Archives for April 8, 2016

'“I don’t know how it happens, but every year we seem to get the right person, who really embodies what we want the award to be about,” Reich said. “It’s a man who does have that courage on and off the field. We talk about character, commitment and community under the umbrella of courage. Kyle has the kind of character we look for.”'

'If that's a sign of how things are going in negotiations between the two sides regarding a contract extension, it's safe to say they aren't close on a deal.'

'A former undrafted free agent, Velasco started all 16 games at center for the Titans in 2012, then started 11 games with the Steelers the following season. He also has experience playing guard. Velasco figures to compete for the reserve spot along the Bills' offensive line that was occupied last season by Kraig Urbik.'

'Buffalo visits Washington between Aug. 25-28. The Bills last played the Redskins in 2013 in the preseason, and will meet for the 16th time overall.'

'Would his decision have been different if he was a first-round draft pick making guaranteed millions, as opposed to the $525,000 he was scheduled to make in 2016 – if he made the team?'

'This will be the 15th year in a row that the Bills and Lions have played each other in the final preseason game.

'Listed at 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds, Velasco spent the past two years with the Carolina Panthers. He has seven seasons of NFL experience, including his first four with Tennessee and one in Pittsburgh.'

'"This is the hardest decision I've made yet, but after much research and contemplation I believe it's what is best for me going forward," Tarpley wrote, before thanking his family, teammates, former coaches, the Bills and their fans.'

'The 6-foot-4, 310-pound Velasco was with the Carolina Panthers the past two seasons, starting eight of 27 games.'

'“I’ll never say never. We're working on it and we look at it this way – if there's a deal out there that it makes him feel comfortable and want it and it works for us as a team we will have no issues of consummating a deal.”'

'And based on some comments from Taylor's agent, Adisa Bakari on Sirius XM Thursday, the two sides appear to be quite far apart — seeing as how Bakari ripped the Bills on a public forum.'

'When you’re looking for a prototypical talent to try and mold at the quarterback position, Christian Hackenberg is exactly what you’d look for. He has the size, he’s got both velocity and distance with his arm strength to conceivably make all the throws you’d want, he’s mobile enough to get out of trouble, and he just turned 21 years old.'

'The exact dates and times of the games will be released at a later time. All four preseason games will be aired on 7 ABC in Buffalo.'

'The offensive lineman will compete to be the main backup interior offensive lineman with Ryan Groy, and young players such as Cyril Richardson and Ronald Patrick.'

'The Bills will then host the New York Giants, the first preseason matchup between the two teams since 2014 when the Bills and Giants squared off in Canton in the annual Hall of Fame game. The matchup will mark the sixth time that the Bills have met the Giants in preseason play.'