NFL Notes: Bills, Redskins, & Saints

Bills

The Bills opened training camp with Nigel Bradham and Keith Rivers working at outside linebacker with the first-team defense.

• Free agent acquisition Brandon Spikes saw time at middle linebacker.

Bradham and Rivers could end up being interchangeable, according to new Bills DC Jim Schwartz.

“Yeah definitely I think both of us are similar players and can play the run and the pass just as well,” said Rivers, via BuffaloBills.com. “The coaches do a great job of cross training us so we’re able to play. So if that happens to somebody like Kiko we don’t miss a beat and we’re ready to go.”

Preston Brown could also work his way into the mix at some point as the Bills try to replace LB Kiko Alonso, who underwent successful surgery last Thursday to repair his torn left ACL.

Redskins

Sources have told Tarik El-Bashir of CSN Washington that FB Darrell Young’s job is safe.

The question stems from the fact that new Redskins HC Jay Gruden doesn’t have a history of using a traditional fullback in his offense.

Young, 27, is entering the second year of his three-year, $3.9 million contract and will make a base salary of $875,000. He can also earn a total $50,000 in workout bonuses and another $125,000 roster bonuses.

Pro Football Focus has Young rated as a very good blocking fullback last year, but he was also the worst qualifying fullback in terms of receiving.

Saints

Mike Triplett of ESPN.com reports that free agent acquisition S Jairus Byrd‘s recovery from back surgery has gone as expected.

• According to Triplett, it remains to be seen if Byrd will be limited to start training camp.

Byrd signed a six-year, $54 million contract that includes $28 million guaranteed with the Saints back in March.

Last year, Byrd totaled 48 tackles, four sacks, one interception and a forced fumble for the Bills defense. Pro Football Focus has Byrd rated as the No. 8 safety in the league last season.