Will the Bills turn into a FA magnet?

[Pilsner]

Buffalo doesn't have the sunny beaches, warm winter weather or as many fancy nightclubs as some cities to help lure quality FA's. But forming a winning attitude, putting teams on the ropes, pushing them to their limits, fostering a team first mentality, having a coach who backs his players are qualities we haven't had for a while. I'm not saying FA's will flock to the Bills but they'll certainly begin to change their view and give us more consideration.

 

If we continue with said positive changes the FA's with the qualities and attributes we want will go hmmm... maybe the Bills aren't a bad place to land afterall (assuming we are competitive with pay). The change in our culture def can't hurt their consideration.

[bowery4]

I think you can see a lot of AZ Cards wanted out at the end of last year, I bet they lose Fitz this year as well.

 

Winning or least looking like a building franchise is at least as important as money in the FA game so I think having a competitive team will certainly help in the FA period. I am pretty excited about it, this years potential FA class has some answers for our team. I think the last regime was a total handicap in signing people.

 

I think a lock out will be averted and it will be a 18 game season. It would be great to both fill starting positions and some depth (which will be really important in the future NFL) in both FA and the draft and this year it a great time for it because of last years "special rules".

[Chimp]

They will flock to Buffalo when the Bills offer more money than the competition. These guys have a window of which to make their money. If Buffalo offers the most money the players can convince their wives to move to Buffalo for a few years. It isn't like they have to stay there forever, but the NY state taxes certainly don't help in trying to attract free agents.

[dayman]

I think looking like we are on the way and actually playing good is a must. Nobody wants to go somewhere that's moving backwards w/ no hope of playoffs. I also think bringing in someone like Marvin Lewis as a DC could attract some D-players. The players like Chan.

 

That's are selling points. Close nit team, c'mon in and put us over the hump b/c we just need a bit more, and we have coaches you will respect and like and feel like they will help you succeed.

 

Money and geography will never be strengths.

[BuffaloWest]

Buffalo doesn't have the sunny beaches, warm winter weather or as many fancy nightclubs as some cities to help lure quality FA's. But forming a winning attitude, putting teams on the ropes, pushing them to their limits, fostering a team first mentality, having a coach who backs his players are qualities we haven't had for a while. I'm not saying FA's will flock to the Bills but they'll certainly begin to change their view and give us more consideration.

 

If we continue with said positive changes the FA's with the qualities and attributes we want will go hmmm... maybe the Bills aren't a bad place to land afterall (assuming we are competitive with pay). The change in our culture def can't hurt their consideration.

The small improvements we are seeing may help to get people to give Buffalo more consideration...Would'nt go so far as to say "magnet" but at least this organization no longer appears to be a complete and utter clusterf#@k. Perhaps Chan and Nix have finally got Wilson to back off, and he sees a plan beginning to work. Hopefully Ralph let's the guys continue to do their jobs. Either way-big improvement from last off season when no one wanted to coach here. Bills are being recognized across the country as "improving" and not a total joke.....

 

Buffalo doesn't have the sunny beaches, warm winter weather or as many fancy nightclubs as some cities to help lure quality FA's. But forming a winning attitude, putting teams on the ropes, pushing them to their limits, fostering a team first mentality, having a coach who backs his players are qualities we haven't had for a while. I'm not saying FA's will flock to the Bills but they'll certainly begin to change their view and give us more consideration.

 

If we continue with said positive changes the FA's with the qualities and attributes we want will go hmmm... maybe the Bills aren't a bad place to land afterall (assuming we are competitive with pay). The change in our culture def can't hurt their consideration.

If The Bills change their uniforms to throwbacks full time, every player in The NFL would want to come here to play and wear those sweet uni's!

[Pilsner]

I kno BuffaloWest, I used "magnet" to lure people into the thread. No team can really be a magnet (Washingtons obscene spending might be an exception). All of you have great points I didn't think of. We need some damn good quality FA's next year.

[Sisyphean Bills]

Do you think Buddy Nix is going to have a major reversal of philosophy? I don't.

[reddogblitz]

Yeah, but will Buddy go after them? He says he wants to build through the draft.

