Archives for March 19, 2017

'This time, it's actually happening. The Buffalo Bills announced Saturday they have, in fact, come to terms on an agreement with free-agent wide receiver Andre Holmes.'

'Stephen Hauschka doesn't feel comfortable discussing the subject. As with most NFL kickers, it's always best to try to keep negative occurrences as far in the past as possible. This one still stings, though. A lot.'

'Although his Twitter handle is @StephenHauschka4, the name on the account still has his first name spelled incorrectly. The Bills also spelled his first name "Steven" on a bio sheet they distributed to reporters.'

'The majority of Buffalo’s signees are in their mid-20s with their best football ahead of them. Their contracts are kind on the salary cap. They had other offers.'

'Holmes' production was limited last year with the Oakland Raiders. He finished the year with 126 yards receiving and three touchdowns on 14 receptions. Despite his limited production during the regular season, Holmes would go on to lead the Raiders in receiving yards (50) against the Houston Texans in their 27-14 playoff loss.'

'Listed at 6-foot-5 and 208 pounds, Holmes was limited to 14 catches for 126 yards and three touchdowns in 16 games last season. His best year came in 2014, when he had 47 catches for a team-leading 693 yards and four touchdowns.'

'On Saturday, Holmes sent a thank you tweet to Raiders fans while also tweeting a shout-out to his new employer and its fans by writing: "What's up #BillsMafia"'

'His production has faded as the Raiders have improved, going from 47 catches for 693 yards and four touchdowns for a 3-13 team in 2014 to 14 catches for 201 yards and three touchdowns for a 7-9 team in 2015 to 14 catches for 126 yards and three touchdowns for a 12-4 playoff team last season.'

'The 6-5, 208-pound Holmes will be a legitimate red zone threat the Bills need, especially after losing 6-4 Justin Hunter to the Steelers earlier this week.'

'It's hard to ignore his frame — specifically in the red zone — and the addition may be in response to losing out on athletic tight ends like Martellus Bennett and Jared Cook in free agency. That is likely where Holmes will make his biggest impact with the team.'

'A size receiver at 6-4 and 210 pounds, Holmes is capable of winning jump ball battles and can make plays in the end zone. He’s expected to compete for a top four role in Buffalo’s receiving corps.'