Bills Have a Standing Offer for LB Preston Brown

[sven233]

Ryan Talbot‏Verified account @RyanTalbotBills 44m44 minutes ago

Sources: #Bills have standing offer for LB Preston Brown http://bit.ly/2tRtJn5  #BillsMafia

http://www.newyorkupstate.com/buffalo-bills/index.ssf/2018/03/sources_buffalo_bills_have_standing_offer_for_linebacker_preston_brown.html

 

My take:

I think Preston Brown is a decent football player.  He has a lot of limitations, especially in the pass game, but the guy is durable and a pretty smart football player.  I've been of the opinion we need an upgrade in the middle of our defense for a while now.  While Brown does some nice things, he rarely makes the big impact plays that change games.  Before making a judgement as to whether I want him back or not, I'd love to know the details of the offer that is on the table.  With the way LBs have been demanding huge contracts early in free agency here, I am in no hurry to sign him back.  I don't want to pay the guy any more than $4 mil/per.  My guess is that the Bills don't either and that they have set a price, and it's take it or leave it.  Hopefully their price isn't too high, though.  Still think we could get better there.  We actually need a couple of linebackers though, so it will be interesting to see how this situation is handled come the draft.

Edited March 16, 2018 by sven233

[Sig1Hunter]

4 mil per? For your starting middle linebacker that happened to lead the league in tackles? I agree,  he isn't that game changing MLB. But the guy can play and is a steady performer.  4m/year seems pretty skimpy for a guy with his resume,  doesn't it?

[buffalover4life]

I want a fresh start from linebacker. It would be a savvy move to trade next years 1st and 2nd picks and hold on to our picks this year. We have a crazy amount of cap next year...will be able add big pieces in free agency.

 

I am a huge fan of the depth of this draft through 2-3 rounds

 

Leighton Vander Esch from boise would be great in round 2 or rashaan evans in round 1 

[NeckMeat182]

He played in every game for 4 yrs straight and made 3 mil over 4 yrs.  Pay the man 7mil a yr avg for 4 years and front load it incase a better option come around.

 

 

[iccrewman112]

6 minutes ago, buffalover4life said:

I want a fresh start from linebacker. It would be a savvy move to trade next years 1st and 2nd picks and hold on to our picks this year. We have a crazy amount of cap next year...will be able add big pieces in free agency.

 

I am a huge fan of the depth of this draft through 2-3 rounds

 

Leighton Vander Esch from boise would be great in round 2 or rashaan evans in round 1 

Would love...

 

Edmunds at 12

Vander Esch at 21 or 53

[njbuff]

I think the Bills will wait out the market for any other Fa signings.

 

If there are no fliers for PB, the Bills might welcome him back at their rate.

[buffalover4life]

6 minutes ago, Sig1Hunter said:

4 mil per? For your starting middle linebacker that happened to lead the league in tackles? I agree,  he isn't that game changing MLB. But the guy can play and is a steady performer.  4m/year seems pretty skimpy for a guy with his resume,  doesn't it?

 

4 might be a bit low, but I don't think they value him as a unquestioned starter, this team wants to upgrade the position, Mcdermott wants to find his Luke. Preston did not attack the line of scrimmage, plays kinda seemed come to him down the field

[Estro]

I think Preston is a replaceable player.  His durability has been his best asset, but his lack of speed and poor angles in pursuit are problems.  He's also a liability against the quick pass game.  It's safe to keep him and not create a hole, but it might be smarter to look to upgrade for a lot cheaper in the draft if they think such a prospect exists in the draft who'd be available in rounds 2-4.  

[MiltonWaddams]

Preston is replaceable, but the issue is that he is not easily replaceable. Look at FA and find me a guy of his caliber that can slide right into this defence. Nope. Can you guarantee that the Bills can acquire a better, if not at least equal, talent at MLB through the draft? Nope. This is why they want him back and I can't agree more. The $4 million value seems good, but I imagine that the leading tackler in the league last year is looking at closer to $6million.

[Domdab99]

2 hours ago, NeckMeat182 said:

He played in every game for 4 yrs straight and made 3 mil over 4 yrs.  Pay the man 7mil a yr avg for 4 years and front load it incase a better option come around.

 

 

 

this

[JerseyBills]

I hope it's only 1-2 years and they draft a franchise mlb

[Domdab99]

2 hours ago, Estro said:

I think Preston is a replaceable player.  His durability has been his best asset, but his lack of speed and poor angles in pursuit are problems.  He's also a liability against the quick pass game.  It's safe to keep him and not create a hole, but it might be smarter to look to upgrade for a lot cheaper in the draft if they think such a prospect exists in the draft who'd be available in rounds 2-4.  