[ajzepp]

Yeah, but will Buddy go after them? He says he wants to build through the draft.

 

And that's exactly how we SHOULD build the team...through the draft. As for free agency, I much prefer to bring in solid players with good work ethic, similar to how the Patriots do things.

[Pilsner]

I know, I overstated it now I realize. I should have said more quality middle tier FA's to choose from. I highly doubt Nix will change his philosophy as well. Thanks for reminding me of Nix's view on FA's.

[BillsfaninFl]

I know, I overstated it now I realize. I should have said more quality middle tier FA's to choose from. I highly doubt Nix will change his philosophy as well. Thanks for reminding me of Nix's view on FA's.

 

We can dream, but the reality is that the Bills FA situation will be worse. Nix's FA policy and Ralph's tight ways will still be there, but now a free agent will look at the Bills' record. You're kidding yourself if you think a FA is going to be thinking "they were really close in a lot of games." Instead, they'll just look at the team's record and say "not for me."

[BreezeMafia]

Even Fairbanks could attract FA's with good money and a better chance to win.

[mattsox]

And that's exactly how we SHOULD build the team...through the draft. As for free agency, I much prefer to bring in solid players with good work ethic, similar to how the Patriots do things.

 

I'm all for that, but if Carlos Dansby and Julius Peppers are UFA, we should be throwing them money to come here. It's ridiculous he didn't even speak to either of their agents. If an impact FA is there we need them come on. We're 2-9. We've been competitive, but we need playmakers!!!!

[EastRochBillsfan]

We can dream, but the reality is that the Bills FA situation will be worse. Nix's FA policy and Ralph's tight ways will still be there, but now a free agent will look at the Bills' record. You're kidding yourself if you think a FA is going to be thinking "they were really close in a lot of games." Instead, they'll just look at the team's record and say "not for me."

BS. First thing, ralph IS NOT tight. All I need to do to debunk that stupid statement is name dockery and walker. And there'e pleny of others if you need more.

 

Buffalo has taken a bunch of playoff bound teams to the brink of losing. Whether you want to admit it, they are gaining respect throughout the league, regardless of their record and that could make a potential free agents decision easier. totally disagree with everything you said.

[bowery4]

I know, I overstated it now I realize. I should have said more quality middle tier FA's to choose from. I highly doubt Nix will change his philosophy as well. Thanks for reminding me of Nix's view on FA's.

 

 

Actually, if some one is good and young enough I think Buddy would try to do whatever will work to improve the team. I know he said build through the draft but I think he will take an opportunity if it is there.

[bkc]

Free agents will never build a winner , Buddy is night on the point. That said they can fill some holes from time to time, hold the fort depth type players which are very important. Looking over next years list of available players. I could see guys like Jeff king, gabe watson, maybe a john jolly if he is allowed to play as players that fit the bills. For those who disagree give me 10 free agents in the last decade that were game changing additions I will start the list

 

1 DREW BREES

 

 

 

[1B4IDie]

IMO this is a 2012 discussion.

It's doubtful players will be clamoring to come here next year.

There are 2 types of free agents that are more likely to cone in Buffalo a declining pass rush specialist looking for 1 more contract or mid tier pass rush specialist that think with more PT they can prove a higher value (Kiwaki Mitchell-esque). A free agent LB knows they will walk in and start day 1 there is almost competition or depth.

 

The rest will probably continue to shy away as Nix/Gailey/Fitz is still an unknown quality.

 

Also don't think that the players dont talk. The NFLPA is a fraternity. Most were all Highly regarded High School players and had regional events where they met. They all played college ball and know other players through college. The degree of separation is more like 1 or 2.

If a free agent is thinking about Buffalo they'll get ahold of a current player and ask.

I'm guessing DJ hasn't highly regarded.

 

The current players seem to enjoy this team even though they are losing so maybe they put in a good word and more importantly help recruit.

 

If the Bills improve to 8-8 in 2012 or break the .500 mark, the current players like the environment, and Ralph opens up the wallet the Bills will be able to add a few key pieces.

 

However many people pointed this out earlier you don't build a team through Free Agency. Exhibit A. Washington Redskins.

