Can Christian Wade be the 53 man roster this year

[HappyDays]

I get the appeal of Wade but pure athletic talent isn't enough to be an NFL starter. He is still learning the fundamentals of his position and there's a lot more nuance to it than breaking tackles from 3rd stringers. The practice squad is perfect for him. Next year he might be ready to play for real.

[MAJBobby]

1 minute ago, ShadyBillsFan said:

 

Dude.  Do you see my username?

I'm a big shady fan. 

Shady isn’t what he used to be OR at least hasn’t proven he is what he once was. 

 

 

Against actual NFL Talent I agree. But to say he couldn’t embarrass future insurance salesmen is pretty disingenuous. Just like when he made the Starting Panther break his ankle on his shifty move on the pass catch he had. 

Just now, Stank_Nasty said:

The fact that you actually watched how quick wade pulled away during that run and think shady has that sort of top end..... is absurd. 

 

Does Wade have too end speed or where those DBs barley adequate NFL speed? 

[Stank_Nasty]

6 minutes ago, HappyDays said:

I get the appeal of Wade but pure athletic talent isn't enough to be an NFL starter. He is still learning the fundamentals of his position and there's a lot more nuance to it than breaking tackles from 3rd stringers. The practice squad is perfect for him. Next year he might be ready to play for real.

I’ve said this a handful of other times and I’m gonna say it again. I really would like to see him get some burn with the KR/PR units. That open field rugby style and the speed seem to be a good match for those duties and it doesn’t take the football IQ that being dependable a starting NFL RB takes. 

 

Im not even saying he makes it that way but I dunno how they can’t be curious there. 

Edited August 18, 2019 by Stank_Nasty

[HappyDays]

2 minutes ago, Stank_Nasty said:

I’ve said this a handful of other times and I’m gonna say it again. I really would like to see him get some burn with the KR/PR units. That open field rugby style and the speed seem to be a good match for those duties and it doesn’t take the football IQ that being dependable a starting NFL RB takes. 

 

I could see him having value there. With Roberts on the team and McKenzie offering more on offense I wouldn't keep Wade on the roster exclusively for kick returns. But it's something they could try out while he develops.

[SlimShady'sSpaceForce]

7 minutes ago, HappyDays said:

I get the appeal of Wade but pure athletic talent isn't enough to be an NFL starter. He is still learning the fundamentals of his position and there's a lot more nuance to it than breaking tackles from 3rd stringers. The practice squad is perfect for him. Next year he might be ready to play for real.

 

Agree that he needs to learn more. 

 

[Stank_Nasty]

1 minute ago, HappyDays said:

 

I could see him having value there. With Roberts on the team and McKenzie offering more on offense I wouldn't keep Wade on the roster exclusively for kick returns. But it's something they could try out while he develops.

Right. I’m not even saying he makes it. We have an all pro return man. I just can’t believe it hasn’t been explored yet... or maybe it has and we don’t know of it 

Edited August 18, 2019 by Stank_Nasty

[BADOLBILZ]

 

 

Is it even possible for a 28 year old player who has never played the RB position in his life to make an NFL roster with this complicated of an offense(as far as RB responsibilities)?

 

Maybe he's just that smart that he is learning from watching but he's pretty much a liability if he isn't on top of blocking and receiving assignments.

 

I assume he hasn't been playing much because he is just getting by on raw ability at this point. 

 

I see him as the equivalent of a track star who comes to camp and just runs 9 routes..........you gotta' see all the other stuff before you can keep him on the 53........and if he were doing it right in practice it seems he'd be out there more.    It's not like Marcus Murphy and Sinorise Perry are studs taking carries away from him.........they might be reserves in the CFL let alone the NFL.

[Warcodered]

1 hour ago, Kelly the Dog said:

My question has been that it seems obvious he doesn't have to clear waivers to be 11th PS member. But then he can't play. What happens if the Bills WANT to have him available this season and put him on the PS as one of their 10. Not the freebie. Surely he would have to go through waivers. But can they do that is the question. 

 

I haven't seen that addressed in articles. 

All I've heard on that is that if they sign him to the 53 he becomes a regular player so if they cut him then they can sign him to the practice squad like normal.

[Doc]

If Wade can get cut and go straight to the Bills’ practice squad without passing through waivers (which is good for the Bills but bad for the player) then that’s what you do.  That being said, I want to see Shady and Gore sit the next game and have Wade and Singleterry get time with the ones.

Edited August 18, 2019 by Doc

[PromoTheRobot]

1 hour ago, Stank_Nasty said:

First off. There isn’t a single back on the roster outrunning the colts db’s like that other than wade. Get a clue man. Dude passed them like they were standing still. 

 

And 2nd. Maybe you’re right and basically every single other person on the board is wrong. That seems about right. 

 

He's only faced camp fodder. No starting defenses. Also no one game planning against him. Temper your expectations but we are stashing him till 2020.

[ColoradoBills]

9 hours ago, bargepole said:

 

According to the Salary Cap chart, Wade is already on a salary of $495,000, same as Singletary. This is roughly the same as what he would have earned if he had stayed in England playing Rugby.

 

But I really can't see that he would be interested in cooling his heels in the PS, this is a guy who needs to be playing every week. He has said this in many interviews. If the Bills don't include him in the 53, and another franchise doesn't pick him, I can see him reverting to his original Plan B, which is to go and play rugby in the Southern Hemisphere (Australia, New Zealand or South Africa).

 

So Sean McDermott has a decision to make - put him on the roster, or risk having Wade rip the Bills' defence to shreds wearing a Jets shirt.

 

Thanks for bringing you perspective to this.

I wondered myself why he would want to be on a NFL PS making 130k when he could go back to rugby.

We will all find out in 2 weeks.

[VW82]

 

22 minutes ago, Doc said:

If Wade can get cut and go straight to the Bills’ practice squad without passing through waivers then that’s what you do.  That being said, I want to see Shady and Gore sit the next game and have Wade and Singleterry get time with the ones.

 

Wait is this still not sorted out yet? I thought other teams could sign him if we cut him. I wonder how much McD will play Wade in games 3 and 4. Murphy, Perry, and Yeldon are all listed ahead of him on the depth chart. If Wade does play and breaks off another big one they won't have the option of stashing him on the practice squad.  

 

Also, cutting Shady is risky but there's financial benefit (6M) and perhaps developmental benefit (Allen leadership) to doing it. If that happens maybe McD can justify keeping Wade as a 4th RB. 

[Doc]

31 minutes ago, VW82 said:

Wait is this still not sorted out yet? I thought other teams could sign him if we cut him. I wonder how much McD will play Wade in games 3 and 4. Murphy, Perry, and Yeldon are all listed ahead of him on the depth chart. If Wade does play and breaks off another big one they won't have the option of stashing him on the practice squad.  

 

Also, cutting Shady is risky but there's financial benefit (6M) and perhaps developmental benefit (Allen leadership) to doing it. If that happens maybe McD can justify keeping Wade as a 4th RB. 

 

I've heard conflicting things.  Bottom line is: if he goes straight to the PS if he doesn't make the Bills' roster, you do that.  If he can be claimed if he's cut, then they might have to keep him on the roster.

[Mat68]

3 hours ago, HappyDays said:

I get the appeal of Wade but pure athletic talent isn't enough to be an NFL starter. He is still learning the fundamentals of his position and there's a lot more nuance to it than breaking tackles from 3rd stringers. The practice squad is perfect for him. Next year he might be ready to play for real.

Why does he have to start?  If its Mccloud, Perry, Yeldon, Williams, or McKenzie I think Wade is a legitimate conversation.  He may have to play teams but those are areas the rules can be explained.  On offense he only needs to know 10 to 20 plays.  Have some gadgets plays to get him in space.  Buffalo needs as many playmakers as they can.  He has flashed.  I think he makes plays no matter who is out there.  Maybe not 60 and 40 yards but 20 plus are still explosive plays.  Add in his spark plug ability for the team and I think its worth pondering.

Edited August 18, 2019 by Mat68

[Just Joshin']

There is zero chance that the Bills will put a raw talent on the 53.  PS makes complete sense.  Build him up for next year when you will have a need.

 

The only way will be if they were going to carry 5 RBs (not counting FB).  Even then not sure it is worth the risk.  He is unproven against NFL first string defenses.

 

If I am wrong I will come back and acknowledge I was wrong.  Do not expect I will have to do so.

[LOVEMESOMEBILLS]

1 hour ago, VW82 said:

 

 

Wait is this still not sorted out yet? I thought other teams could sign him if we cut him. I wonder how much McD will play Wade in games 3 and 4. Murphy, Perry, and Yeldon are all listed ahead of him on the depth chart. If Wade does play and breaks off another big one they won't have the option of stashing him on the practice squad.  

 

Also, cutting Shady is risky but there's financial benefit (6M) and perhaps developmental benefit (Allen leadership) to doing it. If that happens maybe McD can justify keeping Wade as a 4th RB. 

For all the players in this program since 2017, there's not one article saying or even implying another team can sign the player when the team he's allocated to tries to put them on the PS. Every single article reads as it's a foregone conclusion. From my understanding he is exempt from the waiver process and will be on the Bills for the 2019 season, either making the 53 man roster or going to the PS for the entire year. The NFL Network did a small piece on this when the NFL announced which teams got which players back in April. Peter Scharager explains it and it sure sounds like he stays on the team he was allocated to for the first year(unless that team cuts him outright). I believe his exact words are "And if they don't make the 53 man roster they still get to stick with the team and be on the practice squad". I've attached the video below. If he goes to the PS no one can sign him away from us this year. He will become an unrestricted free agent at the close of the 2019 league year.

 

Also the Bills aren't cutting Shady to save 6 million while already being 23 million under the cap, there's no reason to make that move. 

