Report: Bills decline fifth-year option on QB E.J. Manuel

E.J. Manuel will become a free agent after the 2016 season.

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The Buffalo Bills have declined to pick up the fifth-year option on former first-round pick E.J. Manuel, according to multiple reports.

By declining the option for 2017, the Bills will save $11.357 million on Manuel’s contract. The team will pay Manuel’s $2.827 million base salary in 2016 before he becomes a free agent next spring.

The Bills selected Manuel with the No. 16 pick of the 2013 NFL draft. He started 10 games in 2013, but just six more across his next two seasons. In three years with the Bills, Manuel has thrown for 3,371 yards with 19 touchdowns and a 59.1% completion rate.

• BURKE: 2017 NFL Mock Draft: The QBs set to dominate next spring

Manuel, 26, is listed second on the Bills’ depth chart behind Tyrod Taylor and in front of Josh Johnson.

Buffalo selected former Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones in the fourth round of this year’s NFL draft.

- Erin Flynn