RussellDopeland

Why is it that so many people on the board B word about this guy? He returns kicks; can play QB; plays WR; contributes on special teams coverage- he serves as a jack-of-all-trades player. Yet all people do is whine about how much he makes. If the front office and coaches aren't concerned about his cap number, why the hell are you? People here act like Smith is taking money out of their wallets or something. What...should we cut Smith and replace him with Tim Tebow? Tebow is a terrible QB- yet some want to sign him to play TE, FB, or special teams. I say- we already have that type of player; his name is Brad Smith. And I'd rather have him than Tebow. And I don't give a rat's a$$ how much he makes- I'm not signing his paycheck (and neither are you!)

More like this-

Yes, let's trade one of the better players on this roster for a mid-to-late round draft choice who will be cut at the end of camp anyhow. Brilliant! What are we, the Kansas City Royals? One of your own blossoms into a solid performer, and you trade the player to the Yankees for a AA shortstop who's batting .220. Honestly, I'm sick of watching ex-Bills succeed elsewhere whilst this team is out of playoff contention by Halloween.

No, you're confusing him with his first cousin, Felton Spencer- ex-boxer. His real name was Joey Chicago. He fought as Kid Minneapolis. I saw him fight once in Cincinnati. He was killed in the ring in Houston by Leif Colorado -The Arizona Assassin.

Thigpen makes sense for no one. Unless, of course, you are willing to let your entire season go down the tubes when you have to insert him into the lineup. I'd sign Jeff George- Hell, I'd sign J.P. freaking Losman - before I'd sign Thigpen.

“It's always darkest before it turns absolutely pitch black.”

I'd love Manuel at 41, after having drafted a WR or LB at 8. That would be an ideal start to the draft.

Whaley is sort of the front office's version of Terrell Troupe. We haven't seen much of him, but rest assured that when we do, we will all be impressed. Oh, and yes, Whaley came from a winning organization , i.e. Pittsburgh. If you recall, the last former Steeler front office guy to come here did an absolutely stupendous job. So, if and when Whaley takes over as GM, let's hope he can replicate all the success Tom Donahoe had with the Bills.

There's a problem with this approach, as it relates to the Bills. The Bills "Analytics" department is a facade. It's a myth propagated by Brandon and the organizational higher-ups to shield the fans (and media) from the fact that they are unwilling to spend top-dollar on this team. By spreading the myth of analytics, or "Moneyball", they are convincing fans that they are taking a "calculated" approach to configuring their roster, and that spending money is not necessarily the sound avenue to take. In truth, if you were to go into the offices at One Bills Drive, and search for the "Analytics" department, you'd probably find an old storage closet with the placard "Analytics Department" on the door. Unfortunately, all you would find inside is a mop and bucket, a broom, and a pair of Zubaz pants once owned by Jeff Wright. The unfortunate truth is simple: nothing changes until the Bills have a new owner. NOTHING! Brandon may be the "new" CEO; but as Roger Daltrey once wailed, "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss!"

What, have Coy Wire and Pierson Prioleau turned the Bills down?

I'm amazed sometimes just how obsessed people (and Buddy for that matter) are with these mid-to-late round draft picks. Last year those level of picks netted us Tank Carder, Mark Asper and Sanders. All three were eventually cut (though Sanders found his way to the practice squad). I'd trade any pick from the fourth round on to acquire an experienced player that could potentially solidify an area of need. So, I would prefer to send a 4th or 5th rounder to Seattle for Flynn as opposed to drafting Tom Dikwadd from SW Missouri St, a guy who'll probably end up being cut by the end of camp anyhow. For every late-round gem unearthed by a team, you have hundreds of other Asper and Carder types who just aren't very good and should be driving a beer truck instead.

It's a good thing this thread wasn't titled "Buffalo Bills Free agency Thread".

Give Brandon a break...he's new to this whole CEO thing. Luckily for him, he was able to go to the local "Barnes and Noble" and pick-up a copy of the bestseller "The Bengal Way" by Mike Brown. Russ is just implementing the talking points in chapter 1: "When it comes to free agency, a penny saved is a penny earned" and "Every dollar that you are under the salary cap adds a day to your life." My fear is when Russ reads this snipit from chapter 2- "Only sign, draft, or acquire players that have either been arrested, kicked-off their college team, or suspended by the league."

