Thomas Davis won’t be back with Panthers, wants to keep playing

[Aussie Joe]

If they bring back Lorenzo, don’t really see the need in terms of veteran guy..

 

Draft a LB with potential instead on Day 3 ..

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

19 hours ago, 3rdand12 said:

why not both?

 

 

...interesting thought....one year deals each and see who stays in 2020......if only one decides to retire, you still have a performing (hopefully) vet presence to nuture the youngsters and provide leadership....of course, if BOTH retire, scrap THAT idea...........

[3rdand12]

31 minutes ago, OldTimeAFLGuy said:

 

 

...interesting thought....one year deals each and see who stays in 2020......if only one decides to retire, you still have a performing (hopefully) vet presence to nuture the youngsters and provide leadership....of course, if BOTH retire, scrap THAT idea...........

It's only money.

 Terry can always just print more Pegula Bucks if need be , right ?

Edited January 11, 2019 by 3rdand12

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

2 minutes ago, 3rdand12 said:

It's only money.

 Terry can always just print more Pegula Bucks if need be , right ?

 

...as Terry says in West Virginia, "what the frack"?........dig another well.....you cannot imagine how much he despises Guido Cuomo and his ban......

[CommonCents]

1 hour ago, Boyst62 said:

He's a smart player and that makes a big difference. It'd be akin to signing Nick Barnett with what's left. His playing ability is skillful and it's like having a free safety covering your mistakes in the middle of the field who plays limebacker if that makes sense.  

 

Didn't see much this season to see if he lost a step but last season he did not. He can cover Gronk when he's on point. 

 

I'd love to get him and meant nothing negative by the Barnett equation. Barnett shouldn't have been starting the full tenure of his buffalo years.  Davis may be better, he's definitely above the quality we brought in with Morrison

Barnett was 30/31 when the Bills signed him.

Davis will be 36.5 years old by the time the season starts. That’s ancient for a backer. 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

2 hours ago, Aussie Joe said:

If they bring back Lorenzo, don’t really see the need in terms of veteran guy..

 

Draft a LB with potential instead on Day 3 ..

 

OK, so just for a different perspective.... the old Stillers "linebacker U" motto was always to draft LB on the 2nd or 3rd day, and expect them to take a year or two to come up to "NFL speed" and understanding.  So from that perspective, bringing in another vet (if he can still play) while you groom a draft pick under him is a sensible plan, with or without Zo.

 

2 hours ago, Boyst62 said:

He's a smart player and that makes a big difference. It'd be akin to signing Nick Barnett with what's left. His playing ability is skillful and it's like having a free safety covering your mistakes in the middle of the field who plays limebacker if that makes sense.  

 

Didn't see much this season to see if he lost a step but last season he did not. He can cover Gronk when he's on point. 

 

I'd love to get him and meant nothing negative by the Barnett equation. Barnett shouldn't have been starting the full tenure of his buffalo years.  Davis may be better, he's definitely above the quality we brought in with Morrison

 

I liked Barnett.  I know we kept him at least a year too long and played him out of position his last year starting.

 

3 hours ago, TheFunPolice said:

might as well set up his Bills locker right now

100% he will be here as the "Kyle replacement" on D.

 

Better not be...you don't replace a DT with an aged LB

[Boca BIlls]

On 1/9/2019 at 9:48 PM, LSHMEAB said:

No thank you. Davis had a nice career, but he's 36!!!! I'd much rather use that roster spot on a young player. We already have Lorax in the front 7 to serve as a "mentor."

Bills have plenty of young players starting... he could come in as backup. Unless they plan on drafting one he would be a great grab.

[boyst]

4 hours ago, CommonCents said:

Barnett was 30/31 when the Bills signed him.

Davis will be 36.5 years old by the time the season starts. That’s ancient for a backer. 

Davis is better than Barnett

[Misterbluesky]

Back up lb's need to be solid on special teams..

[ChanticleerBillsFan]

I know multiple people have said this but I just don’t see how he doesn’t end up here if he leaves Carolina. Just makes too much sense. Personally i would like the move. Seems like part of the process to me. Need some more leadership with Kyle retiring. 

[3rdand12]

20 hours ago, CommonCents said:

Barnett was 30/31 when the Bills signed him.

Davis will be 36.5 years old by the time the season starts. That’s ancient for a backer. 

If he can take a salary and role of package playerand limit his downs ?

[CommonCents]

1 minute ago, 3rdand12 said:

If he can take a salary and role of package playerand limit his downs ?

Asking two LBs to do that limits depth and limits the chance of a younger guy taking those snaps and filling a role going forward. One is fine, two at the same position seems like overkill. 

 

 

[3rdand12]

18 hours ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

OK, so just for a different perspective.... the old Stillers "linebacker U" motto was always to draft LB on the 2nd or 3rd day, and expect them to take a year or two to come up to "NFL speed" and understanding.  So from that perspective, bringing in another vet (if he can still play) while you groom a draft pick under him is a sensible plan, with or without Zo.

