[Rapaport: don't expect Byrd to show up to workouts]

It appears that he does not want to be here. He has value. Let's get good compensation while we have some leverage.

I agree. Byrd is good, but he is not THAT good. If he doesn't want to sign his one year tender, and is thinking he should be the highest paid safety in the game, lets move him for quality picks before the draft. He still was part of a historically bad Defense. With a new coaching regime, anyone who is not on board from the start needs to be moved.

[3 For 3]

I actually think the Bills are going to avoid drafting a QB in the first three rounds but go heavy on offense. I would like to see WR and TE be the Bills first two picks then draft a OL round 3. Not that Kolb/Jackson is at all a good QB combo but I think that this QB class is so bad that the Bills want no part of it and that they would rather get targets for a QB this year so that next year when they draft a QB he has good tools to work with.

I like your line of thinking. If the QB class is very sketchy this year. I have no problem going WR and TE w our first two picks in either order. And I would like a trade down in the first round as well to gather more picks. I would actually really love to take 2 WR's and a TE w our first three picks. Why can't Kolb or TJax be decent in the right system? Everyone wants a stud QB. But w so many QB's looking shaky, it sounds like good business to bring in some explosive playmakers, which we r sorely lacking. See what we have in Jackson and Kolb for a year, and go from there.

 

At the least I would go offensive playmaker in the first two rounds, and c what is left at QB in the third round. (I think Bray will be available there) We can continue to bring in free agents ( Dowtin, Chavis Williams, etc) on D to plug into Pettine's new system. Seriously, we need Offensive playmakers desperately!!

[Eugene Cyril "Geno" Smith III - QB - West Virginia]

I took this from the Philadelphia Daily News which Mayock contributes to before the draft

 

I'm not his biggest fan but a lot of people on here like him and I didnt see this posted anywhere. He also listed a Riser and Sleeper. I like Bray in the second but dont think he will be there when the Bills pick because I see a run on QBs at the bottom on the first through the top of the second

 

 

 

QUARTERBACKS

THE BEST

Geno Smith, West Virginia (6-2, 218)

40-time: 4.59

Hands: 9 1/4 inches

Round Projection: 1

Mayock: "He has all of the components of a franchise quarterback, but is not consistent enough on tape for me. He doesn’t have very good pocket awareness. He had something like 32 fumbles at West Virginia.

"He has no awareness of the rush surrounding him. I don’t sense a feel in the pocket to slide and move at all. I don’t sense an internal clock when he’s standing inside his own five-yard line. Common sense things I’d love to see and don’t.

"His deep-ball accuracy is erratic. I mean really erratic. Guys wide open (that he missed). Six to eight touchdowns that he threw away this year. He played horribly in the Bowl game in the snow (Pinstripe Bowl) and he also played poorly in the cold and wind at Iowa State. I’m not sure what that means other than it disturbs me. For me, there’s a bunch of different red flags, and it doesn’t add up to a top-10 quarterback. Or even top 20."

 

 

THE RISER

Tyler Bray, Tennessee (6-6, 232)

40-time: 5.05

Hands: 9 1/4 inches

Round Projection: 2-3

Mayock: "I think people are starting to recognize his arm talent and are digging deeper into what kind of kid he is, which was the knock. He’s got big-time arm talent. There’s no way he’ll get out of the third round, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he went in the second."

 

 

THE SLEEPER

Sean Renfree, Duke (6-3, 219)

40-time: 4.76

Hands: 9 inches

Round Projection: 5-6

Mayock: "He hurt his shoulder on the last snap of their bowl game and might not even get drafted. But he’s got the best anticipation and time of any quarterback in this draft. Part of it is because he’s got an average arm and has to. (Duke head coach) David Cutliffe told me that Sean approaches the game with a work ethic and passion similar to Peyton Manning’s."

Tyler Bray has way more upside than Geno Smith. And look at the conferences they played in. Smith in the Big East and Big 12 (WVA switched last season) where the defenses are down rite awful. And Bray in the SEC, where defense is paramount. Smith is lacking in the intangible dept, based on what Mayock is saying and the other scouting report that came out earlier this week. If I am a GM, no way I am taking Geno Smith with a top 10 pick. Way too many questions about his game. If Bray is there in the second round we need to take him. He has a gunslingers mentality. And I like that he has some attitude. We have been missing that for a long time, especially at QB.

