Archives for July 10, 2012

‘”You don’t want to do too much when they’re both in there because if you lose one of them then you’re without a big part of your package,” said Gailey. “So you’re trying to construct enough to create problems for the defense, but not so much that you’re relying totally on having both of them at the same time. That’s a fine line that you walk creating offenses to be able to take advantage of both good players.”‘

‘Rookies lost negotiating power because the CBA’s rookie wage scale essentially slots players into the previous year’s financial terms. Contract lengths aren’t to be haggled over either. All players drafted from the second round and later get four-year deals. First-round picks can have a fifth-year team option. But the first 12 picks of last year’s third round proved to be out of whack money-wise, and this year has required a market correction.’

‘This book may not clear up every aspect of Cookie’s legacy, but it does a good job of giving his side of the story and is an entertaining part of local history.’

‘Graham was selected in the third round, 69th overall, in April, when the Bills traded up two spots to draft the North Carolina State product. He’s a speedy receiver who is expected to compete for a regular spot on a Bills offense that’s lacked a downfield threat to complement starter Stevie Johnson.’

‘I think Dareus will be eating up opposing offensive linemen and quarterbacks and spitting them out during the 2012 campaign.’

‘Contract Issue Looming In 2013: Ryan Fitzpatrick. The Bills signed Fitzpatrick to a six-year, $59 million extension last October. By the end of the 2012 season, $21 million of that will have been paid out. If Fitzpatrick has another season in which his interception total nearly matches his touchdown total, and his passer rating is once again in the 80.0 range, the Bills will have to make a decision on his contract — which includes a $3 million roster bonus (partially guaranteed, for injury only) that comes due on the second day of the 2013 league year and has cap numbers that will swell from $6 million this season to $10.4 million or higher from 2013 through 2015.’

‘Rookies can report to the team facility to work out on their own beginning today (July 9th) provided they are under contract and that served as added motivation for Graham to get his deal done.’