The Dean

Class move.

Oh, I agree completely.

Technically, I don't think that would be called plagiarism. More like a violation of contract/copyright violation, etc. Perhaps I'm wrong. I know plenty of authors reuse their early material (magazine articles, short stories, etc) and package it in a compilation book. I assume that is all done with permission, though.

This. I can't believe someone accused him of LYING about not making a move before the deadline. He said he didn't expect any moves. The trade was made at the very last minute. How would he even know it could be done? Exactly what I was thinking. Fat load!

That's the one I was thinking of.

From what I heard/read, Beane was on the "extend" side, too.

Real fans stick by their teams---even when they are a complete mess. Maybe you aren't old enough to remember when the Bills were a major dumpster fire. Fair-weather fans jump ship.

He gone again. No?

Yes, it was.

I forgot to address AZ's first point in my last post, but you did a good job. I don't believe I said the attitude factor was complete rubbish, just that it -presented as THE factor--was rubbish. However, I would change the order of your considerations. I think if Sammy was signed through the 5th year and wasn't quite so fragile, his attitude wouldn't have been enough to get him traded. If these guys are going to be successful, they will at some point, have to deal with a productive player who occasionally goes off a little bit. Sammy isn't nearly the diva of many successful and coveted WRs.

To the talent/production argument, it was kind of the point of the last part of my post. Talent at WR doesn't always equal production. WRs are at the mercy of the QB, scheme, etc. They don't get to throw to themselves. I believe most NFL talent evaluators would agree Watkins is the more physically talented, of the two, other than size. He is a better route runner, as well. EDIT: Forgot to mention, you actually have to play to produce. Benjamin did miss a season with injury, but I think he is more physically resilient than Watkins, which helps Benjamin's production.

Honestly, I think that is rubbish. The Bills didn't exercise the option, mostly because of his health concerns, IMO. Then when the New Regime took control, they evaluated contracts/assets/strengths & weaknesses, etc. The double trade (Watkins and Darby) gave them players, and picks, and worked in the direction of their plan. That's not to say I was a fan of each and every move, but at least in retrospect, it looks like they new what they were doing. Every move might not work perfectly, but I'd have to say, so far so good. Several things happened during the season (Clay going down, Zay not making the impact perhaps expected of him, Matthews missing games, etc.) and WR became a big issue. One thing I like about the coaching staff, so far, is they are willing to make adjustments. Same thing might be true for the GM. Draft choices are assets, and the Bills are in good shape, with those. At this point, KB is a no-brainer deal, especially considering HC and GM are familiar, and comfortable with him. I don't think there is any doubt Watkins is more talented than Benjamin. But Benjamin could be as productive for them, as Sammy (or close). Plus he was extended, which gives them the extra year at a reasonable price. BADO makes a good point, as he usually does, saying Watkins and Tyrod had an established connection, and seems to be a better WR for Tyrod's strengths. But I'm not completely sure that can't he changed. Tyrod seems to be able to establish connections with WRs fairly quickly at times, as he did with Thompson a couple weeks ago. If Tyrod continues to roll, scramble and extend plays, he and that big body/jump ball capability of Benjamin could become something of a thing. "Obviously, this is best case scenario." M Marrone

While I'm extremely happy with this trade, reading through the comments this comment comes to mind (just the comment, pervs):

There was a contract screw up, sometime a few years ago, where the agent forgot to fax a form/contract, which cost the client a bundle. I'm pretty sure former agent now--at least for that guy. Even a few years ago, some stuff was required to be physically signed and faxed. Now most can be electronically signed and/or electronically sent (email, secure web portal, etc). But I have a feeling there are still some holdouts.

That link should have come with some sort of warning. Good thing my trash can was close.

Honestly, the Bill gave "fair value" for Benjamin. If Carolina uses the draft picks with competence, they might improve their team, in the long run. The Bills gave up currency they have plenty of, and should improve both in the short term, and the long run.

Browns accusing Bangels of screwing the pooch: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/10/31/report-bengals-botched-a-j-mccarron-trade-at-deadline/ She said, she said, I suppose.

Boo!

Back in the 80s, when I worked at WGRZ, I was having dinner at Pizza John's (great little Italian restaurant located on Lovejoy, I think--wish it was still there). So I wonder up the long bar to get a drink---a TV on each end, with the NFL game on. I'm right at the center of the bar watching one TV, the guy next to me, who was there well before me, watching the TV at the other end. So the guy next to me asks, "Who's playing?" "Cincinnati vs Denver"(for argument's sake, I don't remember the exact teams), I reply. "Who's go the ball?" "Cincinnati." "Who's the QB?" "Boomer Esiason. I'm sorry, I thought you were Rick Azar." "I am Rick Azar." Twilight Zone bizarre.

Did I ever tell you my, Rick Azar, Pizza John's Knotted Bar story?

He is a restricted FA, so there's a bit more value, there.

No question.

I had about 4 bourbons. And I'm cutting back!

Other than size, the last WR I think of, when I think of Benjamin, is Hunter. Benjamin is far better than Hunter.