Archives for March 2013

‘The deal is expected to be worth a maximum value of about $13 million, which makes Kolb the clear favorite over incumbent seven-year veteran Tarvaris Jackson in the Bills’ QB competition. Jackson signed a one-year deal last month.’

‘The Cardinals gave Kolb a new five-year, $65-million contract, but in two seasons he was a huge bust in Phoenix.’

‘Kolb spent the past two seasons in Arizona, where injuries hampered his opportunity to prove himself as a starter. The Cardinals were left with little choice but to release Kolb on March 15 in a move that came before they were set to pay the player a $2 million roster bonus and saved the team about $7 million in salary cap space.’

‘Kolb led the Arizona Cardinals to a 4-0 start last season, but was knocked out for the rest of the season in a game against Buffalo as he suffered detached ribs and a sprained shoulder. He also missed a total of five games in 2011 and 2010 with separate concussions.’

‘The addition of Kolb would give the Bills another player that has started in the NFL at the quarterback position. When the team re-signed Jackson, head coach Doug Marrone declared an open competition at quarterback. With the likely Kolb signing, it would appear as though he would figure in to that mix as well.’

‘Choice, 5-foot-9 and 210 pounds, is a five-year NFL veteran who has served as the Bills’ No. 3 running back. He averaged 7.8 snaps a game, or 12 percent of the offensive plays, last season. Most of his snaps came as a fill-in on third down or in the red zone. Choice rushed 47 times for 193 yards and caught four passes in 2012.’

‘First, do you really promote western New York or Buffalo by treating whomever to what is essentially a generic National Football League product?…Second, the Buffalo Bills stink.’

‘Over the course of his six year career, Kolb has made 21 starts, throwing 5,290 yards, 28 touchdowns and 25 interceptions. He is an unrestricted free agent after having been cut by the Cardinals.’

‘”I told him, Buddy Nix and all the guys in the organization, my teammates, are really good people,” he said. “I really like the people in Buffalo. I told him, Coach Marrone wanted me back, so that’s good.”‘

‘Davis tore his left Achilles tendon in a game Oct. 21. He had surgery that same week, performed by foot specialist Dr. Robert Anderson in Charlotte, N.C. Some players with Achilles tendon injuries can be out 10 to 12 months. Some return sooner. Baltimore Ravens pass rusher Terrell Suggs, whose Achilles was repaired by Anderson last March, was out only five months before returning to help the Ravens win the Super Bowl. Suggs played about 50 snaps a game the last 12 games of Baltimore’s season.’

‘Davis visited the Bills’ facility Thursday after dining with team officials last weekend. Though interested in Buffalo, Davis hasn’t ruled out re-signing with Washington. He’s scheduled to visit the New York Jets on Friday.’

‘”Really good,” Davis said about his visit. “Just getting to know [the Bills staff]. Getting to know what they want for next year, the things they expect. Seeing the things they want to evolve, definitely a tight end like me and the other guys that they have. It’s just a good feeling to talk about that kind of stuff.”‘

‘”A team like this would be (a fit),” said Davis of the Bills. “They have a lot of talent that I need. They have two good running backs. They have Stevie (Johnson). They have another tight end even though he got hurt who will come back. The defense is good. I think they have a lot of stuff that we can add more pieces to and get better. Any team that has a chance to win is what I want and this coaching staff seems to have that same focus.”‘

‘The Bills likely took their time in conducting the player physical with Davis in light of his major surgery. Even Davis knows the chances of getting a contract offer will likely hinge on that physical exam.’