The Buffalo Bills are hosting free agent linebacker Christian Kirksey on a visit on Friday, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Kirksey was recently released by the Cleveland Browns. He previously has visited the Las Vegas Raiders and Green Bay Packers. Kirksey, 27, can sign with any team immediately since the Browns already released him.
Over the past two seasons, Kirksey has struggled to stay healthy, leading to his release. His situation has included ankle and hamstring issues. He only played two games in 2019 due to a pectoral injury, as well.
Prior to the injuries, Kirksey had a good run of form. In 2016 and 2017, he was among the Browns’ leading tacklers in both seasons. While the Bills do have Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano, they’re certainly in the market for a Lorenzo Alexander replacement as a pass rusher and pass defender. Kirksey could fit that bill. In 73 career games, he has 11.5 sacks and 16 passes defended with 484 tackles.
On Thursday the Bills announced that they were recalling their scouts and coaches across the country amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Despite that, they still are evidently bringing in Kirksey for a visit of sorts.
In 73 games played, Kirksey has 484 tackles, 30 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, 16 passes defended, two interceptions and four forced fumbles.
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