Archives for March 2016

'The front office obviously wanted to reduce that figure. Per team policy the details of the restructuring were not disclosed.'

'“They have to decide if he’s the guy and it seems like he is and then how much of a commitment they make,” said Sports Illustrated and ESPN NFL Business reporter Andrew Brandt in an appearance on the John Murphy Show. “It’s kind of what the Broncos are going through with Brock Osweiler. What is the market?'

'In addition to his standing on Forbes' list of billionaires, Pegula came in at No. 24 on Forbes' list of sports billionaires. Forbes estimates Pegula's worth at $4 billion. In addition to the Bills and Sabres, Pegula also has gas interests in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Colorado. He and his wife, Kim, have also been a big part of revitalizing downtown Buffalo with the $172 million Harborcenter project that includes the restaurant 716, two ice rinks and a new Marriott hotel.'

'"They could have renegotiated in the middle of the season if they thought this was going to happen," Kornheiser said. "Once they started getting results they could have renegotiated right there. He's not going to get some big deal down the road. It would be nice if he stayed there and acknowledged what they did for him, but in terms of his last deal, he owes them nothing."'

'The league has yet to announce the amounts it will cost for each level of tenders. However, based upon their formula set forth in the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and the history of the figures over the past few years, here are the four levels of tenders, the approximate values I expect attached to each, and what each tender brings with compensation…'

'The franchise set a record last year when they sold over 60,000 season tickets and set up a waiting list to accommodate others who want to purchase non-club seats.'

'Without Incognito, and if they were to strike out in free agency, that pushes the need for a guard way up the list and puts it right in consideration for a Day Two selection.'

'While Williams enjoyed three productive seasons with the Bills after inking a historic six-year contract worth up to $100 million — the richest-ever for a defensive player at the time — he wasn't a fit in Rex Ryan's defense and his effort was called into question by teammates. He was not the same impact player as a 3-4 end, finishing with only 19 tackles and five sacks. As early as October, he called Ryan's scheme into question, saying he had dropped into coverage this much in his career.'

'The non-exclusive tag means that, at the minimum, Glenn is assured of a guaranteed one-year contract worth $13.706 million — the average of the top five salaries at his position — to play for the Bills in 2016. The two sides would have until July 15 to work out a long-term deal. Otherwise, Glenn would either have to play at the rate dictated by the tag or a negotiated one-year contract.'

'Yet the Bills' salary-cap problems are not Incognito's problem and he'll be 33 years old in July. After having arguably the best season of any guard in the NFL, Incognito will want to maximize his worth — this could be his final shot at the free-agent market. Not to mention, multiple teams are expected to be interested in the guard.'

'The use of franchise tags had to be done by 4 p.m. and because a long-term deal has not been finalized with Glenn, the only way to prevent him from getting to the open free agent market on March 9 was to use the tag. Thus, he will be in line to make $13.7 million in 2016, and the Bills have until July 15 to work out an extended contract which would likely reduce Glenn’s 2016 salary cap figure.'

'In his two seasons with the Bills, Dixon rushed for 476 yards and three touchdowns. His bigger contribution was on special teams, where Dixon was like a coach on the field.'

'Meanwhile, the team also informed tight end MarQueis Gray that they would not be extending a restricted free agent tender to him this offseason. Gray had just nine catches for 120 yards in his Bills career and ended 2015 on injured reserve.'

'Well, Williams might finally get his wish. He is now a street free agent free to sign with any team he chooses. Williams just turned 31 years old and still believes he's a double-digit-sack player. Now he gets a chance to prove it outside of Buffalo.'

'By tagging Glenn, the Bills will have to make some other roster moves in order to get under the salary cap by the start of the league year. The Bills already restructured Charles Clay's contract and could rework deals for Leodis McKelvin and Corey Graham to free up more space. The most obvious potential cap casualty is defensive end Mario Williams, who carries a cap hit of $19.9 million for the 2015 season.'