IK Enemkpali Released by Bills: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

Defensive end IK Enemkpali has been released by the Buffalo Bills as the final round of NFL cuts have begun before the regular season starts September 10.   

Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports first reported the news of Enemkpali's release. 

Enemkpali gained infamy in August when the New York Jets released him breaking quarterback Geno Smith's jaw with a punch. ESPN's Rich Cimini and Adam Schefter reported that the dispute was allegedly over $600 Enemkpali spent on a plane ticket that Smith had not paid back. 

After Enemkpali's release by New York, the Bills claimed him off of waivers. It seemed like a good fit because Rex Ryan coached him with the Jets and is entering his first season with Buffalo. 

Per ESPN.com's John Clayton, Ryan said he even vouched for Enemkpali before the Bills decided to make a waiver claim:

"

I think this is an isolated thing. I think I have a great locker room here, so I don't think anything like that would happen. I'm sure the Jets feel the same. Hey, it's not perfect. Something happened. I think it's an isolated incident. It's not a major concern for me. I feel pretty good about our locker room.

"

Even though Ryan has ties with Enemkpali, difficult roster decisions have to be made this time of year. The 24-year-old also has the disadvantage of playing on a defensive line where the Bills are stacked with talent like Mario Williams, Jerry Hughes, Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams. 

Kimberley A. Martin of Newsday provided two reasons Enemkpali was likely cut: 

Enemkpali appeared in six games with the Jets last season, recording three tackles and two passes defended. He was a sixth-round pick out of Louisiana Tech, so he was fighting an uphill battle to make a roster last year. 

There may be a team out there that will take a chance on him as a practice squad player who can provide depth, but his incident with Smith combined with the lack of upside talent makes it easy to understand Buffalo's decision.