Brandon Beane on How Buffalo Can Be a Free Agent Destination

[26CornerBlitz]

Bills GM Brandon Beane on how Buffalo can be free agent destination

 

 

Orchard Park, N.Y. -- One of the top priorities for Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane this upcoming offseason is to bring in players to upgrade an offense that's been among the two or three worst in the NFL all season.

 

Buffalo isn't usually a popular choice when potential free agents start narrowing down the list of teams they're considering. But there are teams in cities with similar drawbacks that get players to sign.

 

Beane, who recognized the perception of Buffalo before he even took the job, said a major key to drawing free agent attention is being able to impress when answering the question: "Who's your quarterback?"

 

"I think if you have a franchise quarterback ... you look at Green Bay. They had (Brett) Favre and then they handed it right over to (Aaron) Rodgers," Beane told NYUP.com on Friday. "That's a very attractive place and they have a similar climate that we have."

 

 

[WhoTom]

I think the Bills are sitting on 90 million reason$ to come to Buffalo as a free agent.

Edited November 30, 2018 by WhoTom

[26CornerBlitz]

1 minute ago, WhoTom said:

I think the Bills are sitting on 90 million reasons to come to Buffalo as a free agent.

 

They won't be the only team with plenty of cap room in 2019.  There will be other factors for players to consider.

[WhoTom]

1 minute ago, 26CornerBlitz said:

 

They won't be the only team with plenty of cap room in 2019.  There will be other factors for players to consider.

 

True, and he's right about the QB situation too. But the cap space sure helps.

 

 

 

Edited November 30, 2018 by WhoTom

[boater]

Income tax rates will play a factor when Free Agents look at Buffalo contract offers. NY taxes are among the highest in the country.

Players will pay NY rates for 10 games a year (8 home games, 2 preseason).

Players in Washington (though Seattle city limits has big taxes), Texas,  Nevada, Florida pay ZERO income taxes.

[skibum]

16 minutes ago, boater said:

Income tax rates will play a factor when Free Agents look at Buffalo contract offers. NY taxes are among the highest in the country.

Players will pay NY rates for 10 games a year (8 home games, 2 preseason).

Players in Washington (though Seattle city limits has big taxes), Texas,  Nevada, Florida pay ZERO income taxes.

True, but also consider that your real estate dollar goes further in Buffalo than in just about any other NFL city, excepting Detroit. 

 

That being said, NY taxes on an NFL salary are probably worth more $$$ than most mansions. 

[jr1]

they need a dome

[John from Riverside]

They got the 90 million.......but the reason may end up being Josh Allen

 

Because the jets ALSO have a lot of cap room.....but our drafted qb looks better then their drafted QB and their HC might be getting fired which makes us more stable.

 

THAT is why you dont continue to recycle coaching staffs every 3 years......free agents look at those things as well

[The Senator]

5 minutes ago, jr1 said:

they need a dome

 

Well yeah, but don’t pin your hopes on that to lure free agents.

 

Land acquisition, environmental impact studies, stadium design, redesigning and building new roads for ingress/egress, and inevitable public hearings and construction delays all point to a 5-7 year time frame before the Bills play their first game in a new domed stadium, so any free agents we acquire in the next year or two will probably be nearing retirement or out of football entirely.

 

JMO.

[John from Riverside]

48 minutes ago, boater said:

Income tax rates will play a factor when Free Agents look at Buffalo contract offers. NY taxes are among the highest in the country.

Players will pay NY rates for 10 games a year (8 home games, 2 preseason).

Players in Washington (though Seattle city limits has big taxes), Texas,  Nevada, Florida pay ZERO income taxes.

We wont be getting a lot of free agents anyway....I bet most of that money goes to extensions of our own good players and they will selectively target the key free agents.....and find more guys on the 1 year deals.

