Who will the Bills bring in at QB?

[D. L. Hot-Flamethrower]

 

I'm not sold on Mariotta being the sure thing "top 2 pick" everyone has him billed as. I think teams have major concerns and it would not be a surprise if he followed the path of other "sure top 2 picks" like Johnny Football and Brady Quinn with a bit of a wait in the green room, after which Chip comes up to get him.

 

 

 

I still think Rivers may be more available than people realize given his age and contract situation (FA after next year). I'm not saying we have the amo to get it done, but it wouldn't shock me if San Diego decided to take some draft picks instead of giving Rivers a $100+ mil deal he starts at age 34-35.

 

 

Someone else who believes this.

[mannc]

Cardale Jones, in round 2 or 3. It is a risk, but one with a huge upside. If nothing else, he can convert 4th and 1 ten times out of ten.

[D. L. Hot-Flamethrower]

Cardale Jones, in round 2 or 3. It is a risk, but one with a huge upside. If nothing else, he can convert 4th and 1 ten times out of ten.

I like him too. Sounds like he staying in school though.

[YoloinOhio]

This Hoyer talk is depressing me

[John from Riverside]

I think it is impossible for any of us to have a clue as to what they will do in terms what new specific QB will be brought in.

 

HOWEVER....I think it is very obvious EJ ain't gonna be the guy, which makes me happy.

Great. The top teams in the NFL are rather pass-heavy, aren't they?

 

Who watched NE vs. Baltimore? This league is entirely about who can out-gun and out-score the other guy with a really strong passing attack and lots of points.

 

"Ground and Pound" is backward, and Rex just said this is his plan. I'm not 100% sure that's a great idea.

 

He seemed to ground this thinking in bad weather/snow in Buffalo. I think that is bad thinking.

 

Seattle

 

I took it not so much that he was non committal to EJ (though he was), but more that he knew a move at the position was already in the works. Like he, Doug, Terry, Kim and Russ already had their guy picked out and the wheels were in motion. I say that because it looked more to me like Rex was trying not to let the cat out of the bag more than being non committal to EJ.

 

Of course, that's pure speculation based on the rumors from Leroi and his general attitude during those questions.

 

This is how I took it as well.....Rex cannot commit to EJ if he knows a veteran QB is coming in.

 

It is my hope that EJ holds the clipboard for another year....and actually turns into a QB for us down the road

[The Jokeman]

I get that Sanchez is the frontrunner because of his history with Rex. Yet I wouldn't be shocked if we go for someone with ties to our new OC. That would leave us either Colt McCoy, Blaine Gabbert or Joshua Johnson. I think Colt be the best veteran option with the lowest basement but if we want to go high ceiling I wouldn't be totally shocked if we went with Gabbert as he got rave reviews for his work ethic by Roman last preseason not to mention the 49ers did try and trade McCoy when he was there so he might not be connected to Roman as tight as we want.

Edited January 14, 2015 by The Jokeman

[harv shitz]

Mike Glennon from Tampa Bay. I love his arm, and at 6'6", he has all the physical attributes to be a great QB. I wanted them to take Glennon in the second round, but they took EJ in the first.

 

Glennon might be expendable, as the Lovie Smith doesn't seem to be very high on him.

[FireChan]

This Hoyer talk is depressing me

Cutler, for reasons I have already expressed.

[yungmack]

Rex already met with Jim Kelly....

[Ozymandias!]

Pegula said that he wanted an experienced coach, not a first-time coach, because he thought the Bills were on the cusp.

 

For that reason, I would expect an experienced vet to be the favorite to be the Bills starting QB. Not a rookie. And probably not EJ.

[YoloinOhio]

Cutler, for reasons I have already expressed.

you want Cutty but is that who you think they will bring in?

[FireChan]

 

First off good poll...Second off, this "Rex was non committal" about the QB position in the press conference is getting SOOOOOOOO over blown its ridiculous. What does anyone expect a brand new HC, his 2nd day on the job, is going to say about the position in which only the former backup QB remains who is a young and unproven commodity?