[Buffalo one of the 5 weakest rosters]

People on both sides of this debate have done a good job. Those making the case that the Bills roster is epically weak have stated their case very well.

 

And yet I'm with Biscuit, Voice of Truth and Triple Threat to a very large degree. Here's why.

 

Having a legitimate upper-echelon QB would have a huge positive effect on the team in terms of actual play as well as the confidence and the belief needed for success.

 

In terms of the perceived talent level on the Bills, the other factor which I believe no one has mentioned is coaching.

 

There's a popular fallacy that winning and losing is all about the level of player talent and yet after nearly a half decade of watching sports, it's clear to me that one good coach has way more effect than any player.

 

Moreover, when you see the annual "worst to first" stories, they are almost invariably caused by a coaching change.

 

I think that everyone's perceptions about the talent level on the Bills would be very different if they had a good quarterback and a good head coach.

 

Suddenly the players have a belief that they can win. They fight harder. They don't lay down like they did in several games last year. They find themselves with a chance to win at the end of games and they learn how to win.

 

Suddenly the team is more often playing with the lead. The defense can be aggressive and rush the passer. The offense can be aggressive and take shots downfield. The 3-4% uptick in performance might as well be 30-40%.

 

People tend to view improvement from winning to losing as a linear curve and nothing could be further from the truth.

 

The difference between winning and losing in sports is razor thin.

 

A good head coach and quarterback for any beleaguered NFL roster would have a dramatic effect on the balance between winning and losing.

 

In a best-case scenario where Marrone wins Coach of the Year and the Bills rookie QB is Rookie of the Year, this team can be in the playoffs.

 

Do I expect it to happen? No.

 

Can it happen? Absolutely.

I like your opinion San Jose. I think the coaching will be dramatically improved this year. I expect us to be much more difficult to play against as well. Gailey was not a motivator in the slightest. I thought the effort (especially on defense) was piss poor last year. I don't believe that Marrone will stand for that from any player, including Mario Williams. Sure there are lots of holes on the roster. But I am sure that Marrone and co. have a solid plan to get the most out of the parts he will have at his disposal.

 

It has been so long since we have had a competent coaching staff (circa 1998-2000 Wade Phillips) that I think most of us on this board have no conception of what a solidly coached football team is supposed to look and feel like. The ONLY thing keeping me going with any optimism for this season is imagining how our team will look playing under a tough, motivating, tactically smart head coach, who will not accept anything less than 110% every day on every play. (Marcel Dareus better be ready, because if he doesn't change his lackadaisical play, he won't be long for this team-a lot of you want to blame his lackluster play on the death of his brother. Sad thing, but when you put the pads on, between the lines you block everything else out. Just look how Torrey Smith played after his brother was killed at the beginning of the season)

 

I root bigtime for the Michigan Wolverines. Under Rich Rodriguez from 2008-2010 we were a garbage team with no heart. We brought in Brady Hoke in 2011. Complete change of attitude in the program. With some better play at QB (Denard Robinson was a runner, not a passer) we will be challenging for National Championships for years to come. I expect nothing less from the Bills once Doug Marrone puts his stamp on the program. We have to find hope somewhere.

[The Bills' current starting QB - the numbers]

Stats only tell part of a story. Now before I continue let me say a couple things so no one thinks I'm some bobo! First I have been a Jackson fan since he came in the league, I like the guy, I don't think he has been treated fairly by Vikings at all. Second. I am not saying he is the next hof or even the bills next 5 yr starter, but I believe and know he is better than some or most give.

 

Yes as someone mentioned he was injured last year, it was a torn pec on his throwing arm, he should have had surgery that is how bad it was, and frankly shouldn't have been able to throw a football.

 

He has never been in a. Offense where throwing was #1 and running second, he always ran a run first, which would be reflected in the low number of TD passes. Also every year that he has started double digit games he has improved, u can look through his career and see that, even Seattle he improved.

 

He can make plays, he is better than fritz, in fact even if he played at the same lvl fritz did but completed those downfield passes, u would have gone 8-8 last year if not better.

