Archives for March 15, 2017

'Taylor's agent, Adisa Bakari, had what the quarterback described as "casual" conversations with teams interested in his client's services during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. The Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, and New York Jets were known to have had Taylor on their respective radars.'

'If he joined the Rams, Groy would be reunited with Aaron Kromer, the team's new offensive line coach who guided the Bills' offensive line the past two seasons. Kromer also was offensive coordinator of the Bears during Groy's rookie year.'

'“I want to give credit to this entire organization,” McDermott said even before the bulk of the transactions took place the other day, a classic company line if ever there was one. “When you look at the number of players we’ve been able to sign early in this process, that doesn’t happen by itself.”'

'It's possible that the Bills are simply looking to add another running back in the event that they lose Gillislee to another team.'

'Taylor may have gotten a commitment from the Bills, but it's not the most reassuring of commitments. Taylor still has to prove himself before a better option comes along for the Bills.'

'During his time with the Vikings, Harvin began having issues with migraines. It was a problem that plagued him for the rest of his career. In addition to problems with migraines, Harvin also dealt with hip injuries in his career.'

'The 6-foot-3 receiver joins a receiver group which includes Sammy Watkins, Kolby Listenbee, Walt Powell, Philly Brown, and 2016 practice squad player Dez Lewis.'

'Taylor’s restructured contract has a cap hit of $9.7 million for this season, down from approximately $16 million in the original option. In 2018 under the new contract, Taylor’s cap hit doubles to approximately $18 million.'

'The Bills retained the rights to Groy by extending him a one-year contract tender last week. ESPN.com reported the Rams made Groy a two-year, $5 million offer, with $3.5 million guaranteed.'

'It suggests Taylor thought his options were limited with other teams, especially in terms of getting a deal better than the restructured contract he signed with the Bills.'

'Harvin, 28, originally announced his retirement last spring following an injury-plagued 2015 season. He came back in November to make two catches for 6 yards in two appearances (one start) before migraine headaches led to the Bills placing him on the non-football illness list.'

'Taylor will earn $30.5 million in 2017 and 2018 combined before his contract automatically voids on the fifth day after the Super Bowl in February 2019. Under his previous deal, Taylor would have earned $40.5 million in 2017 and 2018 combined if the Bills exercised an option in his contract that would have kept him under the team's control through 2021.'

'"He's done [playing]," Barnett said.'

'Taylor clearly believed the Bills gave him the best chance for success, and his new deal allows him to become a free agent in 2019. If he plays well the next two years, he could cash in big time.'

'Once Groy signs the offer sheet, the Bills would have five days to match the offer or the 26-year old will become property of the Rams. The Bills gave Groy an original-round RFA tender before free agency began, which is worth $1.8 million. However, since Groy was originally undrafted, the Bills would not receive any compensation if they decide not to match the offer.'