Bills Cut Mario Williams

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- The Buffalo Bills have released high-priced defensive end Mario Williams and retained the rights to left tackle Cordy Glenn by designating him their franchise player.

The moves were announced Tuesday as the Bills began addressing their roster before the start of the NFL's free-agency period next week.

Williams' release frees the salary cap-strapped team of nearly $13 million in payroll next season. He had two years left on the six-year, $100 million contract, and was scheduled to make an $11.5 million base salary this year.

Williams' departure opened room for Buffalo to tag Glenn, who was eligible to become an unrestricted free agent. The $13.7 million designation is essentially a one-year contract offer which Glenn can sign or negotiate a longer-term deal with Buffalo.

The Bills also released offensive guard Kraig Urbik and running back Boobie Dixon.