Archives for March 2017

'In short, Taylor isn't going anywhere any time soon. Unless the Bills pull off a blockbuster trade, they will be moving forward with Taylor as their quarterback for at least 2017.'

'Wagner was one of Pro Football Focus' top-graded right tackles in the NFL in both 2014 and 2016. He didn't allow a sack or a quarterback hit in his final eight games of the season. He's not the mauling run blocker some other right tackles are, but his pass protection is as steady as they come. He also played under Buffalo Bills offensive line coach Juan Castillo when Castillo held the same position with the Ravens.'

'Juszczyk's 465 snaps in 2016 would have ranked 27th among all running backs in the NFL. He's a dynamic receiver out of the backfield and a reliable lead blocker in the running game.'

'Whether it's through free agency or the draft, the Bills have no choice but to bring in a tackle for competition at the very least. Ricky Wagner and Riley Reiff will be out of the Bills' price range, so here are a few bargain option for Buffalo.'

'Whether or not Taylor would stay in Buffalo has been up in the air since the front office decided to make a “business decision,” then-coach Anthony Lynn said at the time, and bench him the final game of the season. Had Taylor gotten hurt, the Bills would have owed him $27 million if he were unable to pass a physical.'

'While it might be crazy to use a high pick on a quarterback, the team can still use an upgrade from Taylor.'

'With that, here are some options the Bills could visit as free agency continues in the NFL.'

'But Wednesday's move gives new coach Sean McDermott clarity behind center. Taylor threw for 3,023 yards and 17 touchdowns last season, his second as the Bills' starter.'

'In establishing a rapport with Taylor the past two months, McDermott said he was impressed by the quarterback's character and work ethic.'

'Suitors were lining up for Taylor, including the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns and possibly the Chicago Bears, but the Bills re-opened negotiations with their starter this week with the aim of keeping him long-term.'

'The Bills front office's faith in Taylor appeared to erode last season, when several of his passing statistics declined from their 2015 levels amid injuries to Sammy Watkins and several other of the team's receivers. After firing Ryan, the Bills chose to deactivate Taylor for their regular-season finale in order to avoid paying him his $27.5 million salary in 2017 that would be guaranteed if he suffered a serious injury.'

'With the quarterback class limited, it made sense to keep Taylor. I don’t think he will ever be a star, but is he a better option than taking a passer in the first round? Yes. Would you rather have him or Tampa Bay’s Mike Glennon or Brian Hoyer or any of the other quarterbacks on the market?'

'The Bills had an option that they could have picked up, guaranteeing Taylor $30.75 million in the next two years. They were understandably reluctant to do so, which is what led to this restructured deal.'

'Schmidt was scheduled to become a restricted free agent Thursday. He has been with the team since 2014, signed as an undrafted free agent out of UC-Davis.'

'Goodwin was the Bills 3rd round pick back in 2013. The former Olympian's NFL career never reached it's full potential with the Bills due to injuries. He missed 24 games in his first three seasons.'