Bills reach deal with Incognito

Feb 9, 2015 - 8:51 PM Orchard Park, NY (SportsNetwork.com) - The Buffalo Bills made it official on Monday, announcing the signing of offensive lineman Richie Incognito.

The Bills agreed in principle to the deal over the weekend.

Incognito, a 10-year veteran with 102 career starts to his credit, spent the entire 2014 season out of football, essentially black-balled from the NFL for his participation in the infamous Miami Dolphins bullying scandal in 2013.

"I personally met with Richie, along with Doug Whaley, Rex Ryan and Kim regarding an opportunity to earn a spot on the Buffalo Bills roster," said Bills owner Terry Pegula in a statement. "Obviously, we all discussed Richie's past experience in the NCAA and NFL. We are convinced that Richie is prepared to move forward and has and will continue to take the necessary steps to improve himself as a person and a teammate. Following discussion with the rest of the coaching staff, we as an organization will provide him with the opportunity to do so."

The 31-year-old also sat out the final eight games in 2013 after being suspended by the Dolphins for repeatedly harassing fellow offensive lineman Jonathan Martin. launching a league-issued investigation overseen by prominent attorney Ted Wells.

Though the NFL lifted Incognito's suspension last offseason, he remained unsigned after going through workouts with Tampa Bay, Kansas City and Denver.

Incognito, who played in three games with Buffalo towards the end of the 2009 season after being claimed off waivers from the St. Louis Rams, does have a reputation for being a durable player in addition to a dirty one. Not counting his 2013 suspension, he missed just one game over four seasons with the Dolphins.

The Bills were able to sign Incognito prior to the start of next month's free agency period because he did not finish last season on a team's roster.

Incognito potentially fills a glaring need at right guard for Buffalo, with returning starter Erik Pears scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent.