Bills get Lawyer Milloy

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y., Sept. 3 (UPI) -- The Buffalo Bills won the Lawyer Milloy sweepstakes Wednesday, reaching an agreement-in-principle with the veteran defensive back.

He surprisingly was released by New England Tuesday in the wake of a contract dispute. None of the potential contract terms with the Bills were announced.

Milloy, a four-time Pro Bowl selection in his seven-year career, refused to take a pay cut from a seven-year, $35 million contract. He was in the fourth year of that deal.

"He's a vet, a good player, he's been at that level for a while now," defensive back Antoine Winfield told the Buffalo News. "He's very aggressive, he makes plays. I think he'll fit in well."

Milloy appeared in all 112 games for the Patriots since being drafted by New England in the second round in 1996, including 106 straight starts. He has 846 tackles in his career, as well as seven sacks, 19 interceptions, 12 forced fumbles, and seven fumble recoveries.

"Everyone that plays against Lawyer is aware of where he is and aware of his ability to make big plays," said quarterback Drew Bledsoe.

Three other teams were in the hunt for Milloy's services, New Orleans, Minnesota, the New York Jets, and Washington.

Ironically, the Bills and Patriots open the regular season on Sunday.