Archives for March 19, 2006

‘Idonije, 25, is a 6-foot-6, 275-pound defensive end with two years experience. Idonije played about 15 percent of the snaps for the Bears last season, and is highly regarded in Chicago, where Bills defensive coordinator Perry Fewell previously coached.’

‘The thorniest problems on offense have not been confronted so far. Those are to acquire an upgrade on the line to allow the quarterback, whether it be a developing J.P. Losman or journeyman Kelly Holcomb, to receive the time and protection to run a productive passing game as well as to control the line of scrimmage well enough to make Willis McGahee a weekly weapon.’

‘Brian Moorman, one of the Buffalo Bills’ two Pro Bowlers from this past season, will be on hand Saturday for the Hornell Knights of Columbus Sports Night.’

‘The Bears have seven days to match the offer and are leaning toward doing so.’

‘As expected, the Bills signed the youthful Bears backup Saturday to a four-year offer sheet believed to be worth $7.5 million, including a $1.6 million signing bonus. The Bears have a week to decide whether to match the offer and retain him.’

‘Levy signed a restricted free agent for the second time in two days when he reached an agreement Saturday with Chicago Bears defensive end Israel Idonije. On Friday, the Bills signed Arizona Cardinals guard Reggie Wells to a five-year, $17.6 million offer sheet. Idonije’s price was much lower than Wells’. Though the length of his contract wasn’t known, Idonije signed for $1.6 million a year and received a $1.8 million bonus.’

‘Youth is being served in Buffalo’s early foray into free agency.’

‘Offensive line: The Bills set a record for fewest yards gained in a 16-game, non-strike season with 4,122, setting the stage for a major overhaul of their front wall. G Reggie Wells of Arizona, a restricted free agent, and LT Jason Fabini, formerly of the Jets, have been interviewed.’

‘The Bills would like to beef up the competition at DE and like Lions free agent Jared DeVries, who met with coaches at Ralph Wilson Stadium. DeVries played two seasons in Detroit for ex-Lions coordinator Dick Jauron, now the Bills coach. “As soon as Dick got hired in Buffalo, the Bills vaulted to the top of my wish list,” DeVries said. “It’s nice to work with someone you’ve been with before. Dick’s a great guy and a great coach and I’d like to play for him again.” DeVries, a seven-year pro, would push Chris Kelsay opposite Aaron Schobel and take the place of Ryan Denney, who was not re-signed as a free agent.’