 

With who?

[YoloinOhio]

4 mill a year? He will absolutely get more elsewhere. Including here if he signs.

[Kirby Jackson]

4 hours ago, buffalover4life said:

 

4 might be a bit low, but I don't think they value him as a unquestioned starter, this team wants to upgrade the position, Mcdermott wants to find his Luke. Preston did not attack the line of scrimmage, plays kinda seemed come to him down the field

That’s the way it works playing behind Adolphus Washington, Kyle Williams and Cedric Thornton. That’s the thing that people are missing when it comes to the Bills LBs. The Bills DTs were bullied in the run game. That’s not the LBs fault. Yes, it would be nice to add a playmaker and I think that they will. Brown can, and should, be the 3rd piece at the right price IMO. Solid, smart and productive is not a bad thing.

[Doc Brown]

I wonder if they did the same thing with EJ Gaines.

[Estro]

2 hours ago, Domdab99 said:

 

With who?

Read my last sentence

[MrEpsYtown]

Gotta move on unless you are making him a two down guy who comes off the field in nickel. He is so mediocre and bringing him back is like re-signing Chris Kelsay...paying mediocre players has had a negative effect on this franchise for many years. I hope they stop doing it. 

[Kirby Jackson]

The other thing that people are missing is that he wasn’t a liability in the pass defense last year. The scheme is such that he isn’t isolated on smaller, quicker players. 

[3rdand12]

18 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

That’s the way it works playing behind Adolphus Washington, Kyle Williams and Cedric Thornton. That’s the thing that people are missing when it comes to the Bills LBs. The Bills DTs were bullied in the run game. That’s not the LBs fault. Yes, it would be nice to add a playmaker and I think that they will. Brown can, and should, be the 3rd piece at the right price IMO. Solid, smart and productive is not a bad thing.

Very nearly my thinking. Sure there are things he can work on. But he could also be put in a better position for success. Getting the Line sorted out will go a rather long way for the Defense as a whole.

But I still would like at least two LBrs upgraded

[boyst]

I don't dislike Brown. But, he's not the best.  He is just a different player than Bradham but a more complete player overall, for example.

 

I'd bump up the offer and still think the Bills retain him.

[MrEpsYtown]

23 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

The other thing that people are missing is that he wasn’t a liability in the pass defense last year. The scheme is such that he isn’t isolated on smaller, quicker players. 

 

He is never man to man on backs and tight ends, but the MIKE in this system needs to be able to play a deep middle. He has to have range and speed and he has to be able to get to crossers and things of that nature before they get to the first down. He is terrible at this and he doesn't have the speed to make up for it. I still say he is the reason we lost to Jacksonville. Bortles was able to run up in the pocket and ran for 10-15 yards every time before anyone got to him. This happened because Brown is too slow. He has to be able to come out of his zone like a missle downhill and tackle that quarterback. He simply cannot do it.  He's a 3-4 ILB who comes off the field in nickel ala Reggie Ragland. 

[gonzo1105]

5 hours ago, NeckMeat182 said:

He played in every game for 4 yrs straight and made 3 mil over 4 yrs.  Pay the man 7mil a yr avg for 4 years and front load it incase a better option come around.

 

 

 

So you advocate giving a guy an extra 3 million dollars a season even tho his market may not dictate that? Doesn’t sound like good managing of the salary camp and shrewd business strategy. 

 

If he was a 7-8 million dollar a year player he would have been signed by now. Truth is he is a 4-5 million dollar a year Player 

[NewEraBills]

I'd prefer a fresh start at MLB.  He gets exposed way too much in the passing game, especially by NE.  He might want more money.  Nobody is beating down his doors though.  Hopefully, someone is willing to give him 4.5 and he takes it and we move on.

[billsbackto81]

6 minutes ago, gonzo1105 said:

 

So you advocate giving a guy an extra 3 million dollars a season even tho his market may not dictate that? Doesn’t sound like good managing of the salary camp and shrewd business strategy. 

 

If he was a 7-8 million dollar a year player he would have been signed by now. Truth is he is a 4-5 million dollar a year Player 

Can't argue that. GMs aren't exactly bashing his door in are they?