 

I feel like they have a list of what is needed anyway.....and still plan on biulding through the draft like they have the last 2 years

[H2o]

13 minutes ago, John from Riverside said:

We wont be getting a lot of free agents anyway....I bet most of that money goes to extensions of our own good players and they will selectively target the key free agents.....and find more guys on the 1 year deals.

 

I feel like they have a list of what is needed anyway.....and still plan on biulding through the draft like they have the last 2 years

After reading that article I also wouldn't be surprised if they tried to make a move trade wise for a big name that might be available. Whom that could be I'm not sure, but the mention of the Packers' model does make you think. 

Edited November 30, 2018 by H2o

[PlayoffsPlease]

1 hour ago, skibum said:

True, but also consider that your real estate dollar goes further in Buffalo than in just about any other NFL city, excepting Detroit. 

 

That being said, NY taxes on an NFL salary are probably worth more $$$ than most mansions. 

The NFL salary cap should adjust for state and local taxes. One purpose of the cap is to maintain competitive balance. 

[billsfan89]

1 hour ago, boater said:

Income tax rates will play a factor when Free Agents look at Buffalo contract offers. NY taxes are among the highest in the country.

Players will pay NY rates for 10 games a year (8 home games, 2 preseason).

Players in Washington (though Seattle city limits has big taxes), Texas,  Nevada, Florida pay ZERO income taxes.

 

The cost of living in Western NY is a lot lower, plus the players do get taxed based off of where they play their games, so the games you play in Florida and Texas you don't get taxed on (although of course if you are playing 8 home games a year in a no tax state that's going to result in lower taxes.) But you have to be very naive to think that players care about state taxes that in any meaningful way. NYC, LA, and Chicago have always been high end player destinations across all 4 major sports. All 3 cities are among the highest taxed and most costly place to live in the US.

 

Young people in their 20's generally speaking want to be where the best nightlife and culture are. That's what attracts them to want to live in a city. So I think major cities will always have an advantage in terms of drawing free agents. If you are 26 and have played in a small market your whole career are you really caring about the state tax or do you want to go to a city where there is a lot of nightlife, women, and things to do with the money you make? 

 

Of course winning is a big part of it too. But I think if I am ranking reasons for free agents to make their choice in where to play I would put state taxes and cost of living at the bottom of the list. 

[Punching Bag]

For those with kids schools are very important and Western New York outside of Buffalo have some of the best schools in the country.  Yes some put kids in private schools (and there are good ones in WNY) but from what I have seen NFL players seem to prefer public schools.

Florida has some of the worst public schools.

[Rc2catch]

If I’m a wide receiver and I have any speed to my game whatsoever I am absolutely coming to buffalo. With that cannon Allen has somebody like a Kenny stills or John Brown would be destined for bigtime highlight reel touchdowns and celebrations. 

I would be excited about the chance to be the #1 guy and build a rapport with a young quarterback like Allen. 

[wppete]

16 minutes ago, Rc2catch said:

If I’m a wide receiver and I have any speed to my game whatsoever I am absolutely coming to buffalo. With that cannon Allen has somebody like a Kenny stills or John Brown would be destined for bigtime highlight reel touchdowns and celebrations. 

I would be excited about the chance to be the #1 guy and build a rapport with a young quarterback like Allen. 

 

I like the idea of getting either Stills or John Brown. Use our first round pick on the best WR in the draft and then go OL in rounds 2 and 3. 

[Chicharito]

2 hours ago, boater said:

Income tax rates will play a factor when Free Agents look at Buffalo contract offers. NY taxes are among the highest in the country.

Players will pay NY rates for 10 games a year (8 home games, 2 preseason).

Players in Washington (though Seattle city limits has big taxes), Texas,  Nevada, Florida pay ZERO income taxes.

When was the last time a Florida or Texas team has won anything? Tampa in early 2000’s and Nevada doesn’t have a team at this moment.  California has extremely high taxes and look everyone wants to play for the rams. It’s all about the quarterback. If you have one they will come!

