Bills sign CB Jerametrius Butler

Bills Sign CB Butler; Release Scobey
by Chris Brown
www.buffalobills.com
Last Updated: 9/25/2007 4:21 PM ET

Finishing last week's game with just three healthy cornerbacks and Terrence McGee anything but a lock to play this Sunday, Buffalo signed cornerback Jerametrius Butler Tuesday to add some veteran experience to the secondary.

Decimated by injuries particularly on the defensive side of the ball the Bills had to trim their roster at a position of surplus to address the shortages elsewhere. Running back and special teams contributor Josh Scobey was released to make room for Butler.

Butler was signed by the Washington Redskins this past June as a free agent after he was released by the club that made him a fifth-round draft choice in 2001, the St. Louis Rams, but the Redskins released him Aug. 28.

The six-year veteran enjoyed his most productive seasons in St. Louis under then Rams secondary coach Perry Fewell. From 2003-2004 Butler made 31 starts, had 150 tackles and nine interceptions.

Butler however, was slowed by injuries the past two seasons with a knee injury wiping out his entire 2005 season. A lingering hamstring injury last season allowed him to appear to just six games in 2006.

Nevertheless he is familiar with Buffalo's defensive scheme having played a similar version in St. Louis and should be able to contribute quickly.

Meanwhile Scobey who signed with Buffalo as a free agent this past offseason, was kept on the roster primarily for his special teams abilities, despite missing most of training camp with a calf injury.

Scobey's role was expanded this past week as a kick returner with Terrence McGee suffering with bruised ribs. He had a total of 112 kickoff return yards on five attempts for 22.4-yard average against the Patriots. But with four other healthy running backs on the roster in Marshawn Lynch, Fred Jackson, Anthony Thomas and Dwayne Wright, Scobey became expendable.