[Kirby Jackson]

33 minutes ago, MrEpsYtown said:

 

He is never man to man on backs and tight ends, but the MIKE in this system needs to be able to play a deep middle. He has to have range and speed and he has to be able to get to crossers and things of that nature before they get to the first down. He is terrible at this and he doesn't have the speed to make up for it. I still say he is the reason we lost to Jacksonville. Bortles was able to run up in the pocket and ran for 10-15 yards every time before anyone got to him. This happened because Brown is too slow. He has to be able to come out of his zone like a missle downhill and tackle that quarterback. He simply cannot do it.  He's a 3-4 ILB who comes off the field in nickel ala Reggie Ragland. 

He graded out as an average LB in coverage last year. 

 

He is never going to have elite closing speed. If the front 4 gets pressure though, he diagnoses quickly and can offset his average speed and make plays. In the Jags game Bortles was too comfortable in the pocket. 

 

The Bills still need 2 starting LBs to go with Milano (and depth). Brown raises the floor. He’s a pretty good, durable, smart football player that McDermott likes. His play will improve with the improved DL. He will never be great but can’t check off one more need. They still need to add an athletic LB in the draft (Darius Leonard is my pick).

[aristocrat]

3 year deal like all players are getting which means it’s a two year deal. 

[MrEpsYtown]

28 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

He graded out as an average LB in coverage last year. 

 

He is never going to have elite closing speed. If the front 4 gets pressure though, he diagnoses quickly and can offset his average speed and make plays. In the Jags game Bortles was too comfortable in the pocket. 

 

The Bills still need 2 starting LBs to go with Milano (and depth). Brown raises the floor. He’s a pretty good, durable, smart football player that McDermott likes. His play will improve with the improved DL. He will never be great but can’t check off one more need. They still need to add an athletic LB in the draft (Darius Leonard is my pick).

 

We could not get to Bortles, but once he breaks the pocket, linebackers need to have enough closing speed so he isn't running for 30 yards. The linebackers need to close the gap and stop the quarterback before he gets to the first down marker. I blame Brown and Ramon Humber. They both stink.  

 

I just think bringing him back is a very poor use of funds. He has proven to be mediocre, and that can't be the goal, can it? When we eventually find his replacement, he can't really play special teams either. Seems like there is no point to having him back. Yes he is smart and such, maybe he should be a linebacker coach or something. Just a very poor fit for our scheme.  

[Spielman]

6 hours ago, NeckMeat182 said:

He played in every game for 4 yrs straight and made 3 mil over 4 yrs.  Pay the man 7mil a yr avg for 4 years and front load it incase a better option come around.

 

 

We need to move on from him...too slow, makes all of his tackles downfield.  Watch a  tape of him vs one of Rashaan Evans.   $7MM is crazy for a player of his caliber.  How about $-0- for 4 years.....

Edited March 16, 2018 by Loosh

[JinxedBill1]

I think they have a standing offer for a lot of the players left unsigned.  Brown is a good linebacker, underrated round these parts.

 

I think having Star will help immensely.  We still need another LB tho.  So is getting up there and there's not a lot after brown and Milano.  

[Doc]

Good.  Maybe bump-up the offer a bit but don't break the bank for him.  I hope they have the same for Gaines.

[YoloinOhio]

Eric Reid from the niners is a versatile LB/safety who I would not mind bringing in for this defense. 

[Virgil]

He fills a need and knows the system. People aren’t knocking down his door. 

 

5-6 mil for a 2-3 years hopefully gets it done and he’s serviceable until we upgrade.  

 

I know McDermott wants his Kuechley

[Kirby Jackson]

32 minutes ago, MrEpsYtown said:

 

We could not get to Bortles, but once he breaks the pocket, linebackers need to have enough closing speed so he isn't running for 30 yards. The linebackers need to close the gap and stop the quarterback before he gets to the first down marker. I blame Brown and Ramon Humber. They both stink.  

 

I just think bringing him back is a very poor use of funds. He has proven to be mediocre, and that can't be the goal, can it? When we eventually find his replacement, he can't really play special teams either. Seems like there is no point to having him back. Yes he is smart and such, maybe he should be a linebacker coach or something. Just a very poor fit for our scheme.  

My point is that when there is no pressure the LBs have to hold their coverage assignments longer. When the QB is under pressure the LBs can begin pursuing. If he is just waiting in the pocket they have to stay in coverage until he commits to running.

