Archives for February 16, 2007

‘Following meetings with team owner Ralph Wilson earlier this week, general manager Marv Levy announced Friday the Bills have budgeted about $30 million to spend on acquiring players when the NFL’s free agency period opens March 2. The $30 million figure might seem like a lot, but it’s very modest when considering Clements is seeking a deal that would pay him $18 million in bonus money alone. Spending that much on one player would severely handcuff Buffalo from adding other free agents.’

‘Levy when asked if he thought Nate Clements, London Fletcher or Chris Kelsay would reach the free agent market, which opens March 2 he said. "My guess would be yes, and it’s coming up March 2. Will they hit the market? I’d say there’s probably a good chance, but if we could get something done before then I’d be delighted."’

‘This approach is vastly different from large-market teams who spend salary cap money right to the limit using salaries and only prorated portions of bonus money, then go way over to pay the up front costs of bonuses because they have vastly deeper pools of revenue than Buffalo to do so.’

‘Levy also says the team has to get better against the run, and that begins on the defensive line. “Production from defensive tackles, linebackers who attack not just pursue,” says Levy, “are essential for the type of pass coverage we want to play.”‘

‘"We’re going to spend what’s called cash to the cap," said Levy. "By that I mean we’re not going to amortize away the future. The cap is $109 million and we would spend cash to the cap, but not go beyond that."’

‘Levy said he doesn’t have a handle on the salary cap, but knows they will spend without hurting the future. "We’re not that liberally able to go out there and throw (money) all around," he said. "I don’t understand cap. I run down the hall to Jim Overdorf over time."’

‘Washington’s defensive coordinator is former Bills coach Gregg Williams. His top assistant, Jerry Gray, coordinated Buffalo’s defense from 2001-05. The Bills drafted Clements in ’01 and signed Fletcher the following year.’

‘There’s little question the negatives outweighed the positives in Fewell’s first year as the Bills’ D-coordinator, but rarely did he show any weaknesses. More often than not, Buffalo’s defensive failings had to do with a lack of talent. It could only get worse, too, as the team stands to lose top cornerback Nate Clements and the aforementioned Fletcher-Baker to free agency next month.’