Archives for February 2007

‘Buffalo officials reportedly were annoyed that Reese mentioned that McGahee is available, even though it’s been widely rumored.’

‘Whether McGahee remains in Buffalo or not, the Bills intend to draft a running back, preferably one with speed. The position isn’t considered very deep this year.’

‘While the Bills coach is evaluating the top 323 draft-eligible college players in the country as they go through endless drills, physicals, testing, and interviews at the combine, what is really on his mind is what might happen to his team March 2. That is the opening day of free agency, the day he could see his defense disappear by nightfall.’

‘It’s possible that could be enough to land the 6-foot, 228-pound McGahee, because he’s entering the last year of his contract and has already asked the Bills for a long-term deal. That’s something they’re not likely to give him due to his injury history and the fact that in five NFL seasons he’s never topped 1,247 yards.’

‘General manager Jerry Reese said yesterday at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis that he would explore trade possibilities with the Bills for McGahee, who is heading into the final year of his contract. McGahee wants an extension from the Bills, but general manager Marv Levy isn’t inclined to accommodate the outspoken and injury-prone back.’

‘With McGahee entering the final year of his contract in 2007, the Bills are concerned about seeing him walk away next summer without them getting anything in return. McGahee’s agent is Drew Rosenhaus, a notoriously aggressive negotiator.’

‘Signing Briggs to an offer the Bears don’t match would cost a first- and third-round pick. In 2003, the Bills franchised receiver Peerless Price, then traded him to Atlanta for a first-rounder.’

‘Reese, who was promoted from director of player personnel to replace the retired Ernie Accorsi, showed his lack of polish when asked whether there had been any indication that Buffalo was shopping running back Willis McGahee, who has one year left on his contract. McGahee, 25, who has rushed for more than 1,000 yards twice in the past three seasons, is threatening to hold out if he does not receive a new contract. If the Bills were to trade him rather than meet his demands, the Giants would be a potential suitor. “There is some Willis McGahee talk,” Reese said. “There is some talk about Willis out there.” When pressed, Reese said: “We’ll investigate Willis. We’ll do that.”‘

‘Electric Company alums Reggie McKenzie, Paul Seymour, Dave Foley, Mike Montler and their quarterback, Joe Ferguson, will join DeLamielleure at the event.’

‘Buffalo officials seem to have soured on McGahee, who has not asked to be traded, but who is entering the final year of his contract in 2007. McGahee could depart as a free agent after the 2007 season and the Bills, wary of the possibility he could exit with them getting nothing in return, have taken a active stance in trying to find him a new home.’

‘After appearing in four Super Bowls with the Bills, the elder Williams has shared with his younger sibling what life in the NFL is like.’

‘Buffalo’s game plan is a mirror reflection of owner Ralph Wilson’s yearlong cry that the NFL’s new collective bargaining agreement with players will doom the ability of small-market teams to compete. Without more revenue sharing, Wilson said, his team won’t have the cash flow to pay rising salaries and bonuses. And with uncertainty in the air, there is now unwillingness by Wilson to spread accounting procedures into the future in order to win now.’

‘That means they must decide to hand the job to second-year man Ashton Youboty, who has zero NFL starts, use the 12th overall pick in the draft on someone like Michigan’s Leon Hall or pursue a more affordable free agent.’

‘"I like Kelly and what he can give," GM Marv Levy said. "I know the intention (though) is to give Craig Nall the real good look we wanted a year ago until he had that hamstring injury in camp. Right now, we’ve got three quarterbacks. We might bring another one in, a lower-round draft pick (maybe). But it’s not a certainty that no, Kelly won’t be here."’

‘Insiders say Clements is long gone, mainly because he will price himself out of the Bills’ willingness to commit up-front bonus cash. Count on Cleveland owner Randy Lerner to spend what’s needed to secure key players.’