Archives for March 2003

Spielman said the Dolphins were playing host free agent TE Marco Battaglia on Thursday and today and are interested in former Bills TE Jay Riemersma. Battaglia was cut after two games with Tampa Bay last season and finished the season with Pittsburgh. The Bills recently released Riemersma. The Dolphins need a backup TE because Jed Weaver and Desmond Clark departed as free agents.

The Atlanta Falcons reportedly re-signed punter Chris Mohr to a six-year contract Thursday, a $5.2 million package including a $600,000 signing bonus. He joined the Bills in 1991 and became Buffalo’s career leader in punts and punting average. His average last season with the Falcons was the second best of his career.

‘He is considered one of the premier tight ends in football.’

‘He visited Buffalo on Tuesday, and the Bills desperately wanted him as a backup for starter Travis Henry. The Vikings, however, locked him up by increasing their signing bonus.’

‘Spielman said that with the loss of backup tight ends Jed Weaver and Desmond Clark in free agency, the team will have both Marco Battaglia and Jay Riemersma in for visits. Battaglia came in Thursday. No date for a visit with Riemersma has been set.’

‘The Browns host Buffalo in a scrimmage at Cleveland Browns Stadium on Aug. 2 at 11 a.m.’

Earlier Thursday, the Bills met with former Arizona Cardinals WR/kick returner MarTay Jenkins, an UFA. Jenkins had 21 catches for 251 yards and was the Cardinals top returner before missing the last half of last season with a broken shoulder blade. The Bills are seeking a new returner after electing not to re-sign Charlie Rogers last month.

"I can do both. I've done both throughout my career. Special teams is defiantly what made me. I made a name for myself out there. I've progressed as a receiver the last couple of years. It's kind of a bonus for me that I can do both. Plus gunner, kickoff and all those other added special teams they would want me to do so I would hope that would be an added incentive."

2003 Hall of Fame inductee, Joe DeLamielleure, will be appearing in Chantilly Virginia this Sunday (March 16th)! Get your autograph this weekend!

Andrew Bowers – 77

Mark Campbell – 84

Grant Irons – 99

Omari Jordan – 95

DaShon Polk – 52

Josh Stamer – 57

‘"I feel born again," said the 26-year-old Spikes. "I’m looking forward to meeting all of the guys, building up the camaraderie and enjoying life. I’m happy with where I’m at, I’m happy with everything that comes along with it and I’m looking forward to starting up."’

‘"And it ain’t over yet," said John Guy, the Bills’ director of pro personnel. "We still have more pieces to get. We’re not in a rush, but when we find a guy who fits our situation, and at the right price, we’ll spin our efforts that way. We’re just trying to be patient, be flexible."’

With strong interest on both sides, free-agent DT Sam Adams appears to be headed to Buffalo…

‘”I feel born again,” said Spikes, a first-round pick out of Auburn in 1998 who endured seasons of 3-13, 4-12, 4-12, 6-10 and 2-14 in Cincinnati. "It took 12 days (on the market), but it felt like two months. I’m just happy where I’m at. I’m happy with everything that comes with this and I’m looking forward to starting it up.”‘

They’re not scouts, coaches, owners or general managers, but Takeo Spikes and Jonas Jennings have spent time recruiting one another during their relatively short football careers. Today, Spikes, 26, was officially welcomed as a Buffalo Bill.