One former Jet out to allow another former Jet in.

That appears to be the path that had the Bills release Spencer Long on Tuesday. His roster spot will likely be taken by guard Brian Winters, who General Manager Brandon Beane acknowledged this morning on WGR 550 is in the middle of the COVID protocols that are in place before a team can officially sign a player. That includes three negative tests before entering the building.

I had Long on my list of potential Bills camp cut candidates, referencing his $2.75 million in savings. What I thought may keep him on the roster, especially after the injury to Jon Feliciano, was Long's ability to play guard and center. Now Evan Boehm has a good shot at filling that role, having played center his final 3 seasons at Missouri as well as four starts for the Colts in 2018. 

As all this was unfolding, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds met with the media for the first time since last season ended.

The big question with any player is going to be why they are choosing to play this season amindst the pandemic when others are not.

Edmunds admitted it is kind of crazy to think that regular season games are just over a month away, but that every team in the NFL is dealing with the same thing and feels there are ways to get up to speed without going full speed. His emphasized how walk-thrus are a great way to learn and get better even if not executing in full pads.

The Bills defense has been one of the best in the NFL the past few seasons and many believe they should be towards the top yet again this year. Edmunds understands what that track record brings with it.

Edmunds shining more light on the get together of Bills defensive players in Virginia in June. He said it was a collective effort by a few players, starting as just an idea in a text group and turning into setting a time and place and spreading the word. Edmunds echoing what Jordan Poyer said on Monday that the work done both on and off the field will be very beneficial moving forward.

Dion Dawkins was the second act of the day. Every person we've heard talk over these past few days has touched on the topic of expectations. But Dawkins providing extra flavor as only he can when I asked him about the vibe he's feeling.

Aside from the two players opting-out of the season, Jon Feliciano's torn pec is the biggest hit the Bills have taken in their first week or so of camp. While swapping out Long for Winters is definitely a move geared towards filling that hole, Dawkins confident with what is already on the roster.

Other notes from the day:

• Viriginia's Finest: Edmunds echoing what Jordan Poyer said the day before by praising the importance of the defense's get together in Virginia. The Bills linebacker said it started off as just an idea of a few in a group text. That led to actually making plans and then spreading the word. Edmunds said everyone was just excited to be together again.
• Taylor Back: Vincent Taylor the first Bills player to return from the COVID/Reserve list. The team releasing LB Mike Bell to make room for Taylor on the roster.
• Practice Squad Changes: Get ready for the practice squad to become more important than ever this season. It is expanding from 12 to 16 players. We heard Beane explain on Sunday how 4 of those players can be protected each week, with those names being sent to the league by 4 pm on Tuesdays. The newest wrinkle is that now up to 6 players on the practice squad can have any amount of NFL experience. In the past no one with more than two years experience or three years on a PS would be eligible. So don't just look at young players as those who could fill those 16 spots.

Bills continue camp Wednesday.