[Mr. WEO]

1 hour ago, skibum said:

True, but also consider that your real estate dollar goes further in Buffalo than in just about any other NFL city, excepting Detroit. 

 

That being said, NY taxes on an NFL salary are probably worth more $$$ than most mansions. 

 

 

Most of these guys rent, so that isn't important to them.  Plus they should worry about trying to get their money back if the buy a Buffalo mansion and then try to sell it.

 

A question for Beane:  does any free agent ever say "who's your QB?"

2 minutes ago, Chicharito said:

When was the last time a Florida or Texas team has won anything? Tampa in early 2000’s and Nevada doesn’t have a team at this moment.  California has extremely high taxes and look everyone wants to play for the rams. It’s all about the quarterback. If you have one they will come!

 

Winning is nice, but it's really about the take home dollars.

[Whites Bay]

34 minutes ago, billsfan89 said:

 

The cost of living in Western NY is a lot lower, plus the players do get taxed based off of where they play their games, so the games you play in Florida and Texas you don't get taxed on (although of course if you are playing 8 home games a year in a no tax state that's going to result in lower taxes.) But you have to be very naive to think that players care about state taxes that in any meaningful way. NYC, LA, and Chicago have always been high end player destinations across all 4 major sports. All 3 cities are among the highest taxed and most costly place to live in the US.

 

 

This is exactly it.  Thanks for putting it up here.  Now that I'm as old as my father was when he passed away, I understand the Upstate New York pastime of bitching about taxes.  Jesus, it's like whining about the weather in November.  Duh.  Taxes are high.  And the schools are damn good and you get healthcare for your pre-existing conditions.

 

When these kids are in their 20s and making league minimum - which is like 8 million times more than I'll ever make in my life - the LAST thing they're worried about is a 5% differential between New York and Tennessee.  I mean - just knock it off.  Go back to bitching about taxes.

 

And get off of my lawn.

[Mat68]

Allen shows he is a dude and 90 mil in cap space does the job.  The new Fieldhouse helps but would not be a factor for a world class athlete.  

[3rdand12]

8 minutes ago, Mr. WEO said:

 

 

Most of these guys rent, so that isn't important to them.  Plus they should worry about trying to get their money back if the buy a Buffalo mansion and then try to sell it.

 

A question for Beane:  does any free agent ever say "who's your QB?"

 

Winning is nice, but it's really about the take home dollars.

I pay attention to how much coin i earn and how to make the best of the situation. 
Also pay attention to how it is spent. I think we all do that to some extent. We all consider budgets.

at some dollar amount, say 7-10 million a year with future agreements in place , i might not much care about my money as i do now.
so if i got PAID i would play any where .

until  it thought about how competitive i actually am. I am driven to excel. I want to do my best. that what got me this far. and i want to Win Games now.

 

All are drivers and motivations.

 each guy is wired different. 

 

and L Bell is the one extreme right now as good example to the MONEY method NFL style

9 minutes ago, Whites Bay said:

This is exactly it.  Thanks for putting it up here.  Now that I'm as old as my father was when he passed away, I understand the Upstate New York pastime of bitching about taxes.  Jesus, it's like whining about the weather in November.  Duh.  Taxes are high.  And the schools are damn good and you get healthcare for your pre-existing conditions.

 

When these kids are in their 20s and making league minimum - which is like 8 million times more than I'll ever make in my life - the LAST thing they're worried about is a 5% differential between New York and Tennessee.  I mean - just knock it off.  Go back to bitching about taxes.

 

And get off of my lawn.

I have stumbled upon my new hero here abouts.

 Thanks for the fine post.

 

Likely the cold weather. that's what all players just hate. being chilly. biggest motivator likely...

[Mr. WEO]

1 minute ago, 3rdand12 said:

I pay attention to how much coin i earn and how to make the best of the situation. 
Also pay attention to how it is spent. I think we all do that to some extent. We all consider budgets.

at some dollar amount, say 7-10 million a year with future agreements in place , i might not much care about my money as i do now.
so if i got PAID i would play any where .

until  it thought about how competitive i actually am. I am driven to excel. I want to do my best. that what got me this far. and i want to Win Games now.

