Archives for August 2016

'AJ Kimmins, 16, of Penfield, who wore an Antonio Brown Pittsburgh Steelers jersey, had a more cynical motive. He wanted to tick off people.'

'Without official numbers on the deal, it's tough to say what type of risk the Bills are taking. Throughout the offseason, the Bills have publicly said they wanted to see more from Taylor. However, it's been clear in recent weeks that the team is intent on doing right by their quarterback. Contract talks really heated up in the last week, and it appears this distraction will be out of the way in time for the season.'

'"We looked at it as we have a quarterback now," Whaley said. "I hate to say it, but for lack of a better term, we didn't want to be greedy. We like working with Tyrod, we have faith in Tyrod, the coaching staff has faith in Tyrod, but most importantly, the team has faith in Tyrod and Tyrod has faith in himself. So we said, 'Let's go with what we have on hand.' And we're excited about the future."'

'"Every year I have something to prove," Taylor told reporters at St. John Fisher College Friday. "This is a competition driven league. It's not like the NBA where everything's guaranteed. You can get cut at any given time. So anytime you step on the field there's something to prove. That's been my mind set. Every time I step on the practice field there's something to prove. I'm going to keep showing that every time I lace my cleats up."'

'"Tyrod Taylor, $100 million," Cowherd said. "Did he win the lottery? I mean, what was your first reaction? What the? I mean, seriously, say it out loud. Tyrod Taylor, $100 million quarterback. At this time last year, he was a backup. This is Buffalo. Certain cities in America are low self esteem sports cities. Cleveland and Buffalo. Ryan Fitzpatrick is good for a half? Keys to the city. Mario Williams wants to play for us? Keys to the city. This is ridiculous."'

'NFL Network reports Taylor’s deal could be front loaded, but complex later on with incentives based on performance.'

'In other words, if Taylor struggles this year, and can’t repeat his accurate, efficient, promising play of 2015, then the Bills surely will cut him by next March.'

'It’s a unique tradeoff in a unique situation. Taylor, who made his first 14 NFL starts last season, gets a not insignificant short-term bump and a contract that ties for 15th among quarterbacks in new-money average. If he plays well, the Bills have the deal in place that carries Taylor through his prime. If he doesn’t — and/or if the people who did this deal get fired — it’s an easy out.'

'He is being rewarded for displaying his dynamic dual-threat potential with his strong arm and scrambling ability in going 8-6 as a first-time starter last season.'

;"His mechanics are outstanding. He protects the football team, doesn't make bad choices. He's smart, and man, he can throw it and he can run with it."'

'Sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter the deal is for six years and $90 million. Taylor could earn millions more through difficult-to-reach incentives, sources said, but the Bills have a $10 million buyout option after the first year and another out after the second.'

'It will be very interesting to see the final numbers on a potential Taylor contract. Other than Robert Griffin III, every starting quarterback that is signed for multiple years and isn't still on his rookie deal has an average salary of at least $16 million per season, per Spotrac. Taylor, though, has far less experience and a much shorter track record than any of those players.'

'Quarterback-needy teams like the Jets, 49ers or even the Browns would have lined up to sign Taylor. And when that happens, a bidding war occurs. Look at the Broncos’ situation with Brock Osweiler during the offseason. He had a few decent games, and the Texans paid him $72 million over four years as a result.'

'Taylor was set to go into the final year of his contract. He was scheduled to make only $3 million this coming season after making the Pro Bowl last year'

'That said, Whaley has shown a track record of taking chances, whether in the draft or in free agency. This deal was no different, and Whaley knew that the stakes are higher, "We're not afraid to make a move that we, as an organization, believe will get us to the Super Bowl."'