 

Draft a rookie or 2 let them compete sit and learn fora year, and the new offense get bills to 8-8 at least. Feel free to flame away. I said all that to say, season isn't and won't be lost if Jackson starts whole season. Although some of u would like that anyways.

Totally agree. I have watched several games T Jack has played and he IS BETTER than Fitz. Nice post. Good to hear from someone who knows the current NFL.

[Lost 8 Starters, Replaced 1]

Now, I'm just as saddened and shocked frankly as the next Bills fan to find out today that the FA period is over and so is The Draft. Damn, I just wish they would have told us a little sooner so we could get used to the idea that the roster is set for 2013 and no additional players can be added to the roster until the spring of 2014. I find it hard to believe, but being a Bills can and all, I've come to realize that we're DOOMED!

Why do you have to put such sarcasm into your post? Do you hate life that much? It's stuff like this that makes this message board almost unreadable. Between the inmaturity of a lot of the posters combined with the nonsensical sarcasm of most of the rest, this place has become an absolute joke. Can't you just talk football in solid terms to show that you have somewhat of a brain, and that it actually can register to thinking about the great game of football? I sware that most of the crap on here is just that, crap!! The original poster is pissed like most of us that we have done NEXT TO NOTHING in free agency when we have tons of holes to fill on the roster. And this is the best you can come up with?

 

And what the hell is a Nanker anyways?

[FREE AGENCY THREAD]

Not to mention gaping holes at WR and holes at LB and DE that we seem to have done the bare minimum to address. I don't understand what is happening. This is disheartening. I wish I could place more faith that they had a plan and all would work out, but history teaches a different lesson.

The Wide Receiver position is a big mystery. We have one and a half NFL receivers on the roster. (Stevie Johnson and I will give Brad Smith a half) TJ Graham did not show that he is anything close to being able to get open down the field at the NFL level beyond catching the 5 yard slip screen w two blockers in front of him. Unless we draft two or three receivers, I guess we will be signing a bunch of street guys named Hagan and Martin or whatever come summertime.

[No Free Agent visitations]

I can see waiting for initial wave of big contract signings to die off. This year it appears to have happened in last than 48 hours, so I am starting to get very curious about what is going on with the Bills.

I think it is quite obvious that since Brandon has taken over to run things, nothing has changed at Two Bills Drive from a front office perspective. We have a tremendous amount of holes to fill on this team, and we have signed one free agent. We have six draft picks. The numbers are just not adding up for having enuf NFL caliber players on the roster. Are we seriously going to bring in 25 UDFA to fill holes? That is comical. I think our coaching staff will be substantially upgraded this year. But we still need a LOT of players. We have ONE NFL receiver on the roster currently. And one TE who has a bad knee injury. Seriously, where are we going to get our receivers from? I am not sure that Graham will even make the team this year. He looked that lost last year w very marginal skills. Did he make even one noteworthy play last year?

 

I am excited about Marrone and Pettine. But does management think the coaching last year was that bad that we have playoff caliber talent w minimal needs for upgrading? That is a risky way of building a team that has been so poor for so long. There just seems to be no solid direction coming from management. And that has to change.

[Buddy = Hypocrite]

Really dude exhibit A the Ravens. Give buddy a break

That is the dumbest thing I have ever read on this board-or at least close. Buddy gets no rope, no benefit of the doubt, no slack. The guy has been the captain of a ship that is sailing in circles in the harbor, and has no clue how to get out into the ocean. Comparing Buddy and the Bills to the Ravens is ridiculous. They just won the Super Bowl and are a top team every single year. Ozzie Newsome does get the benefit of the doubt because he ALWAYS finds talent for his team. Buddy has found some talent, but no chemistry. He overpaid for Mario Williams, who is a talented player, but is not a leader nor someone who plays with any type of inspiration. The Bills did not do their homework particularly well before signing him. And they completely misevaluated Fitzie's ability as well. But despite Buddy's inability to build a team, I believe that Marrone will take whatever dregs he is given and mold them into a reasonably inspiring group.

 

As for Levitre, I am not too concerned that we let him walk. He was a solid, but definitely not great player. The Titans will see that when he gets bulldozed back into Jake Locker at least 3-4 times per game. Watch film on Levitre. He very rarely dominates his man.

[FREE AGENCY THREAD]

might be too expensive if that many teams are after him. He would be the number two guy here. I would love to have him here though.

Why is anyone too expensive? Most of the people on this board worry about the dollars like they are coming out of your own pocket. If we want a player, we need to get him. Does it make you feel better when we get someone on the cheap? Starting CB's are not cheap anymore. NFL starters period, are not cheap. Lets hope we sign Smith or anyone else who is good for that matter.

[FREE AGENCY THREAD]

Since they do not appear to be in the hunt for anyone right now, hopefully they are waiting for initial frenzy to die down and then make some more signings.

It is a joke as to how many holes this team still has to fill. We have plenty of cap space. There is absolutely no reason that we don't sign a WR, TE, G, S and another LB and CB. You can not win without players. And right now we have one NFL receiver and no healthy NFL TE's. Does it matter who plays QB if we don't have any receivers to throw to? When was the last time we signed a free agent wideout other than that joke called TO? Bill Brooks and Quinn Early come to mind. And that is early and mid 90's under the Kelly era. The management of this franchise (not coaching mind you) makes me want to cry.

[Bills sign Manny Lawson]

This is a good signing for us. Lawson is a solid NFL player, and we certainly do not have enuf of these. But the problem is that we have so many needs to fill. And by the looks of it, we are certainly not being aggressive enuf with our pursuit of top level talent. We have holes at pretty much every position on the team save RB. I would hope that we go after a WR, TE, CB, S and G over the next few days.

 

As for all of you so concerned about our QB situation. I am ecstatic that we got rid of Fitzpatrick. I seriously think he was a cancer to the team. That kind of cancer is called a "loser". A lot of you thought he was a nice guy, and good to have in the locker room. Are you kidding? Who cares if he is a nice guy? He sucked. And everyone in that Bills locker room knew that except for Chan. We will draft at least one if not two QB's who will hopefully turn into studs. And combined w TJack we will hopefully have an effective QB situation going forward. Not sure why everyone thinks Jackson is so bad. He has way more athleticsm than Fitzpatrick. And a much better arm. Give him some weapons and we may all be surprised.

 

And lets not discount the new coaching staff. I think they will be light years ahead of the past regime.

 

But I will admit I get as tense as the rest of you when I see other teams signing good free agents, and the Bills doing almost nothing.

[Bills, Fitzpatrick inch toward $3 million decision]

Not necessarily. We have to play someone. There is every reason to believe that Fitz is as good or better than TJax, although many will debate this. But in an open competition, with a new offensive minded and open minded HC and OC with no real ties to either, I think Fitz will beat TJax out. A rookie would likely get killed right off the bat. So the worst case scenario may be the best case scenario.

 

It's even possible, if highly unlikely, that Fitz plays fairly well under a new coach and system. I'm not predicting it, but fans here are so sick of him their perceptions of him are 100% out of whack. Everyone acts like every pass he throws is terrible, when that's not the case, and he makes a bunch of amazing throws every game. And I'm sick of him myself.

Wow man, I would expect a more astute analysis from you than that. What " amazing" throws are you talking about? All his TD passes are to wide open receivers. He never fits throws into small windows. And I can't think of any deep throws he completed all season other than the one to Stevie in Indy. And he finished that drive with two or three brutal incompletions inside the Colts 20.

 

But what it all comes down to is winning. And Fitz while not embarrasingly horrible week after week is just not good enuf to beat anything better than the bad teams in this league. And he can not be counted on to beat the mediocre teams on a consistent basis either. (See games against Tennessee and St Louis) His two minute drill is as bad as any backups in the league, and that is just not acceptable for an NFL starting QB. He just needs to go. With no upside what is the point of keeping him around?

[Nix not sure on levitre or fitz]

If I could only afford Levitre or Fitz (at present salary) I would keep Levitre. Go for a qb in 2014 or 2nd rd this, T Jax is on the payroll, use him

As far as Fitz is concerned, I don't think the determining factor in keeping him is his salary. I believe it is his lack of ability to play QB at the NFL level. I think the organization is coming to the conclusion that most of us fans have had for a long time, and that is that Fitz needs to go. If he does not restructure, he will definitely be cut. But even if he is amenable to a restructure, I think (and hope) that his days are numbered in Buffalo.

