In the first surprising post-draft move by the Buffalo Bills, the team has released veteran cornerback Drayton Florence.

The move saves the Bills $9-million in base salary over the next two years.

It only makes sense to believe that Buffalo has the plan in mind to have Aaron Williams and Stephon Gilmore be the team’s starting corners at the beginning of the season. It also could help the Bills sign UFA’s to-be Fred Jackson, Andy Levitre, and Jairus Byrd.

Florence had a terrible 2011 season, but much of his play could be put on the lack of pass rush the Bills had which made most, if not all, of the corners look bad.

When it’s all said and done however, this move was made solely to clear the way for Gilmore. Gilmore was the most “NFL-ready” corner in the draft and the Bills want to make sure he gets as much time as possible on the field, and by getting rid of Florence, they do just that.

The move also bodes well for both Leodis McKelvin and Justin Rogers who were expected to fight for one of the final CB spots on the roster, but with Florence gone both players have to be breathing a sigh of relief.