GM Beane’s busy week leading into free agency

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. » Bills general manager Brandon Beane wasn’t fooling around when saying he had a lot of work to do shortly after Buffalo enjoyed its first playoff appearance in 18 years.

The transformation Beane began during his first season on the job continued into Wednesday. That’s when the Bills were allowed to announce the series of trades and signings completed before the NFL’s new business year began.

Third-year starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor was traded to Cleveland for a third-round pick in a deal agreed to Friday.

Starting left tackle Cordy Glenn was shipped to Cincinnati in a trade agreed to Monday in which the Bengals and Bills also swapped first-round picks. Buffalo moved up nine spots by acquiring the Bengals’ 12th selection, while giving up the 21st pick.

As for free agents, the Bills confirmed their most high- profile addition in reaching a deal to sign former Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Star Lotulelei to a five-year contract. They added a pass-rushing specialist in defensive end Trent Murphy, who agreed to a three-year contract.

The Bills added defensive depth by agreeing to sign safety Rafael Bush and linebacker Julian Stanford to two-year contracts.

The start of the free agency signing period also meant the Bills risk losing several starters now that their contracts expired. Linebackers Preston Brown and Ramon Humber became unrestricted free agents, as did cornerback E.J. Gaines and receiver Jordan Matthews.

Buffalo’s overhaul comes despite the team finishing 9-7 and ending a 17-year playoff drought, the longest active streak in North America’s four professional sports. The Bills were eliminated following a 10-3 loss to Jacksonville in the AFC wild-card playoff game.