson. However, Anderson’s two best seasons in terms of sacks came in his rookie season and last year when he had a rotational role. It bears watching to see where Anderson ultimately lands knowing the chance to start is what presumably would be most attractive to him.

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While the Patriots kept their value steady on Anderson, the Bills were willing to ensure him long-term stability despite the fact he has been so up-and-down throughout his career. 

They're just glad to have more options at defensive end in their new-look 4-3 front.

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