This thread was part sarcasm, part legit point. The Levitre thread was off-putting; we all liked Levitre but my God is he being overpaid by Tennessee. But good for him. I just can't see how, if we acknowledge the fact that Levitre's new contract is obscene for a guard, and thus not feasible for the Bills, that that equates to a lack of respect for the player. Furthermore, Colin Brown was quietly resigned, and quickly I might add (whereas Rhinehart was not). And given the fact that A) Marrone was an offensive linemen, and B) He has coached offensive line in the league- it may just be possible that Marrone looked at the film and actually liked Brown. Frankly, I'll trust Marrone on this one. Let's see what we have here- what the hell?

I mean really! People complaining about Levitre's departure. Then, to top it off, they start a thread whining about the "loss" of Chad Rhinehart (Rhinehard) (Rhynehardt) (Rindehardtt). Now some are suggesting we look into Willie's Colon, for crying out loud. Yet no love for CBrown...dude's a mauler! Give him a chance!

The Bills should just have open try-outs for the litany of rejects and mediocrities that are available. It would be like the spring training from "Major League". And Brandon could charge fans $1.00 to come out and watch. It'd be great to see Jeff George and a cast of thousands throwing the ol' pigskin.

If i'm on the phone with Seattle, i'm asking about Flynn, not Rice.

And I can't understand the fact that after last year's performance anyone would want to see this guy taking snaps as our starter in 2013. It's amazing just what mediocrity can do to one's judgment. Apparently it dulls the senses. If you spend a Sunday watching the Packers, Broncos, or Patriots play, and compare those qbs with the Amish Blunderbust, how can you deduce anything but the fact that #14 is wretched. Better yet, watch those Youtube clips of the Kelly-era Bills- what you'll see is a take-charge quarterback with swagger and supreme confidence. I'm frankly sick of watching #14 standing there, hands on hips, head down, after another God-awful pass has missed its mark.

Our next QB must be clean-shaven (no stupid amish beards). If he's married, he must avoid wearing his wedding ring on the field. He also must be able to throw the ball, with accuracy, more than thirty yards downfield. And in the last five minutes of a game, he must be able to complete passes to his receivers, not to opposing defenders.

This signing had to happen. The Bills have a dearth of play-making ability across the board. In truth, they have only about SIX real play-makers on the roster (Spiller, Jackson, Stevie J., Mario W., Byrd and McKelvin on ST). For those clamoring for this money to have been spent on Levitre instead, I ask this: In the Superbowl years would it have made sense to overspend to resign Glenn Parker or Jim Ritcher, than to have spent the cash instead on an elite special teams play-maker like Tasker? This team needs every play-maker it can get its hands on. McKelvin's loss would have created yet another play-making void.

Yeah, and I get the feeling we may trade Spiller, Mario Williams, and Stevie Johnson as well. Sorry Chicken Little- we're not the Miami Marlins.

What is the "word of warning" that you speak of so glibly? Don't overspend on free agents? Who cares! The Bills have the money, not to mention cap room. For years people here bitched about Ralph being cheap. Last year they went for it; and as far as I'm concerned they should continue doing so. Sign Mike Wallace; go after any high profile guy. What do I care...it's not my money.

I can't believe there's been no mention of Gregg's boys- Chidi Ahanotu and Pierson Prioleau. And I'd be remiss not to mention the inspiration for my username- Russell Copeland. And who could forget Shawn Bryson or Oliver Barnett?

I nominate Quinn Early.

I'm stunned by how many people in this thread state that Fitzpatrick is better,at this point, than Vick. It's laughable. It's akin to a fan stating that Aaron Schobel was a better defensive end than Bruce Smith (because they disliked Bruce Smith as a person). Fitzpatrick has terrible mechanics, a weak arm, and wilts under pressure. Vick, even at his age, possesses more athletic ability than Fitzpatrick could ever hope to have. Vick can throw a deep ball (which #14 has proven he cannot). And what has been left unsaid- if the Bills were to acquire Vick, the move would be welcomed by the players, I'm certain of this. Stevie Johnson would probably throw a party. Fitzpatrick is not only limited; but I do believe he's lost any confidence his teammates may have had in him. This move would at least improve morale. Keeping #14, and watching his stale act for yet another wasted season, is disgusting! You can changes coaches, but if you keep trotting crappy players like 14 out there, you're gonna get crappy results. I don't care who the Bills acquire, or how- we need a new starting qb!!