 

As for Levitre, I am not sure why everyone is up in arms about letting him walk. Who in their right mind would pay an above average left guard at least 8 million a season? That is crazy. He is not a roadgrader, and gets blown back occasionally in pass protection. Yes he is durable, and can get out and block in space. But I think that Marrone wants a little different type of blocker on his line. And combining that with Levitre's asking price makes him expendable.

 

I predict by the time training camp comes along most of us will have forgotten about Levitre. He is only a guard. He is emminently replacable by a less expensive player. Everyone stay calm.

[Jermichael Finley]

For a 6th I wouldn't mind taking a chance on him. But its a lot to give up a higher pick for guy who can be a bit of a malcontent and is coming off a very off year.

A 6th round pick? Some of the logic on this board amazes me. Finley is an absolute stud. We have no receivers or TE"s with anywhere near his physical ability. He is worth AT LEAST a 3rd in my opinion. And what have you heard about him being a malcontent anyways?

[filling the "holes" with useful vets]

I read on here Fitz can only throw the ball 10 yards. So I guess it must be true ? I havent forgotten this just yet and I wouldn't be bothered at all if Fitz remains a Bill ...albeit after a contract restructure.

 

EDIT: Fitz may well be a useful vet on this team. Great mentor, solid back-up.

 

(ps....I dont know how to post video on this site...sorry.)

 

What is Fitz a great mentor of? How to play horrible at QB? Seriously, why does everyone like a guy who was absolutely terrible for us mentoring a young stud QB? Makes no sense to me. You want a good mentor. Bring back Jimbo.

[[please fix subject]Linebacker]

Releasing Barnett was a head scratcher guess his injury was worse than reported. I love Moats and Bradham but they have long way to go

Did you actually watch the Bills defense play at all last year? Barnett was terrible. He was always out of position and lost his speed to cover any RB's or TE's in pass coverage. He is done as a starter in the NFL and probably won't be long for the league period. He had a productive career, but he hit the wall real fast last year. Bradham has some potential if he can make a sizable jump this year. But my god, what is there to love about Moats' game? We need to go hard after Ellerbee in free agency and than draft at least one if not two LB's-one inside and one outside.

[Bills are placing franchise tag on S Jairus Byrd.]

There was an article not long ago in the news about the problems the Bills had last year at RT due to injuries and off young player play. Glenn was average at LT, and he could be an above average RT, or all pro guard. He played guard in college and that is probably his true position as his strongest ability is blocking straight ahead rather then running the arc.

 

OT on the Buffalo Bills is NOT a strength, not even close even with everyone healthy. With the Bills taking one of the top 3 LT's in the draft would finally solidify a position that has been ailing since they traded away JP.. The Bills band aided that right side with players off the waiver wire and still desperately need depth at several positions.

 

Levitre is an average guard IMO, and not worth 8-10 mill per he is looking for in free agency. While I don't usually condone letting top players walk away like this, I just feel he isn't worth the money he wants, regardless of him not suffering any injuries during his career in Buffalo.

I agree Fear that Levitre is not worth 8-10 mill either. And I think the Bills do too. But I would say he is an ABOVE average guard, but still not anywhere near dominant every single play.

 

I like your idea of taking a top tackle in the first round. But I would than move Glenn to rt tackle where he can be more of a mauler. Pears and Hairston are terrible. Than I would bring in someone else to replace Levitre at a more reasonable price. I think with good coaching, any decent player we bring in to play left guard would suffice quite nicely.

 

The problem is we have SO MANY holes to fill on this team at this point. It is ridiculous. We need another starting CB, at least 2 LB's, another Safety, some pass rushers, at least two WR's and probably two TE's w Chandler's injury. And that is not even discussing the O line or depth at all positions. My god Buddy Nix has done a HORRIBLE job.

