Archives for March 2017

'The Bills have made it official. They are keeping Tyrod Taylor.'

'Juszczyk is an athletic fullback who was originally drafted in the fourth round in 2013 by Baltimore. He’s considered a good blocker, but his real value is in his versatility. The 6-2, 248 pounder has caught 97 passes over the last three seasons. Although he has only seven rushing attempts in his career, the Harvard product is also a major special teams contributor. Last year, Juszczyk earned 1st-Team All Pro honors and an invite to the Pro Bowl after catching 37 passes for 266 yards.'

'Well, it was clear early on in the process for Tyrod and our relationship that – that was one of the first things that we discussed, was that. We want guys who want to be here and so we got that out of the way very early on in the process. He made it very clear that he was definitely interested in being a Buffalo Bill.'

'The Bills had until Saturday at 4:00 pm to make the final decision, before Taylor's option kicked into gear.'

'Juszczyk, although listed at fullback, is a hybrid at the position, and can also play tight end. With Felton being a free agent and Nick O'Leary serving as the current second tight end, there is a crying need at both positions, and Juszczyk fills both of them.'

'Ducasse worked with Bills offensive line coach Juan Castillo last year in Baltimore and could even be a candidate to play right tackle for Buffalo in 2017. The Bills have yet to announce that move, either.'

'Tolbert comes to Buffalo after spending the past five seasons with the Carolina Panthers. A 5-9, 250-pound Coastal Carolina product, Tolbert originally entered the league in 2008 with the San Diego Chargers. Tolbert has appeared in 131 games, starting 44, while compiling 630 carries for 2,402 yards and 33 rushing touchdowns to go along with 203 catches for 1,783 yards and 12 touchdowns receiving.'

'“We’ve had some very good productive, healthy conversations and he’s been first class the whole way,” said McDermott. “This thing shaped up the right way.”'

'His contract ran through the 2018 season.'

'Schmidt had a gross punting average of 42.4 yards last season, his second with the Bills. He also had 20 punts downed inside the 20 as Buffalo ranked sixth in the league in punt coverage in 2016.'

'"We are excited about the opportunity to keep Tyrod with the Bills,” said McDermott. “I've gotten a chance to know Tyrod and study him over the past several weeks and he is both a great person and competitor. Doug (Whaley) and I are confident this was best move for the Bills at this time."'

'"People say I'm a one-hit wonder, that I've never done those things before this past season, but it's the first time I've been asked to do them," Alexander said. "So now I get to hit the market, and look: You don't need to wine and dine me. The contract you offer is going to show me how much you love me. I don't need to go to dinner. I don't need a tour. I don't need to see the city. Just show me the offer."'

'Among the replacements the Bills could be targeting at kicker are Steven Hauschka of Seattle Seahawks, free-agent-to-be Robbie Gould (with the New York Giants last season), free-agent-to-be Phil Dawson (with the 49ers last season), free-agent-to-be Cairo Santos (with the Kansas City Chiefs last season), free-agent-to-be Greg Zuerlein (with the Los Angeles Rams last season), free-agent-to-be Nick Novak (with the Houston Texans last season), and free agent Garrett Hartley (who last played in 2015 with the Pittsburgh Steelers and worked out for the Giants last year).'

'In a post on his Facebook page, Christie, in wishing Carpenter well, mentioned that he had made an offer to Bills General Manager Doug Whaley to help Carpenter but was turned down.'

'Schmidt has been a decent, but certainly not outstanding punter for the Bills. He was in Buffalo three seasons and averaged 43.9 yards gross on 243 punts, with 73 downed inside the 20. In 2016, he ranked 30th in the NFL in the all-important net average at 38.1 yards.'