Dawgg

I agree that you can't trust everything the media says. With that being said, I do know that Leo Roth and Vic Carucci are two respectable writers who generally don't write things from left field. With multiple sources agreeing (including the Associated Press), I think it's reasonable to deduce that the issue is over $$$.

I saw this before but didn't respond. I will respond now. Look at their positions in the draft -- and how much they were paid for their first years. Bob Sanders -- 2nd round 44th overall Mike Brown -- 2nd round 40th overall Ed Reed -- 1st round 24th overall Chris Hope -- 3rd round 93rd overall Milloy -- 2nd rounder Polamalu -- mid first rounder Archuletta - late first rounder Rodney Harrison - FIFTH rounder Aside from Palomalu and Taylor, this very list that you compiles shows that Pro Bowl caliber safeties are plentiful in the middle rounds of the draft -- all that's required is a good scouting department, something the Bills have lacked for quite some time.

Not a valid comparison. The Seifert and Sherman rumors were from unsubstantiated sources and posted on this board. This has actually been reported... (Leo Roth) http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/p...359/1007/SPORTS (Vic Carucci) http://www.nfl.com/news/story/9584086

OK. Whether it's years or $, it really doesn't matter a whole lot. The fact of the matter is that both sides remain far apart and aren't able to agree (unlike 29 other first round picks). From the reports thave "have" been made public, it's not about the length of the contract, it's about cold, hard cash. Whitner wants something closer to the $14M given to Huff at #7. Numerous reports have the Bills offering something closer to the $12M given to Sims at #9. The Bills (understandably so) are balking at giving that much money to a rookie safety. They should have perhaps thought about that when they spent the #8 overall pick on him.

really?

Ouch. That cuts deep...

First off, be ready for the onslaught (I see it has already begun). Second, I completely agree with the statement below. Staying fixated on Whitner and reaching for him will cost this franchise millions of dollars. A lot of people argued post draft that he is a high character guy and won't miss time... they are eating their words now. Not only will the team have an exorbitant amount of cap space tied to the safety position, he won't be starting Week 1. Just wonderful. Regarding the head coach, I actually like the move. I think Jauron is a solid coach who got the shaft in Chicago bigtime. Time will tell, but I don't think his record should come into play. Marv had a horrible record coming in as head coach of the Bills. Bellichick had a sub-500 record coming in as head coach of the Pats.

You're right. The Bills can't have it both ways. They knew that Whitner was not a true #8 pick and chose him despite that because they were married to a single player in the draft and feared trading down and losing out on him. Now that they took the conservative route, they need to pony up and pay him #8 money. That's how it goes and as fans, we should be used to boneheaded front office moves like this.

Well, the Bills realize that Whitner -- a strong safety -- is simply not worth $14M in guarantees before he has ever taken a snap! But this is all on them. Afterall, that's what you get when you enter the draft married to a single player and reach in a big way to get him. This should teach the Bills a lesson, the next time they decide to reach on a player in the top 10. They should realize that just because they did Whitner and his agent a huge favor taking him so early, there is no such thing as a thank-you discount...

That was never a question.

Of course they aren't -- but the point is that if you watch the players before, after and during practice (as I have), JP just strikes me as one player who doesn't mingle much with the rest of the team when compared to other players. Perhaps it's overanalyzing, but when I read that, I found it interesting that he would point it out as well.

1) JP Losman "When Losman came to talk with me, he came alone. When Holcomb came by, he was with Willis McGahee. Everything counts in this battle, and developing relationships with your teammates is always a factor." As I said in a previous post, JP seems like a pretty cool guy -- but from all indications at camp, he really doesn't seem to have too many good friends on the team. When he was out that one night, he was witih McCargo and Fowler, two new guys... but just from my vantage point, he has not mingled much with other vets on the team. Thought it was interesting that Kirwan touched on that as well. 2) Willis McGahee "McGahee can play, but I never get the feeling he embraces the concept of being a team leader of the Buffalo Bills. He reminds me more of a veteran free agent signed to play well but never part of the "family." There's nothing wrong with his style, but it's hard not to get the feeling he will finish his career somewhere else down the road." I couldn't have said it better myself and hope that is not the case. Thoughts on either or both???

Very good point, considering Whitner was the single must-have player for the Bills this year.

Shhh... Please don't say that around here... such logic is not welcomed.

Just to reflect... Whitner is holding out too...

Agreed, well said.

It did piss him off. When I told him I read that, he was like "What paper said that??? That's just BS" He was really pissed. Glad he layed the smackdown, but hopefully he takes his time, even if it means missing a regular season game or two.

Had a great time at the morning session today and thanks to one of the players' generosity, I had VIP access today. Observations: 1. Wide Receivers: Fast Freddie made some great catches. The dude has awesome hands and he can really fly! I hope he gets more of an opportunity in the offense. Peerless was also fairly sure-handed in practice, but I still remain skeptical about his chances of returning to his previous form. Andre Davis missed 2 easy catches... thought that was kind of odd, especially considering I have seen him do great things on TV... I'd chalk it up to a bad morning. 2. Running Backs: All running backs seemed pretty attentive. Shaud Williams is one shifty guy! He has a quickness and elusiveness that separtes himself from the other backs IMO. I really hope he sticks around because I think he's a great change of pace back. Coach Studesville was yelling at FB Jon Goldsberry but it almost seemed as though he was doing it because he likes him... perhaps he can crack the team this year at the expense of Joe Burns? Time will tell... They were going over their pass blocking assignments. Coach S was telling them when the QB yells <certain color>, the FB takes the Mike LB and the RB is supposed to stay back and take on the defensive end if he beats the line. 3. 7 on 7s: Best part of practice, players really got into it. For the most part, the defense kicked the crap out of the offense. QBs were rotated every 2 snaps and Nall looked to be the best this time around. JP had a lot of zip on his passes as usual, but threw one boneheaded pass right into the chest of Jabari Greer who ran it back for a TD... but the D was very spirited, rooting one another on throughout the drill. Was great to see. Finally, I wanted to emphasize that I was very impressed with Willis' fan-friendliness. While players like Fletcher, Clements, Peerless and Schobel ran into the locker room as soon as they could, Willis made it a point to sign for everyone he could and was one of the last to leave. Same goes for TKO. Got to meet Marv, spoke to him for about 10 minutes. He was watching the 7 on 7 drills intently from the tent. Will upload pics shortly.

Not true. Spoke to the man himself, he said that is incorrect speculation. He insists he will be ready by Wk 1.

Bingo. Just looked at his picture... that was him.

I got there a few a little late, must have just missed you! I'll be there this afternoon though.

Apologies, was a little bit drunk when I got home Here is what happened. We were at a bar on Alexander St sitting in the lounge area and I noticed JP walking out with 2 other players (couldn't recognize them, thought one of them was McCargo but who knows)... my friend and I yelled out to JP and just said what's up, and good luck this season, he said thanks and kept walking out. Next thing I know, 5 mins later, JP came up to us and just said he didn't know anyone here and just wanted to mingle. So we introduced him to our group of friends (which included a few cute girls) and talked for about 10 mins... just small talk, didn't talk much about football. But he said he was psyched for the season, put a lot of work in and is ready to go. Very nice guy, thought it was classy of him to come by and say hello.

See you at camp!

I'll be there.