 

 

I liked Barnett.  I know we kept him at least a year too long and played him out of position his last year starting.

 

 

Better not be...you don't replace a DT with an aged LB

Good post and good sense of humor
Obviously Bills need to find youth at and any and all positions. Picking up a Vet is not exclusive to that mind set.
More solid wisdom in the room helps the youth. kinda go hand in hand ?

1 minute ago, CommonCents said:

Asking two LBs to do that limits depth and limits the chance of a younger guy taking those snaps and filling a role going forward. One is fine, two at the same position seems like overkill. 

 

 

I understand your perspective. But what young player would not want an on the field mentor to eventually take over for ?

If the Man can play football ? and he has shown he can you at least talk to him.
in one or two years the Young blood is better prepared and experienced to take the role.

and then the cycle repeats

 

in theory of course  : )

[JerseyBills]

22 hours ago, Aussie Joe said:

If they bring back Lorenzo, don’t really see the need in terms of veteran guy..

 

Draft a LB with potential instead on Day 3 ..

If you look at the Bills website and Twitter , Lorax is all over it since the season ended. Just another small hint that he's a lock to be back . Him and McD seem to have a great relationship,ton of mutual respect and he's still playing at a very high level.. He's a lock imo , no brainer 

[ctk232]

On 1/11/2019 at 12:36 PM, NewEraBills said:

Please don't.  He's 35.  His athleticism has hit the bricks.  He'd be a good leader for the defense but he's just too old, so is LORAX.  We only need one of them for veteran leadership.

Let's assume that Davis is exactly as you've curtly summarized here, despite other analysis off the board saying he's performed well for his age comparably in the league - would you say Davis next year would be worse than either Stanford or Thompson? Mind you, signing Davis doesn't mean we still pass up on Josh Allen in the draft, if he's there at 9 - or any other LB/outside pass rusher if they become BPA.

 

I just don't see the clear cut, black and white savings that could be used elsewhere if we offer Davis something like a one-year 2.5 - 4 mil deal? We have the cap to accommodate this kind of contract for a year; it would immediately upgrade our depth at the position (something that was clearly exposed when both Tre and MIlano went down this season); adds veteran leadership to the defense after Kyle's departure (won't truly replace Kyle, but will be an added voice); and perhaps most importantly, has played in McD's scheme and knows what it is that is expected of Tre and Milano. If you also want to see Tre develop in this system, you should also want him to have this added bonus.

 

It shouldn't be a priority signing , but there's very little argument for not making this move for the right price.

Edited January 14, 2019 by ctk232

[3rdand12]

On 1/11/2019 at 5:02 PM, Aussie Joe said:

If they bring back Lorenzo, don’t really see the need in terms of veteran guy..

 

Draft a LB with potential instead on Day 3 ..

21 minutes ago, ctk232 said:

I agree 100 %

 

i forget.

 did i mention?

 Why not both? we have ten picks and Beane likes to move up and down the boards

[ctk232]

32 minutes ago, 3rdand12 said:

i forget.

 did i mention?

 Why not both? we have ten picks and Beane likes to move up and down the boards

Sorry - the multiquote confuses me a bit here...not sure where on this thread I actually said "I agree 100%" at all, or potentially in response to Aussie Joe? I could be entirely off-base with how I'm reading that, but just not sure where that might be from...

 

Either way - picking up Davis at the right price doesn't do much to hurt our cap situation or overall defensive talent. If we want to draft LB in the later rounds, I'd rather prefer Burr-Kirven to use in our big nickel package on day 3, but not wholly sure of the LB depth projected for the later rounds or the potential to address other positions in later rounds as well (RB, DB, depth and ST, etc.).

 

[Misterbluesky]

He should be a near lock if he played ST's there?

[njbuff]

On 1/11/2019 at 5:02 PM, Aussie Joe said:

If they bring back Lorenzo, don’t really see the need in terms of veteran guy..

 

Draft a LB with potential instead on Day 3 ..

 

Bingo

[JD Hill]

2 minutes ago, njbuff said:

 

Bingo

Trust The Process?

[YoloinOhio]

 

[John from Riverside]

On 1/11/2019 at 12:36 PM, NewEraBills said:

Please don't.  He's 35.  His athleticism has hit the bricks.  He'd be a good leader for the defense but he's just too old, so is LORAX.  We only need one of them for veteran leadership.

Lorax had argueably his best season this last year

 

I dont look at age...I look at production.  Davis going to a defense that fits him (as long as he isnt costing a ton) could actually keep his career going a little longer.

[YoloinOhio]

8 minutes ago, John from Riverside said:

Lorax had argueably his best season this last year

 

I dont look at age...I look at production.  Davis going to a defense that fits him (as long as he isnt costing a ton) could actually keep his career going a little longer.

I really like the idea of Davis playing with Edmunds, having played all those years next to Keuchly.

