Bills sign C Spencer Long to 3 year deal

[JohnC]

4 minutes ago, HappyDays said:

 

Not sure I agree. Overall they will build through the draft but they aren't saving all that free cap space for 3-4 seasons from now. I would expect them to go for one or two big names in free agency this year and it just so happens that the biggest names are on the offensive line. Beane came right out and said he would love a veteran center protecting Allen. They don't want to rely on a rookie for that job. I expect them to go pretty hard after Paradis or Morse even if they have to overpay. Being smart with the salary cap allows you to overpay a couple free agents per year. I really think they are trying to build the team like that Patriots. Draft your own, establish your system, but go for a big free agent now and again when it fits a need.

I don't disagree with anything you said. What I would like to add is that I think this regime would be willing to spend some extra cash to get a dependable receiver for Allen. Getting a #1 caliber receiver is difficult to acquire from the market. Recognizing that there are some good quality #2 caliber receivers and TEs out there that should help put the our young qb in a better position to succeed. 

[CaptnCoke11]

21 minutes ago, Aussie Joe said:

Wow... he did come cheap..

 

He might not even be there Week 1

Yeah he will

[Dr. Who]

20 minutes ago, HappyDays said:

 

Not sure I agree. Overall they will build through the draft but they aren't saving all that free cap space for 3-4 seasons from now. I would expect them to go for one or two big names in free agency this year and it just so happens that the biggest names are on the offensive line. Beane came right out and said he would love a veteran center protecting Allen. They don't want to rely on a rookie for that job. I expect them to go pretty hard after Paradis or Morse even if they have to overpay. Being smart with the salary cap allows you to overpay a couple free agents per year. I really think they are trying to build the team like that Patriots. Draft your own, establish your system, but go for a big free agent now and again when it fits a need.

Shaw thinks there's not much difference between most o-linemen who are playing and he further believes that one can find fellas sitting on the couch waiting for a chance to play who are just about as good as the marginal olinemen who make up the bulk of the NFL. (This is how I recollect a conversation last year with him.) I just don't agree with his assessment of the position. Franchise success is largely related to how well you develop the qb position. Josh Allen has a much better chance of succeeding with a significant upgrade in talent around him. The oline should be priority number one. What's the point of being prudent or frugal while you have a potential franchise qb on a rookie contract? This is when you should go after the best veteran olinemen available. If Bills don't make a strong push for D. Williams and either Morse or Paradis, I'll be surprised.

Edited February 14, 2019 by Dr. Who

[Aussie Joe]

5 minutes ago, CaptnCoke11 said:

Yeah he will

 

We’ll see..

 

I don’t think the $1.2 Mil will count for much if some rookie or Boettger is beating him out in camp..

Edited February 14, 2019 by Aussie Joe

[Dr. Who]

11 minutes ago, JohnC said:

I don't disagree with anything you said. What I would like to add is that I think this regime would be willing to spend some extra cash to get a dependable receiver for Allen. Getting a #1 caliber receiver is difficult to acquire from the market. Recognizing that there are some good quality #2 caliber receivers and TEs out there that should help put the our young qb in a better position to succeed. 

I agree with Gunner Bill that a fella like Golden Tate would provide the veteran leadership the wr corps presently lacks. In addition, I hope they expend an early pick (not necessarily in the first) on WR. My understanding is there is pretty good depth at TE in the draft, so there ought to be a good chance to improve there, but really, we need youth at all the skill positions on offense.

Edited February 14, 2019 by Dr. Who

[947]

45 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said:

 

Wow, he looks a lot better than I expected. Moves really well. It's clear from these highlights that he's much better at Guard than Center, but either way, this guy is a major upgrade from Miller or Ducasse.

 

I see this move is a contingency plan for if we don't land a top FA OL. The backup plan would probably be Bodine at Center & Long at Guard.

[HappyDays]

25 minutes ago, JohnC said:

What I would like to add is that I think this regime would be willing to spend some extra cash to get a dependable receiver for Allen. Getting a #1 caliber receiver is difficult to acquire from the market

 

I agree but yeah the market isn't there this year. If someone like AJ Green is available could see us swinging a trade for him. But I'm hoping they straight up buy an offensive line. I don't trust rookie linemen and we could use to replace everyone except Dawkins and maybe Teller.

[ndirish1978]

Can everyone calm down a bit now?

[ColoradoBills]

49 minutes ago, ndirish1978 said:

Can everyone calm down a bit now?

 

Ha ha.  Actually after hearing those contract numbers I'm excited about the signing.

If Long can compete for a starting G job and be a competent C backup AND it get's Bodine cut by

end of camp (or earlier)..................it's great.

