Archives for February 2009

‘New York Jets receiver Laveranues Coles is among the NFL free agents visiting the Buffalo Bills today.’

‘Both teams made contract offers to the 11-year veteran, but the Patriots’ recent run of success may have tipped the balance for Taylor, who has seen two players close to him — cousin Santonio Holmes with the Steelers and friend Plaxico Burress with the Giants — win Super Bowl rings, something Taylor hasn’t had a chance to come close to achieving yet.’

‘He’s capable of playing, even if he hasn’t always received that chance. Green, a Super Bowl-winning (backup) quarterback (to Kurt Warner), has tossed for 28,475 yards, with 162 touchdowns against a relatively low 114 interceptions; even his 24-pick 2001 couldn’t ruin the decent ratio. His career rating of 86.0 is above average, which is also how his career would be classified.’

‘The main issue has been production in the passing game, or lack thereof. Buffalo’s tight ends have made their share of catches, but game breaking plays and touchdowns have not been seen from the position with any regularity the past few seasons. Bills head coach Dick Jauron knows they need more out of that position.’

‘It’s also an indictment of John Guy, the pro personnel director.’

‘Buffalo now has vacancies at three starting spots on offense (center, left guard and tight end) and one starting spot on defense (outside linebacker). Meanwhile, there is a need for backups at quarterback, receiver, running back, guard, defensive end, cornerback and perhaps safety.’

‘By lopping off two starters – which will save the Bills approximately $1.7 million in cap space – the team may have tipped their hand regarding what they want to do in free agency. The draft would probably not produce a player who can start right away at either of those positions, so the Bills probably will seek replacements in the free agency pool, though it isn’t very deep at either guard or tight end.’

‘”There’s a difference between loyalty and self-interest and I want them (the Bills) to know that as long as the opportunity is here, I’m going to be here,” Greer said. “But if the opportunity is someplace else, then I have to do what’s best for my family.”‘

‘Buffalo has no big-name free agents hitting the market and of their 21 free agents overall, most are being evaluated by what they bring to the table as backups and special teams players. The team’s most important free agent is one that can’t get away. RB Fred Jackson, who emerged as a strong No. 2 behind Marshawn Lynch, is an exclusive rights free agent. The Bills tendered him a one-year deal at $460,000 to retain his rights. He’s hoping for a long-term contract and the Bills are open to talking, particularly with Lynch facing a suspension following his arrest in California on weapons charges.’

‘The Bills are in the market now for a starting left guard and center as centers Melvin Fowler and Duke Preston will be allowed to test the market.’

‘The team’s top priorities in free agency are now addressing its offensive line to replace Dockery as well as finding a starting center. Duke Preston, who took over the starting center job last season, and backup Melvin Fowler are both eligible to become free agents.’

‘Dockery singed a seven-year deal with the Bills back in 2007 after playing his first four years in the league with Washington. The Redskins selected the former University of Texas star in the third round of the 2003 draft. Dockery is known as the one of the most durable players in the league, having started all 16 games in each of the past five seasons.’

‘Florence (6’0″ 195) was a big ticket free agent last offseason, and was ultimately signed by Jacksonville to a lucrative long-term contract. The Jaguars however, proved not to be a fit for Florence. A three-year starter for the San Diego Chargers prior to his arrival in Jacksonville, Florence made just eight starts for Jack Del Rio’s club in the first and last quarters of the 2008 regular season.’

‘Buffalo also extended tenders to seven other exclusive rights players. They were QB Matt Baker, DE Copeland Bryan, LB Blake Costanzo, RB Bruce Hall, long snapper Ryan Neill, TE Derek Schouman and TE Jonathan Stupar.’

‘”These business decisions are never easy,” said Bills COO Russ Brandon. “Especially when you are talking about two great individuals in both Derrick and Robert. We thank them for their hard work and dedication in their time as Buffalo Bills and wish them the best of luck in the future.”‘