"In the first hours of free agency the Buffalo Bills didn't bother calling Donte Whitner. This meant, for the first time in his career, George Wilson entered training camp as a projected starter.

The Bills are placing a lot of faith in Wilson, who has made the transition from fringe NFL wide receiver to starting strong safety in four seasons.

Tired of the chaos that unfolded week after week with easy yards and touchdowns piling up, the Bills are retooling their defense. Players like Whitner, whose unremarkable Bills career ended via free agency when he signed with the San Francisco 49ers, became expendable. It's Wilson's time now.

"I just go out there and try and make my own name as opposed to try and emulate or imitate someone else," said Wilson, 30. "For the most part, I haven't done it to the point where I'm a recognizable name in most personnel meetings but hopefully with this opportunity this year, I can put myself and the rest of my teammates on the radar and just be able to make plays when I get those opportunities."

It's hard to imagine that switching from Whitner to Wilson can change everything. The additions of Marcell Dareus, Shawne Merriman and Nick Barnett will help as will a return to health by Terrence McGee and a return to form by Jairus Byrd, who made a lot of big plays as a rookie two seasons ago."