Archives for March 2003

Former Broncos running back Olandis Gary finally will dip his toes into the free-agent waters. He is scheduled to visit Buffalo on Thursday, and a meeting this week with Jacksonville also is in the works. He also is scheduled to visit the New York Giants next week, and possibly Dallas.

‘"The big thing is we entered the offseason feeling that we had to impact the inside of our defense, our run defense especially," Bills coach Gregg Williams said Sunday at the NFL owners’ meetings. "Sam obviously would be a huge factor in improving that area of our defense."’

‘A deal finally came together when Adams, who was eager to play alongside friend Pat Williams in the middle of the Bills’ impressively remade defense, agreed to Buffalo’s incentive-laden offer.’

‘The Chiefs offered contracts to recent visitors to Arrowhead Stadium — running back Shawn Bryson and defensive lineman Jeff Zgonina.’

Adams, a nine-year veteran, is a noted run-stuffer who played with last season’s AFC champion Oakland Raiders. Released by the Raiders last month for salary-cap reasons, Adams quickly identified the Bills as his top choice after visiting the team more than two weeks ago. Adams was credited with 22 tackles and two sacks in 15 games last year. His best season came in 1997 with Seattle, when he had 52 tackles, seven sacks and one forced fumble.

The deal came together Sunday when Adams agreed to an incentive laden deal that rewards him for playing time and performance. "Now, I’m going to work to be the player they want me to be,” Adams said. "I think this move in signing me will help get this team to the Super Bowl.”

‘"No matter where he goes," Josh says, "he’s proud to tell people I’m his brother."’

‘Donahoe and Williams would have loved to keep both men, if only for the touch of class they gave the organization. But this isn’t 1980, even 1990.’

‘The last time Josh spoke to his older brother was Jan. 27. Josh was flying from Rayne, La., to Buffalo that day to begin his rigorous off-season training program. Norbert, meanwhile, was shipping out to the Middle East.’

‘Buffalo Bills general manager Tom Donahoe hasn’t made many mistakes this off-season, but when a coach goes from 3-13 to 8-8 in his second season, isn’t it time to give Gregg Williams a contract extension?’

‘Fullback Larry Centers is exploring his other options around the league before deciding whether to accept a relatively modest contract with the Washington Redskins, NFL sources said yesterday.’

“Yeah, I was contacted by the Eagles,” said Spikes, who was the Bengals’ leading tackler for four years, and was in on more than 100 tackles in each of his five NFL seasons. “I wanted to get creative and do something that would put Cincinnati in a bind and also help the team out.”

‘The Buffalo Bills gave Izell Reese a wedding present Friday: a job.’

‘”I consider myself to be able to do a little bit of everything back there, being that I’ve played every position,” said Reese during a visit earlier this week to Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park.’

‘Last season, in Kevin Gilbride’s offense, Centers was a little-used third-down back. And since he never was even a fair blocker, his on-field contribution was marginal, at best, and couldn’t justify his salary, albeit modest. But, that said, Centers was one of the most positive locker room influences in team history … and a media favorite.’