Archives for March 2002

‘The team said no change has been decided upon, and it’s not certain any change will be made. The Bills have filed certain paperwork with the NFL office that is required by teams exploring the possibility of any uniform change.’

‘Debating Williams vs. McKinnie easily could fill this space, but what’s the sense? There’s no guarantee the Bills will use the pick on an offensive tackle, not after Oregon quarterback Joey Harrington lit it up in the Fiesta Bowl and worked out to rave reviews at the combine.’

‘Should Brown receive a contract offer from the Bills or Texans, the Steelers have seven days to match. If they decline, the team signing Brown owes them a seventh-round draft choice as compensation. That’s a small price for a 25-year-old, proven kicker with a long future ahead of him.’

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony for Jim Kelly among others, traditionally conducted on the front steps of the Hall of Fame, will be held this year at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Field at Fawcett Stadium.

‘This could mean Price and Marques Sullivan will battle for the starting left tackle spot, although several factors could change that. Should the Bills draft a tackle high in the first or second round in next month’s NFL draft, that player would almost certainly go into camp as the starter.’

‘In all, Price has seen action in 31 games in his career, including 12 with the Saints last season.’

‘His contract with Buffalo is for $1.8 million over three years and includes a $150,000 signing bonus.’

‘Marcus Price, an unrestricted free agent from the New Orleans Saints, approved terms of a three-year, $1.87-million contract with the Bills.’

‘Former Saints quarterback Jeff Blake will visit the Buffalo Bills today, although he said he doesn’t expect to sign a contract.’

‘Visiting with the coaching staff Tuesday was unrestricted free agent Jonathan Quinn, a backup with Jacksonville the past four years. Due in today is Jeff Blake, a former Pro Bowl performer with Cincinnati who was released by New Orleans in a salary cap move.’

‘Because Brown, who will visit Buffalo today, is a restricted free agent, the Steelers have the right to match any offer he receives. If the Steelers choose not to match an offer, the team signing Brown must give Pittsburgh a seventh-round draft pick as compensation.’

‘In other Bucs free-agent news, the Bills and Jets have expressed interest in talking to Bucs free-agent punter Mark Royals, according to Royals’ agent. A visit has not been arranged with either team yet, primarily because Royals leaves Thursday for Hawaii, where he will represent the Bucs at the NFL Players Association’s meeting of player representatives.’

‘In Houston, Holmes and Steelers kicker Kris Brown likewise visited and left without a deal, with Brown headed to Buffalo for another test of his restricted free agency.’

‘Donahue also said the Bills will bring in kicker Mike Hollis for a look later this week.’

‘Quinn says he’s tired of sitting, he’s looking for a place to compete for a starting quarterback job.’