Archives for March 2015

'McCoy had an inconsistent season last year after leading the NFL with 1,607 yards rushing in 2013. At his best, McCoy is an elite multidimensional running back who has been a proven threat as both a runner and receiver.'

'He led the NFL in both rushing yards and yards from scrimmage in 2013 but saw a dropoff in both categories last season. The six-year NFL veteran would have cost the Eagles close to $12 million against the salary cap in 2015.'

'The Eagles' second-round draft pick in 2009 out of Pitt, McCoy spent six seasons in Philadelphia and topped 1,000 yards four times. Overall, he compiled 1,461 carries for 6,792 yards (4.6 average) and 44 touchdowns.'

'An Oregon product, Alonso will reunite with his former college coach, Chip Kelly, who will enter his third season in Philadelphia. Without Alonso, the Bills' top options at linebacker next season will be Nigel Bradham and Preston Brown. They could also re-sign Brandon Spikes or add a free agent like David Harris, who played under Ryan with the Jets.'

'McCoy does have in excess of $25 million left on his contract over the next three seasons, but our Jason La Canfora is already reporting that McCoy and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, could ask Buffalo for an extension or threaten to hold out. If it's tough to see how possibly being the NFL's highest-paid back could be a problem for McCoy, consider that almost none of the future money he's owed is guaranteed. Buffalo can move on from McCoy nearly cost-free after this season if they wish, even if that would seem an immense waste of resources.'

'"If you can exert your will at the line of scrimmage, it's going to open a lot of other things in the offense," Roman said. "So to simply say, `Hey, we're just going to run the football,' well, nobody simply runs the football. But we want to run the football to a level of where people respect and fear us in our ability to do so."'

'The move to acquire McCoy spells the end for C.J. Spiller's tenure in Buffalo, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent. Spiller told NFL Network shortly after the trade news broke that the Bills called him to thank him for his services.'

'Now, if only they can find any ounce of average quarterback play, they can turn postseason dreams into a potential reality.'

'Of the remaining options in free agency, Locker is the only player a front office member should be ‘pounding the table’ for. Still only 26, the former first-round pick only has 23 starts to his name, and he actually showed signs of improvement in the starts over 2013 and 2014. There are clear examples of games that Locker, quite frankly, just didn’t have it (see: Cincinnati in 2014). However, if the Bills are looking for the lesser of the evils, and for the quarterback that could be the biggest hit of those available, it’s hard to look anywhere other than with Locker. The injuries are of course an issue, and should be considered for contractual purposes. Also, be prepared, he is not a perfect player, and likely will never be anything but average. However, with where the Bills are in terms of the rest of their roster, average will suffice in a bid for the playoffs.'

'The Bills would likely add more to the position, but Gresham could be a cost-effective option at tight end if they swing and miss on the upper-echelon of free agents like Julius Thomas, Jordan Cameron or Charles Clay. Buffalo absolutely should take a swing on one of the top three, simply because they can add an element to the passing attack that doesn’t currently exist on their roster. Gresham wouldn’t be a big step up in pass-catching, but he is more of an all-around player than Scott Chandler. He would be a suitable Plan B if all else fails.'

'If the Bills had given the franchise tag to Hughes, and he played under it, he would have made $14.813 million in 2015. Instead, the Bills have between now and March 7 to come to terms with Hughes before other teams can begin negotiating with him. Free agency opens officially on March 10 at 4 p.m.'

'Offensive guard Chris Williams signed a four-year deal last offseason, but he comes with a $3.35 million hit against the cap. Williams doesn't appear to be a natural fit for the power-blocking scheme offensive coordinator Greg Roman runs.'

'In addition to Hughes, the other notable free agents coming from the Bills roster are running back C.J. Spiller and safety Da’Norris Searcy. Teams can begin to contact the representation of unrestricted free agents starting on March 7, leading to the beginning of the free agency on March 10 at 4 pm when players can start to officially sign with other teams.'

'The pickings are quite slim. Let's look at the Bills' five best options.'

'“You do ‘ground and pound’ for a reason, and that’s because you don’t want to turn the ball over and you want to give the defense an opportunity to catch its breath,” Polian said. “So if you have a quarterback that has a propensity for turnovers, then it’s going to be difficult to maintain that kind of approach. I also might be inclined to go with a younger guy who might have some upside.”'