[YoloinOhio]

55 minutes ago, ndirish1978 said:

Can everyone calm down a bit now?

I mentioned the other day that when the national reporters tweet out contract #s immediately, it’s usually right from the agent and the agent wants it to look like the biggest contract as possible. It’s rarely how it appears when it is broken down. 

[Logic]

After seeing these contract numbers, there really shouldn't be a single Bills fan that's still upset about his signing. That is an OUTSTANDING value for a player of Long's talent (when healthy). And if he doesn't remain healthy or is unable to win a starting job, the Bills can easily cut him with no negative long term ramifications.

Awesome job by Beane.

Also, with these new numbers in mind, I no longer feel that Long's signing will preclude the Bills from signing other quality o-linemen.

Edited February 14, 2019 by Logic

[John from Riverside]

1 hour ago, ndirish1978 said:

Can everyone calm down a bit now?

Jesus...this

 

I know that this is a bit of a culture shock to folks given the last 2 years......but we just cleared out a HUGE amount of cap space to sign players....that is behind us....and we are in play for whoever we want that will take the bills money.

 

Then Beane being the shrewed guy he is.....signs a veteran OG/OC on the cheap.....more moves are coming folkd....lets throw money at Denver's center and play this guy at OG.

[Lurker]

On 2/12/2019 at 1:03 PM, John from Riverside said:

Do stay.....we always need unwanted posters to throw darts at

 

The ignore user feature is your friend.    Apply liberally...

[John from Riverside]

2 minutes ago, Lurker said:

 

The ignore user feature is your friend.    Apply liberally...

Agreed Lurker.....I do need to use it more.

 

I am now thinking the real strife of our visiting ugly green team wearing folks is that their team paid SO MUCH for the guy while we paid so little.

 

Dont blame us because our front office is better

[ColoradoBills]

13 minutes ago, Logic said:

After seeing these contract numbers, there really shouldn't be a single Bills fan that's still upset about his signing. That is an OUTSTANDING value for a player of Long's talent (when healthy). And if he doesn't remain healthy or is unable to win a starting job, the Bills can easily cut him with no negative long term ramifications.

Awesome job by Beane.

Also, with these new numbers in mind, I no longer feel that Long's signing will preclude the Bills from signing other quality o-linemen.

 

Yes sir.  If this causes Bodine (who only plays Center) to be let go (2.3 million in cap savings) and Long is at 4 this year...........

...............Beane upgraded to a swing G/C who may start at G for an extra 1.7 million.

Great value move.

[John from Riverside]

3 minutes ago, ColoradoBills said:

 

Yes sir.  If this causes Bodine (who only plays Center) to be let go (2.3 million in cap savings) and Long is at 4 this year...........

...............Beane upgraded to a swing G/C who may start at G for an extra 1.7 million.

Great value move.

I imagine Gunner would be quite happy with this (not meant as a poke....just following your thoughts on it Gunner)

[Chandler#81]

39 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said:

I mentioned the other day that when the national reporters tweet out contract #s immediately, it’s usually right from the agent and the agent wants it to look like the biggest contract as possible. It’s rarely how it appears when it is broken down. 

 

So, can I delete the 50 some posts from ledge jumpers that claim we’re doomed?

[Nihilarian]

52 minutes ago, Logic said:

After seeing these contract numbers, there really shouldn't be a single Bills fan that's still upset about his signing. That is an OUTSTANDING value for a player of Long's talent (when healthy). And if he doesn't remain healthy or is unable to win a starting job, the Bills can easily cut him with no negative long term ramifications.

Awesome job by Beane.

Also, with these new numbers in mind, I no longer feel that Long's signing will preclude the Bills from signing other quality o-linemen.

 

Looking at the contract numbers this is another Beane "steal" and well done. I don't see this player at center and in my view is a direct upgrade for Miller at RG. Which puts an actual warm body in that position as Miller will be gone as a UFA. 

[YoloinOhio]

32 minutes ago, Chandler#81 said:

 

So, can I delete the 50 some posts from ledge jumpers that claim we’re doomed?

No, just C&P and save for the next signing 

[nucci]

I don't care about contracts and numbers....is this guy a good player?

[Kelly the Dog]

You gotta hand it to Beane, he sure knows how to rile up the fan base for no reason before they understand what might have really happened. I just hope they do not think they have just solved one of the four starting jobs they seem to me and others to need.

 

FWIW, my Jet fan friends do agree that his hand was the main culprit last season and that he isn't entirely awful, which is a glowing recommendation.

[njbuff]

 

I think people are mad about this signing because they might think that the Bills are continuing the bargain basement shopping routine for OLmen.

