Happy Days Lois & Clark Posted March 1, 2005 Share Posted March 1, 2005 http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/teams/report/BUF/8237410 Bills report: Inside slant Feb. 28, 2005 The Sports Xchange Inside slant · Notes, quotes · Strategy and personnel --As expected, the Bills did not place the franchise or transition designations on left tackle Jonas Jennings or defensive tackle Pat Williams, their two most important unrestricted free agents, who are free to test the market starting Wednesday. Williams' agent, Angelo Wright, declared the Bills "on the clock." Consummating a trade that sends former starter running back Travis Henry to Arizona for tackle L.J. Shelton would eliminate the need for the Bills to retain Jennings at a salary they wouldn't be happy with given his history of injuries. It would make retaining Williams a lot easier. Williams has 474 tackles and 13 sacks since 1997, making him among the most productive interior players in the game and he shows no signs of slowing down. Corey Simon was given the franchise tag by Philadelphia, taking away Williams' biggest competition on the market. Wright felt Bills' general manager Tom Donahoe would turn his sights on his client once the Henry situation was resolved. "If he gets this deal done with Shelton, he'll turn and make a run at Pat, if he wants him," Wright said. "But by the end of Week 1 of free agency, Pat Williams will have a deal somewhere." Talking to reporters at the Indianapolis Scouting Combine, Donahoe said Williams and Jennings are free to shop. "We'd like to get both back if we can, but it may not be cost effective," Donahoe said. Buffalo is projected to have around $8 million in salary cap space after 2005 base salary raises are factored in. Other free agent activity for the team is expected to center on finding a reliable No. 2 quarterback and running back, obtaining a tight end and looking for more upgrades for the offensive line. After releasing Drew Bledsoe and naming second-year pro J.P. Losman the starting quarterback, Buffalo created a huge hole at backup quarterback. They'd like unrestricted free agent Shane Matthews back, but he's considering retirement again. Jay Fielder, cut last week but Miami, is an intriguing option for the Bills since he knows the AFC East and has recent starting experience. Tight end is a concern since Mark Campbell and Tim Euhus are coming off reconstructive knee surgeries. Minnesota's Jermaine Wiggins, Pittsburgh's Matt Cushing and Seattle's Itula Mili are considered solid free agents who would fit scheme and budget wise in Buffalo. Possible backups to Willis McGahee at running back after Henry is dealt include Baltimore's Chester Taylor and the Giants' Mike Cloud. The Bills want size and toughness at running back to play coach Mike Mularkey's power style. Trading Henry clears $1.25 million from Buffalo's salary cap. Safety Pierson Prioleau and wide receiver Josh Reed are other candidates to be released to secure cap space as needed. Reworking wide receiver Eric Moulds' contract and letting go Bledsoe cleared around $5.2 million in cap space. However, tackle Mike Williams and cornerback Nate Clements have base salary raises totaling more than $6 million, which negates the savings created by the Moulds and Bledsoe moves. The Bills' planning has 2006 in mind. That's when starters Clements, Adams, Campbell, London Fletcher, Chris Kelsay, Lawyer Milloy, Jeff Posey, Ross Tucker and kicker Rian Lindell become unrestricted free agents. Donahoe would like to tie up Clements, who made his first Pro Bowl, before he gets to free agency. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LabattBlue Posted March 1, 2005 Share Posted March 1, 2005 You would think they could reference PW's stats on their own website. They are off by 100 in terms of the total tackles PW has since 1997. Williams has 474 tackles and 13 sacks since 1997, making him among the most productive interior players in the game and he shows no signs of slowing down. http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/4539 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cåblelady Posted March 1, 2005 Share Posted March 1, 2005 What about a kicker ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanker Posted March 1, 2005 Share Posted March 1, 2005 What did it say in the article? I'm too lazy to click the link. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cåblelady Posted March 1, 2005 Share Posted March 1, 2005 What did it say in the article?I'm too lazy to click the link. 256225[/snapback] Goofy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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