Jake Metz helped the Soul win the 2016 ArenaBowl. He was resigned then grabbed by the NFL Buffalo Bills. Photo by Todd Bauders /contrastphotography.com

PHILADELPHIA—The 2016 World Champion Philadelphia Soul announced today that DL Jake Metz (6’6, 265, Shippensburg) has been signed by the NFL Buffalo Bills.

“On behalf of the entire Soul organization, I wish Jake the very best of luck with the Bills,” said Soul head coach Clint Dolezel. “He works hard day in and day out. His dedication to the game and will to work is what makes him such a valuable player. This is a great opportunity for him and I am honored to have coached him the past two years.”

In two years with the Soul (2015-16), the Souderton, PA native recorded 29.5 total tackles, 7.5 sacks, three pass break-ups, two forced fumbles and one quarterback hurry. He was awarded the Arena Football League’s Defensive Lineman of the Year and was First Team All-Arena for his performance last season. Metz signed with the Philadelphia Eagles last year for the 2016 preseason.

“I am excited to build off of my preseason experience with the Philadelphia Eagles last summer. I am very grateful to the Soul organization for pushing me to succeed and believing in me these past two years” said Metz on Friday after his signing.
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The Soul also lost their top O-lineman when John Kling, 6-8, 320 LB O-lineman signed to play for Soul earlier this year, recently signed a free agent contract to play for the Redskins .