The Buffalo Bills announced Tuesday that they have released former starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. The move was made a day before Fitzpatrick was due a $3 million bonus and shortly after the NFL's free agency period opened.

"We kept every possible option open right down to the wire, when we had to make a decision on whether to keep Ryan," Bills general manager Buddy Nix told ESPN. "In the end, we had to do what we feel is best for our football team. And it was a difficult decision."

Fitzpatrick went 20-33 as a starter over four seasons with Buffalo. After a few impressive early performances, the Bills gave the former Harvard quarterback a six-year, $59 million contract extension in October 2011.

However, Fitzpatrick has shown inconsistency and was not guaranteed to return as a starter this season according to ESPN. Buffalo re-signed Tavaris Jackson to compete for the starting position and ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Bills are interested in pursuing a quarterback in the 2013 NFL Draft.