 

1. Whaley has said publicly that we WILL bring in competition and that they still believe in EJ.

2. Case closed, what else is there to say? Seriously?

3. Rex has not had a chance to spend any time with EJ, evaluate the QB's in the draft (as we don't even know them all yet), evaluate available FA QB's, evaluate any available by trade and what they will cost, etc etc. How can ANYONE be committal about this or any position right now? Players earn their spot and he hasn't had a chance to work with anyone yet.

 

So, that being said, its a good poll because we KNOW at least 1 QB will be added to compete. But this stuff about how non committal Rex was all over the shout box and threads is stupid. Of course he is, he doesn't even know who the back up QB will be because we only have ONE QB right now and a PS QB in Tuel. I love how people want to make a big deal about him being no committal over a position he doesn't even know who the players will be yet as we don't have enough on the roster yet.

 

My answer to the poll though is either Matt Moore or Bradford.

You're right it may be a little overblown. But you look at the other positions, he was high on some of the offensive players talking about game planning and other things. It's clear that Rex thinks EJ is a question mark IMO.

you want Cutty but is that who you think they will bring in?

Yep. He's a guy that has shown he can play at a high level and I don't think he'll be too expensive. Whaley is no stranger to giving up some assets for playmakers and guys who can get us over the hump.

[The Jokeman]

You're right it may be a little overblown. But you look at the other positions, he was high on some of the offensive players talking about game planning and other things. It's clear that Rex thinks EJ is a question mark IMO.

Yep. He's a guy that has shown he can play at a high level and I don't think he'll be too expensive. Whaley is no stranger to giving up some assets for playmakers and guys who can get us over the hump.

The reason the Bears want to lose him is his cap hit, do we really want to bring in Cutler and lose any chance at re-signing Hughes or adding veteran OGs and/or improve our TE depth? If so that's what happens if you trade for Cutler. No thanks.

[Buffaloed in Pa]

I heard Cutler is very high on the "to do" list. He would not be my choice though.

Where ?

[FireChan]

The reason the Bears want to lose him is his cap hit, do we really want to bring in Cutler and lose any chance at re-signing Hughes or adding veteran OGs and/or improve our TE depth? If so that's what happens if you trade for Cutler. No thanks.

I get your point. But we have Rex now. Hughes was a nobody before Pettine's system, which was Rex's system. Will his loss really be felt?

 

TE depth? What TE do you want who is going to be a difference maker? Hell, Cutty got Martellus Bennet to triple his production when he joined the Bears. We could see the same thing happen to Chandler. Guard? A little more troubling, but I assume we're going to draft a guy in the second round for that spot.

 

Bottom line, you see a QB who can play at a high level, you get him. The Ravens would take Flacco and his ginormous contract over TE depth and G's in a second.

 

And, I believe his cap hit is radically smaller in 2016. Which means no worries for Dareus or anyone else.

Edited January 15, 2015 by FireChan

[Deranged Rhino]

I get your point. But we have Rex now. Hughes was a nobody before Pettine's system, which was Rex's system. Will his loss really be felt?

 

 

In my mind, yes. Because Rex running Rex's system is far better than Pettine running his version of Rex's system. One thing Rex knows how to do is get production out of his players. I don't think there's anyway Hughes doesn't fit in this defense nor do I believe he won't be more productive in it than he was in Pettine's version.

 

That said, I'm for letting Hughes walk if we're spending that money on Revis and Spikes/Harris as was suggested in a previous thread. But not for Cutler, no matter how persuasive and well argued your post was last night.

[The Jokeman]

I get your point. But we have Rex now. Hughes was a nobody before Pettine's system, which was Rex's system. Will his loss really be felt?

 

TE depth? What TE do you want who is going to be a difference maker? Hell, Cutty got Martellus Bennet to triple his production when he joined the Bears. We could see the same thing happen to Chandler. Guard? A little more troubling, but I assume we're going to draft a guy in the second round for that spot.