 

Vlad and Bodine are examples of this.

 

If the Bills think that Allen is going to be a franchise QB, the days of shopping at Walmart for your OLmen have to be over.

 

Thats why people are mad.

 

If McBeane still had TT, than you can almost understand this line of thinking about the OL

Edited February 14, 2019 by njbuff

[eball]

32 minutes ago, Kelly the Dog said:

You gotta hand it to Beane, he sure knows how to rile up the fan base for no reason before they understand what might have really happened. I just hope they do not think they have just solved one of the four starting jobs they seem to me and others to need.

 

FWIW, my Jet fan friends do agree that his hand was the main culprit last season and that he isn't entirely awful, which is a glowing recommendation.

 

You need to upgrade.

[Kelly the Dog]

33 minutes ago, eball said:

 

You need to upgrade.

They do more. They cannot help themselves.

[JohnC]

4 hours ago, HappyDays said:

 

I agree but yeah the market isn't there this year. If someone like AJ Green is available could see us swinging a trade for him. But I'm hoping they straight up buy an offensive line. I don't trust rookie linemen and we could use to replace everyone except Dawkins and maybe Teller.

I wouldn't mind getting another prime rookie prospect with one of our two top picks. I have been touting Jonah Williams because although he isn't the most physically imposing player he is the most technically sound player of the prospects. He's a plug and play player. I don't care where he plays on the line I consider him a worthy pick. 

[Iamkrgr]

This is a good depth signing. We still need 2 more O-lineman. The better they are the better this signing will look. 

 

If we are fortunate enough to sign Mitch Morse and Ja'wuan James/ Daryl Williams all of a sudden our offensive line is looking like a strong point. Add in a potential #9 pick in Jonah Williams and all of a sudden we could be really cooking. Though my preference would be to draft BPA and that likely is someone on defense. 

 

Dawkins - Teller - Morse - Long - James/Williams starting. Bodine is a capable depth center. Who else do we have signed? 

 

Edited February 14, 2019 by Iamkrgr

[MrEpsYtown]

1 minute ago, Iamkrgr said:

This is a good depth signing. We still need 2 more O-lineman. The better they are the better this signing will look. 

 

If we are fortunate enough to sign Mitch Morse and Ja'wuan James/ Daryl Williams all of a sudden our offensive line is looking like a strong point. Add in a potential #9 pick in Jonah Williams and all of a sudden we could be really cooking. Though my preference would be to draft BPA and that likely is someone on defense. 

 

Dawkins - Teller - Morse - Long - James/Williams starting. Bodine is a capable depth center. Who else do we have signed? 

 

 

Bodine-Sirles-Boettger is somewhat decent depth, but should be upgraded with draft picks. 

 

Swing tackle to get in UFA is Josh Wells. No one really knows about him, but he's started quite a few games for the Jaguars at both right and left tackle. He is the definition of the perfect swing tackle. Smart, versatile, and won't get anyone killed out there. 

[purple haze]

1 hour ago, njbuff said:

 

I think people are mad about this signing because they might think that the Bills are continuing the bargain basement shopping routine for OLmen.

 

Vlad and Bodine are examples of this.

 

If the Bills think that Allen is going to be a franchise QB, the days of shopping at Walmart for your OLmen have to be over.

 

Thats why people are mad.

 

If McBeane still had TT, than you can almost understand this line of thinking about the OL

Vlad and Bodine were starters in previous stints whether folks think highly of them or not.

And they were signed while the Bills had cap constraints.  They were affordable veterans,

with starting experience.

 

Free agency has not begun yet.   Long was suddenly available.  He has versatility and a lot of starting

experience, whether folks think highly of him or not.  He takes up peanuts against the cap. The Bills need

depth/competition up and down the line.

 

Free agency has not begun yet.

 

This has been a message...  If this were a real emergency please wait until March to get upset about

a signing or lack thereof when free agency actually begins.  This has been a message...

[colin]

On 2/13/2019 at 12:37 PM, Turk71 said:

Right, so this cast off from the Jets who was a disaster last year and is now the Bills highest paid o lineman by double was in high demand and the Bills, because their o line is so God awful, had to overpay. Got it.

 So glad smart guys like you are there to help us dummies. Wondering if you can help with this engineering project I'm working on. There is a lot of physics involved.

 

 

read the rest of the posts in response to yours, you lil cranky pants!

 

anyone we add to our OL will be paid more than what we have because we have just about the lowest paid OL in the NFL. 

 

same thing for CBs too!  i'll have you know that it is very possible we sign a cb who is not as good as trey white for more than we are paying trey white, and it could be a good move.  isn't that crazy!?