Not to mention the Bills on thier history had very few important free agent signings.

Free agency is good to add finishing touches not a foundation of a winner.

Edited December 1, 2010 by Why So Serious?

[CodeMonkey]

Buffalo doesn't have the sunny beaches, warm winter weather or as many fancy nightclubs as some cities to help lure quality FA's. But forming a winning attitude, putting teams on the ropes, pushing them to their limits, fostering a team first mentality, having a coach who backs his players are qualities we haven't had for a while. I'm not saying FA's will flock to the Bills but they'll certainly begin to change their view and give us more consideration.

 

If we continue with said positive changes the FA's with the qualities and attributes we want will go hmmm... maybe the Bills aren't a bad place to land afterall (assuming we are competitive with pay). The change in our culture def can't hurt their consideration.

Wow people will grasp at any straw possible.

Star FA's want teams that:

a) Pay them the most.

b) Have a good shot at getting them a ring.

 

Beaches, women, and night life and wonderful things for 20 something rich athletes, but at most they serve as a tiebreaker for teams that are equal on things that really matter.

 

"Forming a winning attitude"? "Putting teams on the ropes" ? That's just a load of horse ****. If this team wins out (which isn't going to happen) they would be 7-9 and last, again, in the AFC east.

 

Start winning and going deep into the playoffs so these guys think a ring is a possibility, then, maybe, star FA's are a possibility (assuming like was stated above that Nix even wants them).

 

You crack me up with this winning attitude stuff man

[217014170]

Free agents will never build a winner , Buddy is night on the point. That said they can fill some holes from time to time, hold the fort depth type players which are very important. Looking over next years list of available players. I could see guys like Jeff king, gabe watson, maybe a john jolly if he is allowed to play as players that fit the bills. For those who disagree give me 10 free agents in the last decade that were game changing additions I will start the list

 

1 DREW BREES

You are right on the money (pun intended). Think Jets and Patriots in the division. Build through the draft and plug in FA at key positions. Especially positions like WR (see Matt Millen). The Jets added Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards but built almost everything else through the draft. They were able to get Bart Scott because he was and is a Rex Ryan guy. Buffalo is always going to find it hard to compete for FA players in their prime. Most impact FA in their prime are still looking to "get paid"...most are coming off their rookie contracts. Ralph and Bill Polian built the Super Bowl Bills prior to the salary cap and did it mostly through the draft and some luck anyway. Again...plugged in players like James Lofton and Billy Brooks at WR along the way. It would be great to think that players are making that decision based solely on football but just like you and I they have families. One of the big detractors is always going to be state taxes. I am sure that came in to play in the Lebron James to Miami "DECISION" as well...he saved millions of dollars in state tax alone by going to a Florida based team as opposed to New York. The Bills almost always have to OVERPAY to account for the tax hit. It has very little to do with Ralph Wilson's willingness to pay. Daniel Snyder has taught everyone that you cannot buy a team...not in football.

 

The best thing about this team is there are no veteran prima donnas...there is no panic to "win now" before the (few key) core players get too old. Easily within 3-5 years this team will surpass the Patriots in the division and will be battling the Jets year in/year out. The foundation is getting built...the danger is there is going to be alot of other changes in the next 3-5 years away from the football operation.

[1B4IDie]

Free agents will never build a winner , Buddy is night on the point. That said they can fill some holes from time to time, hold the fort depth type players which are very important. Looking over next years list of available players. I could see guys like Jeff king, gabe watson, maybe a john jolly if he is allowed to play as players that fit the bills. For those who disagree give me 10 free agents in the last decade that were game changing additions I will start the list

 

1 DREW BREES

 

2. Pat Williams

3. Antoine Winfield

4. Nat Clements

5. London Fletcher

6. Jabari Greer (Super Bowl)

7. Julian Pepers

8. Priest Holmes 2001

9. Jake Delohmme (Super Bowl)

10. Plexico Buress (Super Bowl)

11. Leornard Davis (locked down leaky O-Line)

12. Damien Woody

13. Peyton Hillis

14. Arian Foster

 

There are impactful free agents out there, but to your point they're additions to a team not building blocks.