 

All are drivers and motivations.

 each guy is wired different. 

 

and L Bell is the one extreme right now as good example to the MONEY method NFL style

 

If you were going to make a lifetime of earnings in 6-7 years, would you give away 9-13+% of your gross income to wear a championship ring?

[3rdand12]

15 minutes ago, Mr. WEO said:

 

If you were going to make a lifetime of earnings in 6-7 years, would you give away 9-13+% of your gross income to wear a championship ring?

Me ? I am bad at math, and i would paying someone to answer that question for you.

[CaptnCoke11]

3 hours ago, WhoTom said:

I think the Bills are sitting on 90 million reason$ to come to Buffalo as a free agent.

People act like Buffalo is the only team with a lot of cap room.. 

[Rc2catch]

1 hour ago, wppete said:

 

I like the idea of getting either Stills or John Brown. Use our first round pick on the best WR in the draft and then go OL in rounds 2 and 3. 

I’m not 100% sold on using a first round pick on a receiver. Not sure anyone is “elite” yet. I think we’re seeing a new trend for the league where you don’t need a true #1 guy. Just an array of weapons. A good quarterback will make a receiver look like a #1 but give him multiple weapons and he can make them all look kinda great. Unlike some of our posters on this board I do have faith beane can judge the talent and take an elite prospect in the 1st. I’ll trust his judgement on whoever he picks. 

[stuvian]

he's right in that Green Bay should have no natural advantage over us as a destination. If Josh is a franchise QB it will attract talent. The proximity to Canadian strippers is not to be underestimated as an important draw as well

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

When you compare state tax rates, the differences really aren't that big when looking at some of the states with teams.   Half of your checks are based on road games anyway.  Thought players salaries are based only on regular season so pre-season games don't count.  Excluding Florida and Texas who have no state income tax, the remaining states really not that huge of a difference to sign or not sign with team due to worrying about state tax.  A guy making $3mil a year may pay around 3% more to play in NY than any state except Florida and Texas, since half the games are out of state, that's a difference of paying about $50,000 a year more in taxes.  You can easily pay more than that much more to buy a comparable house in some other state.

 

I also believe many NFL come from more small towns so from that perspective Buffalo may be more appealing.  I recall around 6 years when the Bills signed Mario Williams the DE from a rural part of NC,  he was happy to be able to go hunting near by.

 

Cal     13.3%

Minn   9.85%

NJ       8.97%

DC       8.95%

NY      8.82%

Wis     7.65%

NC      5.70%

 

 

[Shaw66]

I predict people around here will be disappointed by the Bills in free agency.  

 

1.  They believe in building through the draft.

2.  They don't like big contracts, except for QBs.  (I don'tknow this - I'm guessing.)

3.   They want guys who are willing to buy into the process; a lot of guys don't.  

4.    They don't want guys who aren't good candidates for the process, guys like Ramsey and Beckham.  

 

I think it all adds up to not many big name guys and more Trent Murphys and the like.  That's the kind of guy they want.   Guys who understand that's who they are will want to play for McDermott, because that's what he appreciates.   

 

Another reason they will sign less well known players is that they are patient.  They stick to the discipline, too.  They are willing to stay with guys a while because they believe he will grow.   Some coaches would have cut Foster, he looked so bad.  McD was willing to wait.  

 

Bottom line is I think guys who understand what McBeane are doing, guys who want to be part of that, will come even though it's Buffalo.  They want to be part of the system McBeane are building.  

 

Whether it works, that's a different question.   Just because you have a system, it doesn't mean that you have the right system.  But they are going to stick with the system, the process, for as long as they're in Buffalo.  And I'd guess the Pegulas gave them at least three years.    

