Left tackle Cordy Glenn was given the franchise tag designation by the Buffalo Bills.
The Bills shared their decision with Glenn on Tuesday just defensive end Mario Williams was told he would be released.
By signing a franchise tag tender, Glenn would receive a fully-guaranteed salary of $13.706 million for the 2016 season.
Williams, 31, had five sacks in 2015 and with two years left on his deal, was released before he counted $19.9 million against the salary cap next season. Releasing Williams saves the Bills $12.9 million against the salary cap.
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The Bills also released guard Kraig Urbik, who took a pay cut to stay with the team last spring, and running back Boobie Dixon.
"We want to thank Boobie, Kraig and Mario for everything they did during their years with our franchise," GM Doug Whaley said. "Each of them contributed to our team in a unique way. Days like this are never easy and this is a part of the business that is difficult on everyone. We will now focus our attention on moving forward as we continue to prepare for free agency, the upcoming Draft and the 2016 season."
His original contract was a six-year, $100 million deal that lured Williams out of Houston. The Texans drafted Williams first overall in 2006.
Glenn, 26, was a second-round pick in 2012.
The Bills can continue negotiating toward a long-term deal with Glenn until the July 15 deadline. Many players given the franchise designation steer clear of team activities and offseason workouts and are more selective with attendance at mandatory sessions.
Pro Bowl guard Richie Incognito could also enter free agency on March 9. According to reports, the Bills have become frustrated with the tone of negotiations with Incognito.