 

Bottom line, you see a QB who can play at a high level, you get him. The Ravens would take Flacco and his ginormous contract over TE depth and G's in a second.

 

And, I believe his cap hit is radically smaller in 2016. Which means no worries for Dareus or anyone else.

Teams don't just throw away high level QBs in the garbage unless they think they have an equally good one on their roster. I can't see Cutler getting traded honestly. To compare Cutler to Flacco is embarrassing cuz Flacco has shown in the playoffs to be a much better QB than Cutler has. Heck has Cutler even won a playoff game? I know we haven't been in a playoff game but meh I think Cutler's stats get padded in garbage time or at least they were at times last year.

[FireChan]

 

In my mind, yes. Because Rex running Rex's system is far better than Pettine running his version of Rex's system. One thing Rex knows how to do is get production out of his players. I don't think there's anyway Hughes doesn't fit in this defense nor do I believe he won't be more productive in it than he was in Pettine's version.

 

That said, I'm for letting Hughes walk if we're spending that money on Revis and Spikes/Harris as was suggested in a previous thread. But not for Cutler, no matter how persuasive and well argued your post was last night.

Damn, I really thought I got some believers.

 

Anyway, I like Hughes and think he'll be good. But my point was if he wants some huge contract, maybe we are better off with a lesser player that Rex can maximize and spending that money elsewhere. Sort've like, "Rex is so good at defense, he doesn't need a billion dollar defensive line," you know?

[Deranged Rhino]

Damn, I really thought I got some believers.

 

Anyway, I like Hughes and think he'll be good. But my point was if he wants some huge contract, maybe we are better off with a lesser player that Rex can maximize and spending that money elsewhere. Sort've like, "Rex is so good at defense, he doesn't need a billion dollar defensive line," you know?

 

I'm with you. I can get behind that argument, and I'm not advocating breaking the cap to keep Hughes. I just think he's finally found himself in this league and is worth keeping around.

 

Cutler... like I said, your post was well argued and thought out and I like your main point. Cutler fits that mold, and if they do bring him in I'll be using your rationale to soothe the sting. So in that sense you did get a believer. I just would rather not go with Cutler -- especially with that contract. A Cutler on the cheap though... I'd be much more amenable.

[NickelCity]

I heard Cutler is very high on the "to do" list. He would not be my choice though.

 

Where ?

 

I'll second that. Where?

[FireChan]

Teams don't just throw away high level QBs in the garbage unless they think they have an equally good one on their roster. I can't see Cutler getting traded honestly. To compare Cutler to Flacco is embarrassing cuz Flacco has shown in the playoffs to be a much better QB than Cutler has. Heck has Cutler even won a playoff game? I know we haven't been in a playoff game but meh I think Cutler's stats get padded in garbage time or at least they were at times last year.

Cutler went to the NFC Chip in 09. I compare him to Flacco and Eli because I think all of their games are similar. I can see him getting traded because A. there's been smoke and B. they are entering a total rebuild, need cap room to maneuver, and he hasn't won a Superbowl, like you said.

 

The post Greg is referring to is here. You may agree but think the contract is too much, which I get. But I think he fits as the kind of guy we need.

 

 

The thing about "consistency in the playoffs" is that the teams that win the Superbowl are not always consistent. Joe Flacco isn't consistent. Neither is Eli. They both have had great games against good opponents, and really bad games. Short of hitting on a top 5 generational guy, you want a guy who, at his best, can play great, and you accept that he's gonna have some games or years where he'll play worse and fall short.

 

Flacco is a good QB for this reason. He's had great games before, but whether it's luck, streaking or what have you, he put together a couple of his best to win a championship. So did Eli. And both of those guys have had really bad years as well.