[Levitre: Hasn't heard anything from the Bills yet]

_{Maybe Marrone (whose specialty is O line) is not crazy about Levitre. Andy is a good player, but he is not "all time" great. Maybe the team wants to spend its money on some gamechangers when free agency starts. Paying huge money to an above average guard when we need so many more game changers, just because he is a homegrown player may not be the smartest way to spend our money. Other than paying Logan Mankins, when have the Patriots ever spent big money on O lineman? With good coaching Levitre is emminently replacable.}

 

_{I would not mind him back at a reasonable price. But paying $8 mill per year to a player who does not have extraordinary talent seems ludicrous to me.}

[Will Beatty contract could be the frame for a LeVitre deal]

Andy is a solid... not spectaculer guard. His forte is versatility, a good pass blocker and durability. He is an average run blocker. When one places Andy at the $8m threshold, to me, that devalues guys like Hutchinson and Faneca. Levitre is not in that class.

 

What I believe Andy's value to be, and I'll explain, is in the range of 4.5 to 5m. I'm thinking that if Andy left for more money (and that is rralistic), the Bills could fill his position in one of four ways and come out ahead.

 

1) Sign Slaussen in free agency. His price tag would be more in the 3-4m range and the Bills get bigger, a more physical and better run blocker, but do concede some level of pass blocking.

 

2) At #8 the Bills are going to have Cooper or Warmack available if they want. That fills the void and both have higher ceilings.

 

3) Draft a LT at #8 and move Glenn to LG. They get bigger at LG and more physical.

 

4) Move Hairston to LT and Glenn to LG. This is the "do you feel lucky" strategy. I throw this one in as an option because Hairston has shown flashes of pretty good play. He's also shown bad flashes. His hc was an o lineman and perhaps he can get him tp the next level.

 

I really see option #1 as the best. It keeps the Bills in play for Bowe, Cook or Keller , Ellerbe, and Barwin in FA (they could land 2 of those 5), plus allows them to fill big holes at NT, CB, & QB in the draft.

 

Signing Andy for $7-8m is really not a good value, especially considering this season is likely not to make the playoffs again this year.

I agree w your thinking Tooth. No way this team is paying 8m per year to Levitre. He is good, but certainly not a great player worth that kind of money. How many games have we won because of Andy Levitre. Last I looked we won 21 games the past four seasons. If his price is too high, we move on.

 

And for all you posters who are crying about how many holes we NOW have to fill on the roster. This roster has won 16 games the past three seasons. That is TERRIBLE!! The more guys shown the door, the better. There is still plenty of garbage left to be taken out. This has been a team of losers. The more change the better. We may finally get a real football team once Marrone molds things together. That is exciting to me, as it should be to all of you on here.

[What Positions Do We NOT Need To Draft??]

no, we need an OT too. Pears/Hairston are below average and Glenn was so-so. upgrade would not hurt. and we need a safety as well, free or otherwise (we need a backup even with Byrd). Levitre seems a long shot, so OG as well.

 

heck, even a #3 RB could be on the table, since we have none and Freddy is aging. not early, but late.

 

we can literally draft for pretty much anywhere except maybe DE. orrr.. maybe even there if Mario plays OLB and we like a 3-4 end.

 

not exactly stacked anywhere. FA could change that but now? anything.

Ur post pretty much says it all regarding how Buddy has done building and stocking this team w talent. Pretty marginal results considering we could use help at just about every position on the roster. And that could include DT because Dareus and K Williams are both overrated. They both play well in spurts, but when your run defense is at the bottom of the league, and getting gashed on a regular basis, every player in the front seven bares responsibility for the mess. But lets hope some real coaches will bring some accountability to each player to play a whole lot harder, or they will be gone. And I think that will go for every player on the roster, regardless of where they were drafted. But back to my original point, Buddy can't retire soon enuf. Lets hope the Whaley/Marone era brings much better results.

[A Glimmer of Hope, the Bills Still not committed to keeping Fitz on th]

He's confirmed not starting material. Get rid of him. Until you know who your starer is there's no room to tie up a roster spot with a backup. Every single qb should have potential to start until you find a starter. That's whats Seattle did: tj, Flynn, Wilson ... all had chance to start. Open competition best man wins. This is most efficient way to find your coveted starter

I totally agree with your opinion on Fitz. We have seen what he can and can not do as a starting QB in the nfl. And it is painfully obvious that he does not have the abilities needed to make an NFL team even remotely competitive week in and week out. Anyone who disagrees with this conclusion is either delusional, or has not watched the Bills very much these past three seasons. Getting rid of Fitz should be a no brainer. The stench of all the Bills horrible losses the past three seasons can not fully be eradicated until Fitz is gone. And than the team will finally be able to cut ties from this horrific era, and move forward w hopefully much more success.