 

[Formerly Allan in MD]

1 hour ago, Rc2catch said:

I’m not 100% sold on using a first round pick on a receiver. Not sure anyone is “elite” yet. I think we’re seeing a new trend for the league where you don’t need a true #1 guy. Just an array of weapons. A good quarterback will make a receiver look like a #1 but give him multiple weapons and he can make them all look kinda great. Unlike some of our posters on this board I do have faith beane can judge the talent and take an elite prospect in the 1st. I’ll trust his judgement on whoever he picks. 

First pick and second or third should be OL unless "bingo!" on a free agent or two.

[Punching Bag]

8 minutes ago, Ed_Formerly_of_Roch said:

Thought players salaries are based only on regular season so pre-season games don't count. 

 

Since a player can be cut before salary is earned only taxes they would pay would be on signing bonuses (I am sure states would argue all of that is taxable in that state), workout bonuses (a state could attract a training camp maybe by having a tax discount or waiver for training camp moved to their state), etc.

Oh an Taxachutes has no trouble attracting players with players even taking salary cuts but that might be due to director of spying having videos he threaten to release to tmz.

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

1 minute ago, Limeaid said:

 

Since a player can be cut before salary is earned only taxes they would pay would be on signing bonuses (I am sure states would argue all of that is taxable in that state), workout bonuses (a state could attract a training camp maybe by having a tax discount or waiver for training camp moved to their state), etc.

 

Excluding signing bonuses, pretty sure players get 17 checks a year.

[Formerly Allan in MD]

Packers, with winning teams, have continually lost prime players to free agency.  Yes, Buffalo's bigger, with more to offer, but climate "talks;" hopefully, money will as well.

[Punching Bag]

Just now, Ed_Formerly_of_Roch said:

 

Excluding signing bonuses, pretty sure players get 17 checks a year.

 

Yes they do during regular season including bye week.

[Bob in STL]

The tax issue is a non issue for football players.   For family oriented players Buffalo is a fine place to bring your family.  

 

Three things hold Buffalo back in the free agent 

 

1.  Losing teams and culture of constant rebuild. 

2.  Cold weather

3.  Not a lot of glitz and nightlife. 

 

Fix number 1 and most of your problems are gone 

 

There are many players from cold climates and small towns so just build a winner that is run with class and dedicated to winning.  

 

Player that are enamored by hype and nightlife are not usually the best to have anyway. 

[Warcodered]

11 minutes ago, Shaw66 said:

I predict people around here will be disappointed by the Bills in free agency.  

 

1.  They believe in building through the draft.

2.  They don't like big contracts, except for QBs.  (I don'tknow this - I'm guessing.)

3.   They want guys who are willing to buy into the process; a lot of guys don't.  

4.    They don't want guys who aren't good candidates for the process, guys like Ramsey and Beckham.  

 

I think it all adds up to not many big name guys and more Trent Murphys and the like.  That's the kind of guy they want.   Guys who understand that's who they are will want to play for McDermott, because that's what he appreciates.   

 

Another reason they will sign less well known players is that they are patient.  They stick to the discipline, too.  They are willing to stay with guys a while because they believe he will grow.   Some coaches would have cut Foster, he looked so bad.  McD was willing to wait.  

 

Bottom line is I think guys who understand what McBeane are doing, guys who want to be part of that, will come even though it's Buffalo.  They want to be part of the system McBeane are building.  

 

Whether it works, that's a different question.   Just because you have a system, it doesn't mean that you have the right system.  But they are going to stick with the system, the process, for as long as they're in Buffalo.  And I'd guess the Pegulas gave them at least three years.    

 

Maybe they focus on more long-term talent through the draft but bring in some more older good players on short term deals.

[Formerly Allan in MD]

11 minutes ago, Bob in STL said:

 

 

11 minutes ago, Bob in STL said:

The tax issue is a non issue for football players.   For family oriented players Buffalo is a fine place to bring your family.  