 

Rodgers, Brady, P. Manning are all great because they are consistent. A down year for one of those guys is an above average year for a Flacco/Eli QB. But Flacco/Eli both have the potential on any given Sunday to outduel one of those guys if they play well. That's the kind of QB I want to target short term. That's why I want Cutler. His season stats are a little above average, but not spectacular. I get that. But is there a available QB with a better chance to throw for 400 yards and 4 TD's on a random game? If you had to pick one QB out of the guys available for trade/FA, who gives you the best odds of winning a shootout against a great QB?

 

That's the main reason why I, personally, don't have as much faith in EJ as I would like in delivering a Superbowl. He's had some good performances with good team performances, no question. But I haven't seen him elevate to that point where I go, "Woah, we could outscore anyone with EJ playing like this." I know it's a tall order, but I wish I had seen that.

 

In short, I want a guy who has had multiple "hot" games where he's flat out dominated. I don't care about his lows. Consistency be damned. Just give me someone with a shot to play at a Pro-Bowl level for a game. That could be enough, with some luck.

http://forums.twobillsdrive.com/topic/175139-bills-gm-wants-next-coach-to-revive-ej-manuel/page-21

[Billsrhody]

For anyone who is worried about Cutlers cap hit, his contract is essentially only guaranteed for 2015. After that it would be easy to cut him or restructure.

 

And for those voting for Bradford, just know that his cap hit for next year is essentially the same as Cutler's.

[Deranged Rhino]

... So much Sanchize love out there. It's continually surprising.

[FireChan]

 

I'm with you. I can get behind that argument, and I'm not advocating breaking the cap to keep Hughes. I just think he's finally found himself in this league and is worth keeping around.

 

Cutler... like I said, your post was well argued and thought out and I like your main point. Cutler fits that mold, and if they do bring him in I'll be using your rationale to soothe the sting. So in that sense you did get a believer. I just would rather not go with Cutler -- especially with that contract. A Cutler on the cheap though... I'd be much more amenable.

I have to admit, Hughes' play against the Browns was eye-popping.

 

The cap space argument is valid to me, but I personally don't see another option besides a lucky "revival" of a backup guy. There's always going to be negatives to moves. Hell, Sammy had negatives in terms of the trade. But without taking a shot, without taking a risk, you'll never find out if the player was worth it. Like Russell Wilson being "too small." I hope we aren't sitting on the couch next year going, "That guy was available? Why did we not get him?!?"

... So much Sanchize love out there. It's continually surprising.

I have no idea why.

[ExWNYer]

Rex Ryan seemed very non-committal to EJ in his press conference today. It feels like there is a plan in motion to bring a new QB to Buffalo. Who do you think it will be?

 

I get the feeling that a lot of the QBs who people may want won't be available...nothing concrete, just a hunch that not as many will be available as thought. That said, I think the Bills will end up with somebody who will cost them nothing but money. For that reason, I voted Matt Moore but 'd like to see them take a chance on Sam Bradford. JMO

 

Surprised so many folks are thinking Sanchize... He's not coming.

 

Agreed. I don't believe it will happen. Much like the Marrone/Nassib speculation.

[Beerball]

For anyone who is worried about Cutlers cap hit, his contract is essentially only guaranteed for 2015. After that it would be easy to cut him or restructure.

 

And for those voting for Bradford, just know that his cap hit for next year is essentially the same as Cutler's.

Cap has nothing to do with my distaste for Cutler.

[pimp 2]

 

I like Mannion too. I also llike Grayson. List here http://www.drafttek.com/2015-NFL-Draft-Prospect-Rankings/Top-QBs.asp

I've tried some mock drafts already. Hamstrung by whether to look at 3-4 or 4-3, despite what Rex said today, I need to know to feed the computer the best info for our team.

