The Bills entertained more than one free agent veteran Tuesday. In addition to running back Fred Taylor, Buffalo also hosted veteran receiver Kelley Washington.
"It's been great," said Washington of his visit. "I've been touring the facility and meeting the staff and just getting a feel for what they're looking for in me as a player and what I can offer to the organization. It's all a part of free agency. This is one of the teams that I'm interested in coming to and being a part of the organization."
Washington (6'3" 215) was released by the New England Patriots on Feb. 17. The former Cincinnati draft pick made just one reception for the Patriots since signing with the club as a free agent two years ago. His role was mainly on special teams with New England where he finished as the unit's second-leading tackler in 2007.
But Washington believes he could be a fit in Buffalo on offense and on special teams, despite a crowded corps that includes Lee Evans, Josh Reed, Roscoe Parrish, James Hardy, Justin Jenkins and Steve Johnson.
"You just look at the roster and some of the receivers and I feel I bring a different style of receiver than what's here," said Washington. "I'm just a bigger style receiver that can run down the field. That's just something that I've always been, just a bigger receiver that can run and make plays after the catch."
"I'm just looking for a team where I can go in and contribute offensively. Here you have Josh Reed and Lee Evans and Roscoe (Parrish) and guys that can just make plays. You just have to build a supporting cast around them. I think I'm one of those players that's just going to do anything to help the team win. I could just bring a lot as far as playing on a team that went to the Super Bowl and bringing a lot of playmaking ability offensively and on the special teams side of the ball."
Washington's best season as a wideout came in his second year with Cincinnati when he posted 31 receptions for 378 yards and three touchdowns as the team's third receiver. Washington will turn 30 prior to the 2009 season.
Though he has other NFL visits lined up, having played in the AFC his entire career and the last two in the AFC East, Washington is well aware of the game day environment that exists at Ralph Wilson Stadium and considers that a plus.
"I've played against the Bills for several years in Cincinnati and New England and I just know the atmosphere," he said. "They love their Bills and that's the type of atmosphere you love playing in as an athlete. That is what you want to be a part of."
