Buffalo Bills release veteran CB Florence

Florence was released by the team on Friday in what was regarded as a mild surprise after Buffalo spent much of the offseason improving what has been a porous defense. Florence is a nine-year NFL veteran, who had 45 starts in 46 games during a three-year stint with the Bills.

He had two years left on his contract and was scheduled to make a base salary of $4 million this season.

Florence took the news in stride in a message posted on his Twitter account. He wrote "Business is business," adding that he's moving on and thanked his fans for their support.

The move came a week after the Bills opened the draft by selecting South Carolina cornerback Stephon Gilmore with the 10th pick. Gilmore is expected to step in and immediately compete for a starting job.

Buffalo already has plenty of experience in its defensive secondary with returning veterans Terrence McGee and Leodis McKelvin, as well as Aaron Williams, a former second-round pick, who had six starts in nine games as a rookie last season.