Two mocks I like:

RD2-50

">Maxx Williams TE Minnesota http://youtu.be/AmZp3lwjilo

RD3-81 Jake Fisher LOT Oregon

RD5-129 (Mannion or Grayson QB here)

2 50 Landon Turner OG North Carolina

3 81 Duke Johnson RBF Miami (FL) or Mike Davis RBF South Carolina

4 110 Corey Robinson OT South Carolina

5 129 Bryce Petty QB Baylor or Garrett Grayson QB Colorado State

5 153 Jeff Heuerman TE Ohio St

6 178 Josh Tupou DT34 Colorado

7 210 Josh Shaw CB USC

2 50 Buffalo Duke Johnson RBF Miami (FL)

3 81 Buffalo Jake Fisher OT Oregon

4 110 Buffalo Shane Carden QB East Carolina

5 129 Buffalo Jeff Heuerman TE Ohio St

5 147 Buffalo Jordan Rigsbee OG California

6 178 Buffalo Josh Tupou DT34 Colorado

7 210 Buffalo Jalston Fowler FB Alabama

--Go Bills!

Dean Kindig, DraftTek Bills Analyst

 

I like the Maxx Williams in the 2nd rd but he may be available in rd 3, as well.

 

I would like AJ Cann- OG in the 2nd

Maxx Williams- TE - 3rd

Mannion - QB - 5th

Any downhill RB- 5th

[reddogblitz]

... So much Sanchize love out there. It's continually surprising.

Also a lot for Matt Moore which I find equally surprising.

[Augie]

Bradford. He's still the guy I'm hoping for depending on the deal.

That's been my thought all along. It was my vote. I'm always wrong. Sorry I couldn't be more help.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

Rex Ryan seemed very non-committal to EJ in his press conference today. It feels like there is a plan in motion to bring a new QB to Buffalo. Who do you think it will be?

 

I thought Rex Ryan and Whaley were both very committal about wanting competition and looking at all options. And that's how it should be.

 

I think that means they will bring in a vet, AND draft a rookie with a mid-round pick.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

Also a lot for Matt Moore which I find equally surprising.

 

mmm, he hasn't started a game for 3 years, so I think the thinking is he's still got something in the tank. He's only 30. Last year he started (2011) he was quietly competent, racking up 60.5% completions, 16 TD and 9 INTs in 13 games (12 starts) and 7 AY/A. By all accounts he's got a good head and has been a good mentor to Tannehill.

 

I think it's pretty clear we're going to draft a rookie, and we have EJ as well. So I think those are the qualities we want in a vet: steady, dependable, good head, good mentor, competent NFL quarterback. Kind of like Fitz with a better arm and less interceptions. He ain't Tom Brady but he can manage a game and throw enough to keep the opponents honest.

 

Bradford has shown flashes of being a very good NFL QB and seems to be a very good man with his head together and screwed on right, but the quote from the GM in last Sunday's St Louis Post-Dispatch said it all: "we've played 26 games now without our starting QB". He's a very fragile reed to hang your hopes on. RGIII same thing but without the "very good NFL QB" of recent date.

 

Mark Sanchez sucked in NY and I didn't like what I heard about his inability to master the playbook. He played decently last year under Kelly, so he intrigued me. But having him here now that we've got Rex, with his wife wearing that Sanchez jersey tattood on his arm, would just feel too perverted to me.

 

I have seen very little of Hoyer. I have no opinion. He looks meh on paper. The aspect I really dislike is more TD than INTs, and <1 TD/game. That's never a good sign.

 

Eli Manning and Jay Cutler, way too expensive and either has-been or has-never-been. Having a QB that expensive while you're trying to build the roster (or add the last few pieces) is the path to Cap Hell. Brady, are you kidding me, just draft Mephistopheles and have him sign Faust as a guard.

 

I could be wrong, but I really don't think Foles, Glennon, Cousins, or Kaepernick are available without a very juicy trade. They are the best QB on their respective rosters right now in a QB-poor FA and draft class. Even if their teams draft someone else, the chances are very good they stay this year. In the case of Glennon and Cousins they are the EJ of their respective teams - some flashes, but the Baby hasn't emerged for inspection yet. Nothing there to justify handing over the juice.