 

He isn’t awful. He led the league in tackles and graded out pretty well. The Bills still need 2 starting LBs, 2 starting OL, WR2, franchise QB and a slot corner. Brown immediately crosses one of those needs off and you are going to get pretty good play.

 

You aren’t ever going to have stars at every position in the salary cap era. Too often, Bills fans take the approach of “just get someone else and it will be better.” With the market where it is, and the draft resources that will be used to go up, you are more likely to downgrade from Brown than upgrade. Milano, Brown and a rookie is not a bad group.

[Mark80]

Preston Brown is not good.  Constantly blown up by blockers.  Constantly attacking the wrong gaps.  Constantly left in the dust in man coverage, so much so that they stopped even trying putting him in man.  Constantly standing in a zone that doesn't have a guy within a 10 yard radius of him (and I actually paused the DVR a couple times and saw this with no one within 20 yards, 20!!!) instead of adjusting his coverage.  Is some of that taught?  Perhaps.  While I do think he would be a good depth guy, I would not pay him starting LB money.  Leading the league in tackles is such a garbage stat.  Especially when it includes assists.  Most of his tackles were at least 5 yards past the LOS or just cleaning up other guys work.  That is not what a MLB should be doing.  There is a reason no one is jumping all over this guy.

Edited March 16, 2018 by Mark80

[MrEpsYtown]

4 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

My point is that when there is no pressure the LBs have to hold their coverage assignments longer. When the QB is under pressure the LBs can begin pursuing. If he is just waiting in the pocket they have to stay in coverage until he commits to running.

 

He isn’t awful. He led the league in tackles and graded out pretty well. The Bills still need 2 starting LBs, 2 starting OL, WR2, franchise QB and a slot corner. Brown immediately crosses one of those needs off and you are going to get pretty good play.

 

You aren’t ever going to have stars at every position in the salary cap era. Too often, Bills fans take the approach of “just get someone else and it will be better.” With the market where it is, and the draft resources that will be used to go up, you are more likely to downgrade from Brown than upgrade. Milano, Brown and a rookie is not a bad group.

 

I'll have to agree to disagree. Once that quarterback breaks the pocket that linebacker needs to have enough speed to run him down. At least in this zone scheme. Preston is just not twitchy enough to make that transition and doesn't have the speed. He is a 2 down backer in this league. There is value in that, but not for us. And that is my point. You just can't pay a player of his caliber anything close to what the market is dictating. It is what we used to do with the Chris Kelsays of the world. Let him move on and figure it out some other way. 

[Kirby Jackson]

3 minutes ago, MrEpsYtown said:

 

I'll have to agree to disagree. Once that quarterback breaks the pocket that linebacker needs to have enough speed to run him down. At least in this zone scheme. Preston is just not twitchy enough to make that transition and doesn't have the speed. He is a 2 down backer in this league. There is value in that, but not for us. And that is my point. You just can't pay a player of his caliber anything close to what the market is dictating. It is what we used to do with the Chris Kelsays of the world. Let him move on and figure it out some other way. 

What’s the number in your head that would work? I am probably a little higher than most but $6M average is something I’m comfortable with. I think Avery Williamson is a poor man’s Preston Brown and he got 3 years, $22.5M with $16M guaranteed.

[Gugny]

I'd like to know who the "sources," are.

[Solomon Grundy]

7 hours ago, iccrewman112 said:

Would love...

 

Edmunds at 12

Vander Esch at 21 or 53

I'd like to get Edmunds too, but we CANNOT pass on QB at 12!! Maybe Star and Kyle/rookie DT will allow Preston Brown to roam the opponents backfield. Then we can see what Brown can do for you?

[MrEpsYtown]

12 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

What’s the number in your head that would work? I am probably a little higher than most but $6M average is something I’m comfortable with. I think Avery Williamson is a poor man’s Preston Brown and he got 3 years, $22.5M with $16M guaranteed.

 

I don't want him back at any price. If he returns, he will continue to hold this defense back. Manti T'eo, essentially the same player, signed a 2 year 5 million dollar contract. He is a part time player that only plays in base 4-3 sets. I'd be comfortable with that number, but I'd prefer he not come back.  

 

Also, Avery Williamson is a playmaker. He has something like 12 career sacks. The dude is a difference maker. 

Edited March 16, 2018 by MrEpsYtown

[Starr Almighty]

Hopefully the offer gets taken off the table. The guy is part of the problem with the run D. He rarely makes a tackle for a loss. Yes he made alot of tackles but those were downfield since he can't shed blocks. I really hope Brown isn't resigned.