Archives for January 2019

‘The Bills never had much of a chance to re-sign Gilmore given their bleak salary-cap situation in 2017, and it’s not even clear if they would have if they had the chance.’

‘Woods realized that on a team that ranked at the bottom of the NFL in passing offense, his chances to make any sort of impact were minimal. “My biggest thing with free agency was at least get in the top half; that and having an opportunity to be a pass catcher and a receiver,” he said.’

‘”I was on the streets looking for a job,” he said. “Buffalo gave me an opportunity, and I was able to work my way up the ranks. … It helped me create my name in this league.”‘

‘Don’t get Phillips wrong. He’s thrilled to be here. However, when you’re 71 years old and have been coaching in the NFL for 42 seasons with 10 different teams, you’re going to have some varied history.’

‘Culley was with the Bills for two seasons, his first years as a quarterbacks coach after spending his NFL coaching career working with wide receivers. Culley played quarterback at Vanderbilt.’

‘“It’s been a journey, I feel like, my whole career. It’s nothing new,” Humber said. “Nothing that’s head-throbbing. I’ve been here before. I came here, things didn’t work out. I went to Buffalo, things didn’t work out there after a few years, and now I’m back here, so it’s not like anything’s changed. I’m just happy to be a part of a team that was going to appreciate me and wanted me there. The opportunity to keep playing, that’s all I cared about.”’

‘“Words got taken out of context,” Robey-Coleman said. “I wasn’t trying to get on his age, I wasn’t trying to do nothing like that. … He’s the GOAT, he’s a legend. So I’m not taking nothing from his game. I was asked a question about the difference between him in the past and him now, I just said, ‘His age.”

‘“It’s something I’ve obviously been working hard toward for a long time,” Ferguson said from his home in Atlanta. “For the team to show they want to keep me here for awhile is something I greatly appreciate.”’

‘He is the third new member of the Bills’ coaching staff to be announced, joining Johnson and new special teams coach Heath Farwell. The Bills have yet to announce a wide receivers coach.’

‘Buffalo Bills (projected trade with Washington Redskins). Cody Ford, OL, Oklahoma. The long wait for Bills fans ends with Beane getting some protection for Allen. Ford has the flexibility to play tackle or guard, which is good news for the Bills, who have needs at both of them. Ford has just one season as a full-time starter, so experience is a bit of a concern, but he’s loaded with potential. The cost for the Redskins to move up based on the trade value chart is 250 points, which is equivalent to a high third-round pick.’

‘“I think (tight ends coach) Rob Boras has done a really good job with him, and so has Jason,” offensive coordinator Brian Daboll said before last month’s season finale. “You know, he’s put the time in. Again, you’re talking about a guy who played at the University of Tennessee, was really a receiver, didn’t play last year, so it’s almost like you’re a rookie coming in. He’s made strides each and every week.”’

‘It turns out that plan – signing Russell Bodine to compete with Ryan Groy – wasn’t good enough. The front office needs to fix that this offseason. With Jordan Mills and John Miller set to become free agents in March, that’s two more holes that potentially have to be filled, too. With a projected $80 million in cap space and 10 draft picks, there are avenues to get that done.’

‘“I already have two plates and 10 screws in my back now. I’ve got a plate and six screws in my neck. Now I’m having another back surgery. I go, ‘Come on, Lord! Please, no more.’ It is what it is. You just have to keep fighting through it. I pray every day that one of these days, I will be pain-free. So far, that hasn’t been my case in many, many years.”’

‘Erie County Sheriff’s Deputy Kenneth P. Achtyl has hired a defense lawyer to deal with the federal and state prosecutors deciding whether to charge him for the bloody arrest of a Buffalo Bills fan who swore at him outside New Era Field.’

‘“I’m a guy who brings a tough attitude,” Risner said Thursday. “I’m a guy who will help establish a culture or fit right into a culture. I met with the Bills, and I know the Buffalo Bills have a mindset I’d fit right into.”’