 

Three things hold Buffalo back in the free agent 

 

1.  Losing teams and culture of constant rebuild. 

2.  Cold weather

3.  Not a lot of glitz and nightlife. 

 

Fix number 1 and most of your problems are gone 

 

There are many players from cold climates and small towns so just build a winner that is run with class and dedicated to winning.  

 

Player that are enamored by hype and nightlife are not usually the best to have anyway. 

Regarding 1., a lot of decent players are stuck behind top flight players and get little chance to develop and excel.  A losing team, providing them with that opportunity, may well be attractive to them.  One that immediately comes to mind is Kenny Davis.

Edited December 1, 2018 by Formerly Allan in MD

[PlayoffsPlease]

12 hours ago, billsfan89 said:

 

The cost of living in Western NY is a lot lower, plus the players do get taxed based off of where they play their games, so the games you play in Florida and Texas you don't get taxed on (although of course if you are playing 8 home games a year in a no tax state that's going to result in lower taxes.) But you have to be very naive to think that players care about state taxes that in any meaningful way. NYC, LA, and Chicago have always been high end player destinations across all 4 major sports. All 3 cities are among the highest taxed and most costly place to live in the US.

 

Young people in their 20's generally speaking want to be where the best nightlife and culture are. That's what attracts them to want to live in a city. So I think major cities will always have an advantage in terms of drawing free agents. If you are 26 and have played in a small market your whole career are you really caring about the state tax or do you want to go to a city where there is a lot of nightlife, women, and things to do with the money you make? 

 

Of course winning is a big part of it too. But I think if I am ranking reasons for free agents to make their choice in where to play I would put state taxes and cost of living at the bottom of the list. 

If you make 8 million dollars per year a 5% difference in taxes is 400,000.  The fact that a dinner out costs $20 instead of $40 (cost of living) is barely a rounding error compared to the taxes. These guys aren't moving to bump there salary from 75K to 100K

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

8 hours ago, Bob in STL said:

The tax issue is a non issue for football players.   For family oriented players Buffalo is a fine place to bring your family.  

 

Three things hold Buffalo back in the free agent 

 

1.  Losing teams and culture of constant rebuild. 

2.  Cold weather

3.  Not a lot of glitz and nightlife. 

 

Fix number 1 and most of your problems are gone 

 

There are many players from cold climates and small towns so just build a winner that is run with class and dedicated to winning.  

 

Player that are enamored by hype and nightlife are not usually the best to have anyway. 

 

....agree that is #1......and #3 is a valid point......when Drury was a Sabres FA, his wife threatened him if he re-signed with Sabres.......so he ends up in the Big Apple with the Rangers, solving "wife problem"......when the late Ralph Wilson decided to go "all in", he offered Cowher $10 mil/yr as Bills HC......Cowher's late wife flatly refused to live in Buffalo........yet on the flip side.......when Mario was to visit Buffalo, his pre-arranged first stop was Jimbo Kelly's house....Jimbo was chomping at the bit waiting as there were deer and wild turkeys in his back yard that he wanted Mario to see, who was an avid hunter?......did that seal the deal?.......probably not...."payola" sure helped......and he bought the house across the cul-de-sac from Kelly..

[BB@Shooter]

21 hours ago, Mr. WEO said:

 

 

Most of these guys rent, so that isn't important to them.  Plus they should worry about trying to get their money back if the buy a Buffalo mansion and then try to sell it.

 

A question for Beane:  does any free agent ever say "who's your QB?"

 

Winning is nice, but it's really about the take home dollars.

Why wouldn't a free agent know who the qb is on a pro team? And winning helps out endorsements. A lot of athletes make more money in endorsements than they do in salary.

[Augie]

I bet the plan is to divert some stadium renovation funds, and direct them to upgrades at Dave & Busters plus Happy Hour subsidies at Applebees. What Free Agent wouldn’t be sold on THAT?  The is an extremely clever FO!   

 

I predict a Super Bowl!!!

 

 

 

 

 

(For two as yet unnamed teams.)