[Metzalaars Trashes Fitz]

I agree with you and think Jackson is the opening day starter too, and I think they draft a QB. This puts the Bills in a bind because Fitz gets his $3 million signing bonus and his salary. But what else can they do? It's a tough spot to be in. They either cut Fitz (doesn't help cap too much) to not pay him the real money and risk Jackson being awful, or keep him and still have to pay him if he gets beat out. I just don't understand what fans would have them do?

The Bills will not pay Fitz the $3 million bonus due in early March. They will make him restructure his contract, or cut him outright. I think Jackson or a rookie will be the opening day starter. I also think it quite possible that Fitz is not on the opening day roster. Once the coaching staff watches Fitz in person. And sees how poor his accuracy is even in the short zones, they will have no choice but to release him. And there is always the option of cutting Fitz, and bringing in another free agent QB next month to compete with Jackson.

[Byrd Update]

Levitre isn't worth 10 mill a year. I wouldn't franchise him. Byrd, definitely. I see him as the priority, but you never know with Marrone being an OL guy.

 

 

 

You're nuts. I have no idea what you're watching. He's a stud.

I see Byrd as a priority as well. He was by far the best player on our defense last year. He is a good hitter, has good instincts for the ball and I think will only get better with a much better D coordinator, and some upgrades in the defensive players around him. Just because he is not 6'2 and 225 does not mean he can not be one of the best safety's in the league. And with Marrone being an O line guy, maybe he is not that impressed by Levitre. Levitre is a good player don't get me wrong. But he does not dominate his opponent constantly. He is definitely a bit undersized and is no Alan Faneca or Steve Hutchinson in their prime. I think we sign or tag Byrd and if Levitre wants to break the bank, we look elsewhere. I would rather spend big money on a LB, CB, WR and TE than on a left guard. I have a feeling the Bills are thinking that way as well.

[Will Bills have a poor record in 2013 ?]

Yawn...

 

Ryan Fitzpatrick IS as bad as people on this board think he is...As a matter of fact there is a good chance he's worse and that Gailey got all he could out of him...Some of us around here were adamant 3 years ago that he was never going to be good enough, yet we're still having this discussion?...

 

And Defense still wins Championships huh? Not if you don't have an excellent QB it doesn't...Of course The Bills need to get better on Defense...You will not find one single Bills fan that disagrees with that general statement...But the fastest road to improvement for this team is to improve the QB situation over Fitz who ranked 27th in Total QB Rating last year...No one said it's going to be easy to find a great QB...But to find one that is better than Fitz is not going to be all that difficult either...

 

You do realize that over the past 3 years, INT's and lost fumbles combined, Fitz is #1 in the NFL in turnovers...#1...He had 67 combined turnovers...54 INT's and 23 Fumbles (13 lost) in that span...So...considering we all know that QB is the most important position on any NFL team...And considering the Bills have the #1 turnover machine over a three year span as their starting QB...You're saying that QB is not the #1 need on this team?...OK...

Anybody who watched this past season's playoffs should realize that you need AT LEAST a very good QB to have a chance to win a championship. I think we all know that Fitzie is not that. But I am a little bit excited about seeing what TJack can do with a coaching staff that will give him an opportunity to compete. His arm is way stronger than Fitzies, and that in itself is an improvement because it will allow us to stretch the field a whole lot more. And the guy also has some mobility. Is he RGlll or Vick in his prime? Probably not. But he can move the chains w his feet. One of the worst traits of Fitz was that he could absolutely NOT make a play when the pocket started to collapse. He would usually kind of fall forward into the rushing D lineman, and never kept his head up to look downfield. Jackson is a bigger man, and should be able to make things happen a lot more in those type of situations. I am not saying that Jackson is any type of long term answer. But given how poorly Gailey was in evaluating his personnel, I think Jackson has more game than a lot of people on this board give him credit for. And in addition, I think that the odds of Fitzie making the opening day roster even with a restructured contract are less than 50/50. I think that unless Fitz dramatically improves his accuracy that Marone and staff will realize what most of us on this board know, that Fitz is simply not good enuf to win many games in the NFL.