[CaptnCoke11]

I don’t see it happening unless Alexander’s playing time is going down a good bit.  Davis can still play so I doubt he’s going to want to come here and play a small percentage of snaps.  

[John from Riverside]

1 minute ago, CaptnCoke11 said:

I don’t see it happening unless Alexander’s playing time is going down a good bit.  Davis can still play so I doubt he’s going to want to come here and play a small percentage of snaps.  

Maybe Lorax starts taking more snaps rushing the passer?

[CaptnCoke11]

3 minutes ago, John from Riverside said:

Maybe Lorax starts taking more snaps rushing the passer?

Possible but there’s still, Murphy, Lawson, Hughes and a possible high draft pick coming.  

[John from Riverside]

10 minutes ago, CaptnCoke11 said:

Possible but there’s still, Murphy, Lawson, Hughes and a possible high draft pick coming.  

I honestly would not do that....not with a top 10 defense already......and Lorax is a very good pass rusher and has shown that.  

 

Unless they part ways with Murphy...which has been suggested

 

 

[LABILLBACKER]

I'm sure as a depth player he could contribute a heck of a lot more then going after Percy Harvin twice. You gotta do your homework on these veteran signings. Lorax worked out great.

[P51]

35 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said:

I really like the idea of Davis playing with Edmunds, having played all those years next to Keuchly.

 

5 minutes ago, LABILLBACKER said:

I'm sure as a depth player he could contribute a heck of a lot more then going after Percy Harvin twice. You gotta do your homework on these veteran signings. Lorax worked out great.

 

Another coach on the field, more flexability and instant depth, sign me up!

Edited February 1, 2019 by P51

[rodneykm]

Sign Davis and dedicate most of your picks to getting the offense shored up. 

[freddyjj]

51 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said:

I really like the idea of Davis playing with Edmunds, having played all those years next to Keuchly.

And we send Milano to the bench then?  He was arguably our best LB last year and doesn't Davis plays Milano's position?

 

Any interest in Davis will likely be based on Milano prognosis / timeline for recovery from break.

Edited February 1, 2019 by freddyjj

[ctk232]

3 hours ago, P51 said:

 

 

Another coach on the field, more flexability and instant depth, sign me up!

Precisely - especially for the right price. For all this talk about how much of a need coaching is for Allen, and despite Tre being the youngest player and starter in the NFL, why not give him all the help possible?

[LSHMEAB]

Why doesn't Carolina want him anymore? That's my question.

[John from Riverside]

 

[Seoulofstone]

1 hour ago, LSHMEAB said:

Why doesn't Carolina want him anymore? That's my question.

 

  The average age of that team is among the highest in the league. Rivera under pressure to not always play his vets. New owner. Shaq Thompson first round pick 4 years ago has never been more than rotational because he couldn’t get past TD. It’s a find out year for him.

[BuffaloBill]

1 hour ago, ctk232 said:

Precisely - especially for the right price. For all this talk about how much of a need coaching is for Allen, and despite Tre being the youngest player and starter in the NFL, why not give him all the help possible?

 

 

Depends on the price tag 

[LSHMEAB]

3 minutes ago, Seoul_panther said:

 

  The average age of that team is among the highest in the league. Rivera under pressure to not always play his vets. New owner. Shaq Thompson first round pick 4 years ago has never been more than rotational because he couldn’t get past TD. It’s a find out year for him.

Fair enough. I'm still not interested in a 35 year old linebacker who plays the same spot as Matt Milano, arguably the Bills best defender. Rather use the spot on a younger guy who can play special teams. If it weren't for Lorax, it would make more sense. He already serves the role as veteran "mentor."

Edited February 1, 2019 by LSHMEAB

[Logic]

2 minutes ago, Seoul_panther said:

 

  The average age of that team is among the highest in the league. Rivera under pressure to not always play his vets. New owner. Shaq Thompson first round pick 4 years ago has never been more than rotational because he couldn’t get past TD. It’s a find out year for him.

And also because Thomas Davis is less good at playing football than he used to be. There's that, too. We're talking about a 35-year old linebacker who has had 3 ACL tears. 

[Seoulofstone]

He’d be a good signing for Buffalo; I doubt he would be expensive. But I also doubt he would choose to be a rotational player. Who knows though.

[Logic]

2 minutes ago, Seoul_panther said:

He’d be a good signing for Buffalo; I doubt he would be expensive. But I also doubt he would choose to be a rotational player. Who knows though.

I agree that he'd be a good signing at the right price. He already knows the playbook, could provide depth, add a few interesting defensive sub-packages, and mentor our young linebacker duo. I would think that McDermott's presence as head coach would make Buffalo one of his top choices as far as places to finish his career. Just the leadership he could provide and knowledge he could impart to Edmunds and Milano ALONE would be worth the signing, even if he rarely sees the field. 

All of this, of course, is contingent upon him not wanting a ton of money. Paying a bunch for a 35-year-old with bad knees is never sound roster building strategy.