ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - Bills receiver Mike Williams' brief Buffalo homecoming is over.

The team released the fifth-year player in a one-sentence statement Monday. The Bills paved the way for Williams' departure by placing him on waived-injured two weeks ago.

After going unclaimed, Williams had to recover from a calf injury before the Bills were allowed to cut him.

The decision means the Bills won't have to pay the final four years of his contract, including the $5.2 million base salary he's due to next season.

The Bills gave up a sixth-round draft pick to acquire the Buffalo native in a trade with Tampa Bay in April.

Williams was inactive in four of his final eight games. He finished with eight catches for 142 yards and a touchdown.

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