http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2785375 Free-agent lineman leaves Vikings for Buffalo By Len Pasquarelli Buffalo Bills: Despite all the talk of high-profile players landing big-money deals in the opening minutes of the unrestricted free agency period, the first veteran to change teams is a journeyman offensive lineman with a blue-collar background. Ninth-year vet Jason Whittle, who appeared in 16 games for the Vikings with two starts in 2006, has signed a one-year contract with the Bills, agent Joe Linta said early Friday morning. The deal includes a base salary of $720,000, and Whittle received a $40,000 signing bonus. The Vikings also discussed re-signing the 31-year-old Whittle, who could compete for a starting job in Buffalo, where the Bills on Thursday released 11-year veteran Chris Villarrial. The versatile Whittle, who is joining his fourth franchise, has spent time at all five offensive line spots during his career. His résumé includes 125 regular-season appearances with 42 starts. Whittle started 14 games in 2002 and 16 games in 2004. The former Southwest Missouri State standout has served stints with the Giants (1998-2002, 2004-2005), Tampa Bay (2003) and Minnesota (2006). He entered the league as an undrafted college free agent.
