Free agency coverage: A look at the Buffalo Bills' busy day in free agency

The Bills defensive line shifted quickly on Monday.

Defensive tackle Harrison Phillips is headed to the Minnesota Vikings, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. But the Bills found a replacement for Phillips at the critical, 1-technique run-stuffing position by agreeing to terms with eight-year veteran DaQuan Jones of the Carolina Panthers.

The Buffalo Bills said goodbye to one offensive guard and hello to another Monday.

The team started the day by releasing veteran Daryl Williams in a move designed to free up space under the salary cap, then a few hours later signed a potential replacement in the starting lineup by giving former Tennessee Titans guard Rodger Saffold a one-year deal.

The Buffalo Bills are officially in the market for a new backup quarterback.

According to a report Monday from NFL Network, Mitchell Trubisky has reached an agreement on a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, a deal that will become official once the NFL's new league year begins at 4 p.m. Wednesday. 

Isaiah McKenzie's two-year extension with the Buffalo Bills serves as a good reminder that things aren't always what they seem when it comes to NFL contracts this time of year.

On Sunday night, McKenzie's deal was reported as being worth up to $8 million. Upon closer examination, however, it comes in a lot smaller than that. According to documents obtained Monday by The Buffalo News, McKenzie's deal is worth $4.4 million.

A year ago at this time, Mitch Morse was having money taken out of his pocket. 

As part of a restructured contract with the Buffalo Bills, Morse took a $2 million pay cut prior to the start of free agency in 2021. 

The Buffalo Bills released offensive lineman Daryl Williams on Monday.

Williams spent his first five years in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers, and started every game the last two seasons with the Bills. This past year, he started at both right guard and right tackle, as the Bills rotated the offensive line because of injuries and to involve younger players. The emergence of rookie tackle Spencer Brown also played a role in Williams' departure, as Brown's play pushed Williams to guard. 

The Buffalo Bills plan to take the first step toward what they hope is retaining guard Ryan Bates. 

A league source confirmed to The Buffalo News on Monday that the team will tender a contract offer to Bates, 25, a restricted free agent (a player with three years of experience whose contract has expried). The deal, which is for one year, is worth $2.433 million and gives the Bills the right to match any offer sheet Bates possibly receives.