Archives for March 19, 2012

‘”We could bring in some guys that could plug in some holes, but I think the big thing it does for us is it frees us up in the draft,” he said. “We weren’t going to reach anyway, but we’re not going to be tempted to reach. We’re not going to reach for a pass rusher that may not be a 10th pick guy that we don’t have graded that high. We relieved that some. Now that’s not to say we won’t take a pass rusher at that point. We will if he’s the best player on the board.”‘

‘Paup was a 27-year-old (same age as Williams) Green Bay Packers free agent when the Bills signed him to a 3-year, $7.6 million contract. He led the NFL with 17.5 sacks and was selected NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He made the Pro Bowl all three seasons with Buffalo (1995-96-97). He was bothered by a groin injury and had 6 sacks in 1996 and 9.5 sacks in 1997.’

‘This area – Buffalo and Niagara Falls combined – does not offer the same appeal of a Miami or a Las Vegas or a San Diego. But then, that’s part of the beauty of it.’

‘"Now he gets the big contract, they went right after him, rolled out the red carpet to get him. I think now he wants to go to Buffalo and prove hey you did make a mistake. I’m worth all this big money and I’m going to help get this franchise back in the playoffs where they belong. A lot of tradition and history with the Buffalo Bills franchise and Mario feels like he’s one of the missing pieces, especially on the defensive side that can push the Bills to the postseason."

‘"I think that, when you’re looking at stadiums throughout the country, whether it was Yankee Stadium, New York has fully subsidized those stadiums," Kearns said. "The Bills are an important part of our economy. They’re an important part of our area. And what they do internally is something they do. But, talk to those small business people that got bars and restaurants, that generates excitement."’