Jon

Corto

They apparently didn’t want to pay his $675,000 salary. Corto, 27, spent all last season on Buffalo’s I.R. list after finishing fifth on the team in 2010 special teams tackles despite missing five games with a wrist injury. Corto has an uphill climb as an NFL player because he doesn’t contribute on defense.

The Bills were able to get away with Corto in spot duty last year, but he’s way too tiny (210 pounds) to play linebacker in the new 3-4 defense. Regardless of the switch, Corto will stick primarily to special teams.

Corto is a local favorite from Orchard Park, New York, where the Bills are headquartered. He’ll return as one of the team’s top special teamers after they cut ties with several key veterans on the unit.

Corto’s wrist injury has healed. Harris was strictly a special teamer.

Terms were not disclosed. Purely a special teamer, Corto finished fifth on the team in tackles in kickoff coverage despite starting last season on the PUP list with a wrist injury.

Corto is a fan favorite and key piece in the Bills’ special teams unit, but his chances of making the roster are in jeopardy after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured wrist. It’s unclear when he’ll resume practicing.

Undersized at linebacker, Corto was expected to convert to safety before undergoing wrist surgery. He’ll return to a special teams role later in the season.