George Wilson, Nick Barnett released by Bills

The Buffalo Bills are getting an early start on off-seaosn moves, releasing two defensive starters on Monday.

A tweet from linebacker Nick Barnett revealed he had been released by the team earlier on Monday:

https://twitter.com/NickBarnett/status/301039612426592257

While the Buffalo News' Tim Graham revealed that safety and defensive captain George Wilson has also been released by the team.

https://twitter.com/ByTimGraham/status/301043136535339009

Wilson started all 16 games for the Bills in the 2012-2013 season, recording 104 tackles but no interceptions. Barnett, who also started all 16 games for the Bills, recorded 72 tackles and two sacks.

In a statement to the Buffalo News, Bills General Manager Buddy Nix defended the release of two of the team's most experienced defensive players:

"Moves like the ones we've made today are never easy, but we have to do what's best for our team and keep moving forward. We've got some good young players on our roster who we feel are ready to take the next step and they will now have the opportunity to do so. We thank both Nick and George for everything they’ve given the Bills organization and wish them nothing but the best for the future."