Mark

Anderson

Anderson put on one of the premier athletic performances at the NFL Combine, but appears a bit of a “tweener.” He could serve as a nickel rusher or play strong-side linebacker down the road.

It sounds like the Titans told Anderson they’re no longer interested. Wimbley is a better all-around defender, but Anderson is now the top pass-rush specialist left on the free agent market. He’s drawn interest from the Dolphins and Jaguars so far. The Patriots would also like Anderson back at the right price.

The Titans are no longer an option, though Anderson is still drawing interest from the Dolphins and Jaguars in addition to the Ravens. Anderson would offer a pass-rushing presence opposite Terrell Suggs, though he would be a major downgrade in run defense.

The top pass rusher left in free agency, Anderson visited the Ravens earlier on Tuesday, and has seen his market rapidly accelerate in recent days. With Mario Williams now manning left defensive end for the Bills, Anderson would make an intriguing bookend at right end.

Per Marvez, the deal “should be done soon.” If so, Anderson would be turning down overtures from the Ravens and Dolphins. The Titans and Jags also showed interest in Anderson during the free agency period, but have moved on.

Look for Buffalo to release DL Dwan Edwards in the coming days. Anderson is a one-trick pony pass rusher, but he will add explosiveness off the edge in Buffalo’s nickel package. The 29-year-old racked up 12.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in New England last season, including 2.5 playoff sacks. With Mario Williams set to play left end, Anderson figures to be the Bills’ primary right defensive end, rushing off the weak side. With stud tackles Marcel Dareus and Kyle Williams plugging the interior, you can make a good argument that Buffalo now has a top-five defensive line in terms of sheer talent.

However, Anderson missed just two snaps in the Patriots’ final two regular season games. Whether or not the Pats believe Anderson can be more than a situational pass rusher figures to be a key factor as they consider re-signing him coming off a 10-sack campaign.

“That’s the way we watched him and looked at him,” said Gailey. “You don’t pay that kind of money to specialty players. You pay that kind of money to a guy that you think can be out there 50, 60 plays.” Anderson will compete with quality run defender Chris Kelsay at right end. According to the Boston Globe, the Patriots’ reaction to Anderson’s four-year, $19.5 million contract was, “So long and good luck.”

Anderson’s market is picking up with Mario Williams landing in Buffalo. The second best pass rusher left behind Kam Wimbley, Anderson visited the Fins on Friday and the Titans on Sunday. The Jags haven’t yet set up a visit with Anderson, but a fourth team -- reportedly from the AFC -- will be hosting Anderson on Monday. We’ve officially entered the second wave of free agency.

Anderson visited South Beach on Friday, where the Dolphins “made clear” they would like to sign him. However, he’s expected to visit at least one other team, while the Patriots “remain a possibility.”