 

is your rule to look at what the team pays for current players rather than what the average price or going rates are for the players a team signs?  in reference to your homework project, consider position vs speed vs velocity, and shine up an apple and stand straight!

[DaBillsFanSince1973]

good to see they're working early on some potential rotation/back up positions for the OL.

[njbuff]

2 hours ago, purple haze said:

Vlad and Bodine were starters in previous stints whether folks think highly of them or not.

And they were signed while the Bills had cap constraints.  They were affordable veterans,

with starting experience.

 

Free agency has not begun yet.   Long was suddenly available.  He has versatility and a lot of starting

experience, whether folks think highly of him or not.  He takes up peanuts against the cap. The Bills need

depth/competition up and down the line.

 

Free agency has not begun yet.

 

This has been a message...  If this were a real emergency please wait until March to get upset about

a signing or lack thereof when free agency actually begins.  This has been a message...

 

I am with you.

 

I am just pointing out the reason why people who are upset. And I don't blame them either.

[3rdand12]

6 hours ago, Chandler#81 said:

 

So, can I delete the 50 some posts from ledge jumpers that claim we’re doomed?

only if you can promise we are not doomed.

 

signed

 Doomed

3 hours ago, njbuff said:

 

I think people are mad about this signing because they might think that the Bills are continuing the bargain basement shopping routine for OLmen.

 

Vlad and Bodine are examples of this.

 

If the Bills think that Allen is going to be a franchise QB, the days of shopping at Walmart for your OLmen have to be over.

 

Thats why people are mad.

 

If McBeane still had TT, than you can almost understand this line of thinking about the OL

it also may be a Mother Hen reaction. We might have the Franchise QB starting next season !

and i do not want any one putting hands on him or shoving him to the ground !

 Protect Josh at any and all costs

: )

[TheBeaneBandit]

3 hours ago, Iamkrgr said:

This is a good depth signing. We still need 2 more O-lineman. The better they are the better this signing will look. 

 

If we are fortunate enough to sign Mitch Morse and Ja'wuan James/ Daryl Williams all of a sudden our offensive line is looking like a strong point. Add in a potential #9 pick in Jonah Williams and all of a sudden we could be really cooking. Though my preference would be to draft BPA and that likely is someone on defense. 

 

Dawkins - Teller - Morse - Long - James/Williams starting. Bodine is a capable depth center. Who else do we have signed? 

 

Stop getting me all stoked for next season lol

[Turk71]

3 hours ago, colin said:

 

 

read the rest of the posts in response to yours, you lil cranky pants!

 

anyone we add to our OL will be paid more than what we have because we have just about the lowest paid OL in the NFL. 

 

same thing for CBs too!  i'll have you know that it is very possible we sign a cb who is not as good as trey white for more than we are paying trey white, and it could be a good move.  isn't that crazy!?

 

is your rule to look at what the team pays for current players rather than what the average price or going rates are for the players a team signs?  in reference to your homework project, consider position vs speed vs velocity, and shine up an apple and stand straight!

I was pretty cranky that day. Turns out it was a great contract for the team and Beane did a great job. Hope he turns out to be a good player. My complaint about Long being the highest paid o lineman and Bodine and Ducasse next in line was more about the lack of talent on the Bills line. Last year's fa pickups were uninspiring to say the least and I was concerned this year would be more of the same. If they are gonna spend for talent in fa I am hoping the line is a major focus. 

[YoloinOhio]

 

[HappyDays]

6 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said:

 

 

It's nice to have a GM that does his homework and knows how to use the rules to his advantage.

[YoloinOhio]

1 hour ago, HappyDays said:

 

It's nice to have a GM that does his homework and knows how to use the rules to his advantage.

Is Overdorf still around? I can’t imagine him drawing this up.

[BillsFan4]

I like this signing a lot after seeing the contract numbers.

 

If he works out, he could be a cheap starter for the next 3 years. If not, there is really nothing lost. Very little dead cap hit.  I don’t see the downside here... all in all a pretty good signing, especially for mid February. 

 

 

 

[transplantbillsfan]

 

[purple haze]

6 hours ago, njbuff said:

 

I am with you.

 

I am just pointing out the reason why people who are upset. And I don't blame them either.

I hear you.  I'm just saying that It seems some people get upset just to get upset.  If FA was under way and Paradis or Morse and Williams, etc. were available, and Long was the first signing I can see folks being upset.  But being upset because Beane signed a guy, at a position of need, who came available In the middle of February?  I say good.  It tells me Beane is awake.  

 

The fact that Long jumped so quickly on what amounts to a prove it deal tells me he's bought into Beane and McD, and their vision for the organization; that's also a good thing.