ndirish1978 Posted March 16, 2012 Share Posted March 16, 2012 I'm still buzzing about signing Williams. Started thinking about the draft now. Are we forced to go LT now that we've relieved some pressure from acquiring a pass rush (I'd still like 2 more DL bought in via the draft)? The consensus here before Mario was some form of Floyd/Mercillus/Ingram/Coples/Martin. Should I narrow that down to just Martin now? I don't see a starting caliber LT on our roster at present. Hairston needs more time to develop. On another note, I'm salty about Bell even looking to FA. We picked him up in the 7th and developed him into a decent LT. He hasn't played a full season at LT for us and he decides to walk and take the money. I honestly don't even want him back now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geno Smith's Arm Posted March 16, 2012 Share Posted March 16, 2012 I'm still buzzing about signing Williams. Started thinking about the draft now. Are we forced to go LT now that we've relieved some pressure from acquiring a pass rush (I'd still like 2 more DL bought in via the draft)? The consensus here before Mario was some form of Floyd/Mercillus/Ingram/Coples/Martin. Should I narrow that down to just Martin now? I don't see a starting caliber LT on our roster at present. Hairston needs more time to develop. On another note, I'm salty about Bell even looking to FA. We picked him up in the 7th and developed him into a decent LT. He hasn't played a full season at LT for us and he decides to walk and take the money. I honestly don't even want him back now. That's one of the silliest things I've ever read! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White Linen Posted March 16, 2012 Share Posted March 16, 2012 That's one of the silliest things I've ever read! I agree, how can you fault a guy for trying to find out what he's worth on the open market. Especially when it's a soft FA class for LT's. All signs point to him getting a very good contract. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Posted March 16, 2012 Share Posted March 16, 2012 FWIW, Cards re-signed Levi Brown. That is one less team interested in D. Bell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Punch Posted March 16, 2012 Share Posted March 16, 2012 FWIW, Cards re-signed Levi Brown. That is one less team interested in D. Bell. Arizona was the only team that brought Bell in for a visit, correct? I don't think I've heard his name attached to any other teams, and Scouts.com does not list him as the top available OT, according to ESPN. According to Gailey, he and Nix will have a discussion tomorrow morning about where the team stands salary cap wise, and they'll approach the remainder of free agency from there. I'm curious if Bell will respond to the Bills' offer now that his only suitor has re-signed Brown plus the hoopla surrounding Mario Williams. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrDawkinstein Posted March 16, 2012 Share Posted March 16, 2012 Bell will be back, and it will be a good thing. Still not against drafting an OT at 10 either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Senator Posted March 16, 2012 Share Posted March 16, 2012 I have nothing against Bell...nothing at all...nor do I see anything wrong with player whom, after fulfilling his contractual obligations to his organization and his commitments to his team, wants to test/establish his value in free agency. That said, I'd be surprised to see him return. I seriously doubt the Bills would pull the offer, or 'rub Bell's nose in it' by offering even less money, but the Bills precedent has been not to court players who don't want to be here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homer Posted March 16, 2012 Share Posted March 16, 2012 well we still have Sam Young and Vermiglio Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsWatch Posted March 16, 2012 Share Posted March 16, 2012 At least Bell and his agent did not cry about his contract renegotiate it and not too long after hold out refusing the contract on extension they requesred. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KOKBILLS Posted March 16, 2012 Share Posted March 16, 2012 I'm not sure Bell is a goner quite yet...But I do think The Bills want to Draft another OT...And I think that OT is Jonathan Martin or Mike Adams...So... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wing Man Posted March 16, 2012 Share Posted March 16, 2012 Hairston? No, no, a thousand times no. Bell is no left tackle, years of trying hasn't made it so. We need to draft a franchise LT at 10, whether Reiff, Martin, or Adams. Hairston was over his head and Fitz paid hard and often. Another year of experience would be useful, but not as a starting LT. Let him give someone else breathers when necessary to get it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rubes Posted March 16, 2012 Share Posted March 16, 2012 I'm totally good with drafting a LT at 10. I think it would be a great move, and Hairston has proven he would be a good backup option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
San Jose Bills Fan Posted March 16, 2012 Share Posted March 16, 2012 I agree, how can you fault a guy for trying to find out what he's worth on the open market. Especially when it's a soft FA class for LT's. All signs point to him getting a very good contract. That was the case before free agency started. I'm not so sure he and his agent have liked how things have unfolded so far. Still, it's early. At least Bell and his agent did not cry about his contract renegotiate it and not too long after hold out refusing the contract on extension they requesred. Translation? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John from Riverside Posted March 16, 2012 Share Posted March 16, 2012 I think Hairston could be better then a backup option of he lost some weight.....its just that I think he would be an "OK" LT.....and a pro bowl RT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
San Jose Bills Fan Posted March 16, 2012 Share Posted March 16, 2012 Levi Brown re-signs with the Cards: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/15/cardinals-bring-back-levi-brown-on-five-year-contract/ "With Levi Brown and Jared Gaither returning to the teams they played for last year, the highest-rated offensive tackles left on the PFT Hot 100 list are Eric Winston, Marcus McNeill, Demetrius Bell, and Anthony Collins." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrags Posted March 16, 2012 Share Posted March 16, 2012 I think Hairston could be better then a backup option of he lost some weight.....its just that I think he would be an "OK" LT.....and a pro bowl RT I would pretty much agree with this. I think Hairston should be our RT and that might happen in time even though we already resigned our guy now. IF and thats a big IF, Bell doesnt come back I'd expect Hairston to at least challenge for the starting LT position no matter who we draft even if its a LT at the 10th pick, dont think he'll win that battle but will be given the opportunity. Eventually I think he makes his way to a starting RT position in time. Regarding the Bell thing, I think he may just be back considering there hasnt been much on the LT front by any team really. Doesnt mean hes not being looked at (obvious as Ari looked at him) but I dont think he gets many offers or at all that the Bills wouldnt and couldnt match. IF, another big IF, Bell does come back, I think they will draft a WR with the 10th pick and let Bell continue to grow with Hairston still waiting for a shot at some point or at least getting game time here and there to spell some guys and fill in when injuries come about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsWatch Posted March 16, 2012 Share Posted March 16, 2012 Translation? Hold out like Jason Peters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickelCity Posted March 16, 2012 Share Posted March 16, 2012 I think Hairston can be better at LT than most people tend to believe. That being said, I want to resign Bell and draft Reiff/Martin. Let's get some OT depth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John from Riverside Posted March 16, 2012 Share Posted March 16, 2012 If we resigned Bell we WOULD have OT depth...... You cant go stockpiling at positions when you have weak areas on the team and difference makers available at other areas..... For instance....I am a big John Martin fan if Bell does not come back..... but If Bell tests free agency and sees the grass is not greener....and he accepts whatever offer was on the table from the bills...then it a OT makes no sense to draft anT at 10 when we need a 2nd option WR like Floyd from Notre dame who is sure to be a stud Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
San Jose Bills Fan Posted March 16, 2012 Share Posted March 16, 2012 IF and thats a big IF, Bell doesnt come back IF, another big IF, Bell does come back So let me get this straight, mrags… it's a big IF that Bell doesn't come back and a big IF that he does come back? Is there a third possibility? Hold out like Jason Peters. Oh! Gotcha. Sorry. I think Hairston can be better at LT than most people tend to believe. That being said, I want to resign Bell and draft Reiff/Martin. Let's get some OT depth. Stacking talent, baby. Good players fighting for jobs. Especially when one guy is injury prone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ndirish1978 Posted March 16, 2012 Author Share Posted March 16, 2012 I agree, how can you fault a guy for trying to find out what he's worth on the open market. Especially when it's a soft FA class for LT's. All signs point to him getting a very good contract. I suppose what bothered me is that he didn't even bother to respond to our contract offer. Bell came into this league as a VERY raw prospect and the Bills held onto him and developed him and gave him a shot as a starter. My only real bone with him is the lack of loyalty in not responding to the contract offer. I understand testing free agency to see what your value is, I just take issue with the way he went about it. You're right though, the comment was a bit bombastic. Of course I would want him back under the right circumstances. But, I don't think he's a franchise LT. Martin may or may not be a franchise LT, I don't know. I'd rather have Bell around to allow us some freedom in the draft though. I wouldn't sign him for anything over 4 though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bowery4 Posted March 16, 2012 Share Posted March 16, 2012 http://blogs.buffalobills.com/2012/03/15/bills-likely-done-in-free-agency/ bills-likely-done-in-free-agency, which I am okay with somewhat they offered to Bell he went to somewhere else and didn't counter. I think we draft one high. I mean if he comes back fine but draft one anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
d_wag Posted March 16, 2012 Share Posted March 16, 2012 Need to get Jeff Backus in for a look. If he's healthy would be a good stop gap and allow full flexibility at 10. Backus, Hairston, and a draft pick (be it a first rounder or fifth) can then battle it out in camp. Don't want to box out a LT at 10 by giving big money to someone, or ignore it completely and be forced to use the pick on the position. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White Linen Posted March 16, 2012 Share Posted March 16, 2012 I suppose what bothered me is that he didn't even bother to respond to our contract offer. Bell came into this league as a VERY raw prospect and the Bills held onto him and developed him and gave him a shot as a starter. My only real bone with him is the lack of loyalty in not responding to the contract offer. I understand testing free agency to see what your value is, I just take issue with the way he went about it. You're right though, the comment was a bit bombastic. Of course I would want him back under the right circumstances. But, I don't think he's a franchise LT. Martin may or may not be a franchise LT, I don't know. I'd rather have Bell around to allow us some freedom in the draft though. I wouldn't sign him for anything over 4 though. I can totally understand what you're saying. But consider Bell's point of view, I got drafted in the 7th round, worked my butt off and turned myself into a good tackle, I get hurt in the line of duty so you offer me a ridiculously low contract. So I'm only in your plans if I concede to your offensive offer(no pun intended)? Bye. I'm not saying that is what happened, but what if it did? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geno Smith's Arm Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 (edited) Anyone know anything about this guy? http://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2012/2/23/2819172/nfl-free-agency-arizona-cardinals-anthony-collins-unrestricted He doesn't have a history of injuries... Edited March 19, 2012 by Matthews' Bag Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkyMannn Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 But consider Bell's point of view, I got drafted in the 7th round, worked my butt off and turned myself into a good tackle, I get hurt in the line of duty so you offer me a ridiculously low contract. So I'm only in your plans if I concede to your offensive offer(no pun intended)? No matter what kind of efforts he put in, if you can't play, can't stay on the field, what good are you? Any way, has anything happened with Bell? Sign anywhere? If you have not signed one week into FA, your value and asking price has got to start dropping imo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pirate Angel Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 Far as Ive seen we are the only team that has offered him a contract. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atlbillsfan1975 Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 Far as Ive seen we are the only team that has offered him a contract. You are correct. Cards out of the race for him. The Deadskins were suppose to have brought him in over the weekend. But still no signing or news about anything else. Falcons here in Atlanta may also take a look at him. Sam Baker their first rounder from 2008 has been a disappointment. He has also struggled with injuries. The Falcons are also very cap restricted. So, Bell might be trying to counter the Bills offer? If money is equal where would Bell play??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GG Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 So, Bell might be trying to counter the Bills offer? If money is equal where would Bell play??? Bell tolls for Bell with Bills? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bmur66 Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 Hairston was like parking a truck at LT. Big front bumper but not very good laterally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CBD Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 Arizona was the only team that brought Bell in for a visit, correct? I don't think I've heard his name attached to any other teams, and Scouts.com does not list him as the top available OT, according to ESPN. Washington http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/post/tackle-demetrius-bell-visits-redskins/2012/03/16/gIQAPbtXHS_blog.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DDD Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 Hairston? No, no, a thousand times no. Bell is no left tackle, years of trying hasn't made it so. We need to draft a franchise LT at 10, whether Reiff, Martin, or Adams. Hairston was over his head and Fitz paid hard and often. Another year of experience would be useful, but not as a starting LT. Let him give someone else breathers when necessary to get it. Much too logical and well thought to be posted on TBD. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NastyNateSoldiers Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 Hairston was like parking a truck at LT. Big front bumper but not very good laterally. I thought Hairston played pretty good for a rookie 4th round pick. Although he may be better suited for Rt. My question is if Erik Pears has any experience playing LT? He has very good footwork and plays like a technician against the pass. If he has the comfort level playing on the left then we can move Hairston to the right tackle spot.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frogger Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 Why not McNeill? He's healthy again and would be huge improvement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
San Jose Bills Fan Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 Why not McNeill? He's healthy again and would be huge improvement. McNeill's healthy again? Whose physicals has he passed? I'd heard he's a huge medical question mark and haven't heard that he's been passing physicals. As far as Bell goes, the question in my mind: Would he accept less from another team in order to spite the Bills… or simply out of mule-headedness? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geno Smith's Arm Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 Anyone know anything about this guy? http://www.revengeof...ns-unrestricted He doesn't have a history of injuries...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CSBill Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 Anyone know anything about this guy? http://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2012/2/23/2819172/nfl-free-agency-arizona-cardinals-anthony-collins-unrestricted He doesn't have a history of injuries... I think he is worth a serious look. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geno Smith's Arm Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 (edited) I think he is worth a serious look. He appears to be about the same skill level as Bell, but without any injuries. Seems strange that I haven't heard anything about him. Maybe it's his choice of friends, Jerome Simpson and Aqib Talib... Edited March 20, 2012 by Matthews' Bag Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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