 

Foles had a really nice year last year, really nice. Based on 2013, he might be worth something juicy, but he regressed a bit last year. I think the Iggles will want to keep him, and I'm not sure he's shown enough to justify what the Iggles would want in this Seller's Market, but he's the best of the lot IMO.

Edited January 15, 2015 by Hopeful

[Beef Jerky]

Matt Moore would add good competition. That is what we are doing having a QB competition, if EJ beat him out awesome and if not Moore is not a bad stop gap. Also draft a guy Garret Grayson.

[WrecksRyan]

Take it from a guy who was saddled with Wrecks for the last six years......it doesn't matter who your QB is. Wrecks doesn't know the offense exists.

[reddogblitz]

My plan as of today (subject to change) would be to sign Jake Locker and Colt McCoy. They both have played well but are injury prone as is perhaps EJ. Let them compete in TC for starter. Set the order based on competition (1, 2 or 3). Then when the first one gets hurt you got a really good backup. When the 2nd guy gets hurt you still got a good one. QB by committee if none of them can stay upright.

 

In 2013 in 7 games Jake Locker threw 8 TDs vs 4 Ints. 60.8% 6.9 YPA 86.7 Rate 1,256 yards. When healthy he's played well the last 2 years.

[filthymcnasty08]

 

I like Mannion too. I also llike Grayson. List here http://www.drafttek.com/2015-NFL-Draft-Prospect-Rankings/Top-QBs.asp

 

I've tried some mock drafts already. Hamstrung by whether to look at 3-4 or 4-3, despite what Rex said today, I need to know to feed the computer the best info for our team.

Two mocks I like:

RD2-50 Maxx Williams TE Minnesota

RD3-81 Jake Fisher LOT Oregon

RD5-129 (Mannion or Grayson QB here)

2 50 Landon Turner OG North Carolina

3 81 Duke Johnson RBF Miami (FL) or Mike Davis RBF South Carolina

4 110 Corey Robinson OT South Carolina

5 129 Bryce Petty QB Baylor or Garrett Grayson QB Colorado State

5 153 Jeff Heuerman TE Ohio St

6 178 Josh Tupou DT34 Colorado

7 210 Josh Shaw CB USC

2 50 Buffalo Duke Johnson RBF Miami (FL)

3 81 Buffalo Jake Fisher OT Oregon

4 110 Buffalo Shane Carden QB East Carolina

5 129 Buffalo Jeff Heuerman TE Ohio St

5 147 Buffalo Jordan Rigsbee OG California

6 178 Buffalo Josh Tupou DT34 Colorado

7 210 Buffalo Jalston Fowler FB Alabama

--Go Bills!

Dean Kindig, DraftTek Bills Analyst

 

Of course it will be a Williams!

[truth on hold]

writing is on the wall it's Sanchez. He's the best combination of having playoff success and likely available at reasonable cost of all the candidates. When asked, Rex didnt miss a beat saying they will have a good look at him

Edited January 15, 2015 by JTSP

[8-8 Forever?]

hard to say. with ground and pound Roman/Rex in town, i guess big time QBs are out. so... who knows,

[OldTimer1960]

Rex Ryan seemed very non-committal to EJ in his press conference today. It feels like there is a plan in motion to bring a new QB to Buffalo. Who do you think it will be?

I think that plan is "Man, we need to find someone competent to compete with Manuel because he isn't a sure thing. Man, we wish there was someone good available!"

 

Seriously, I think they'll try to get one of the FAs: Sanchez, Hoyer or Moore. I don't think that they'll be willing to pull a big trade for Bradford or Cutler as both have significant risks and would eat up a lot of valuable cap space in addition to what you'd have to give up in a trade for either.

Edited January 15, 2015 by OldTimer1960

[BillsFan-4-Ever]

... So much Sanchize love out there. It's continually surprising.

+100

[Simon Says]

I hope for a QB that has starting experience, relatively young, with upside. Versatile,durable. if the Bills can retain most , or all of their current roster, adding a top QB would be significant, maybe huge, step forward.