 

 

 

[SlimShady'sSpaceForce]

 

 

 

[SlimShady'sSpaceForce]

 

 

 

Spent 2 years practicing Football

[LABILLBACKER]

22 hours ago, LOVEMESOMEBILLS said:

For all the players in this program since 2017, there's not one article saying or even implying another team can sign the player when the team he's allocated to tries to put them on the PS. Every single article reads as it's a foregone conclusion. From my understanding he is exempt from the waiver process and will be on the Bills for the 2019 season, either making the 53 man roster or going to the PS for the entire year. The NFL Network did a small piece on this when the NFL announced which teams got which players back in April. Peter Scharager explains it and it sure sounds like he stays on the team he was allocated to for the first year(unless that team cuts him outright). I believe his exact words are "And if they don't make the 53 man roster they still get to stick with the team and be on the practice squad". I've attached the video below. If he goes to the PS no one can sign him away from us this year. He will become an unrestricted free agent at the close of the 2019 league year.

 

Also the Bills aren't cutting Shady to save 6 million while already being 23 million under the cap, there's no reason to make that move. 

 

 

 

Good it's settled.  Wade will make the PS and learn the game for next year. See that wasn't so hard.

[MAJBobby]

He will be cut. He will be on Bills PS at some point in the season. In the exempted 11th position. 

[freddyjj]

Haven't seen this posted here yet

 

Best interpretation I have read to date on the matter

 

https://13wham.com/buffalo-plus/bills-latest-news/christian-wade-cool-story-but

[mannc]

20 minutes ago, MAJBobby said:

He will be cut. He will be on Bills PS at some point in the season. In the exempted 11th position. 

Very helpful analysis. Do you know how many carries Wade will get in the next two games?  How will he do?

 

 I recognize that the Bills are already so stacked with offensive weapons so there’s really no need to even consider a guy like Wade...

[MAJBobby]

1 hour ago, mannc said:

Very helpful analysis. Do you know how many carries Wade will get in the next two games?  How will he do?

 

 I recognize that the Bills are already so stacked with offensive weapons so there’s really no need to even consider a guy like Wade...

 

The fact he hasn’t been given to much to this point tells me all I need to know. If he knew his assignments and was ready to go he would be getting time against better competition 

[mannc]

57 minutes ago, MAJBobby said:

 

The fact he hasn’t been given to much to this point tells me all I need to know. If he knew his assignments and was ready to go he would be getting time against better competition 

And are you sure he won't get more reps during the next two games?  Are you privy to the Bills' future plans?  

[SlimShady'sSpaceForce]

Video Analysis: Buffalo Bills running back Christian Wade

 

https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/8/20/20813125/video-analysis-buffalo-bills-running-back-christian-wade

 

The rest of the plays

Would you be surprised to learn that Wade has appeared in about two dozen plays between the two games? I know I was taken aback a bit. The 20 or so other plays haven’t generated the same buzz, so let’s take some time to talk about these reps.

 

 

Who knew?

 

[SlimShady'sSpaceForce]

 

 

 

 

[DaBillsFanSince1973]

 

The Legend of Christian Wade is growing, but Buffalo Bills RB urges patience

 

If you are a Buffalo Bills fan you know what happened the first time British rugby star Christian Wade touched a football in an NFL preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts.

 

He ran 65 yards for a touchdown.

 

And you probably know what happened the second time he touched the ball, in a game against the Carolina Panthers. He caught a short pass and ran 48 yards before he was tripped up on the 2-yard line -- just 72 inches from another touchdown.

 

If he had just listened to his football coaches he would have followed his blockers on that play, waltzed into the end zone and sent Bills fans into a frenzy. But he relied on his rugby experience and cut toward open field – where he was tackled.

 

And therein lies the dilemma for the Bills coaching staff: Does Christian Wade, a rugby star, have a future as an NFL rookie? Or does he simply have too much to learn in too short a time?

 

“You gotta think about it,” said Bills teammate Frank Gore, who is the NFL’s fourth All-Time leading rusher. “It’s his first time playing football. I’ve been playing football since I was 4 years old. I learned the game in Pop Warner and he’s learning it in the NFL, you can’t go no higher than this.”

 

Wade said he’s loving his time in Buffalo and isn’t thinking about where he’ll be after cut day. Right now he’s seeing gradual improvement and he’s going to continue to progress one step at a time.

 

For Wade to make it in the NFL he just has to keep growing and getting better every day, Gore said.

 

“You just gotta keep learning. It’s a tough league,” he said. “I’m just so happy with how fast he’s catching on and having success with guys that have been playing the game since they were kids. He never played the game until now and that’s big.”

[ddaryl]

s A few big plays is not enough to make this roster. He needs to be fully developed 

 

https://billswire.usatoday.com/2019/08/21/christian-wade-pumps-breaks-on-idea-making-buffalo-bills-roster/

 

Quote

 

Despite that, Wade said he appreciates all the support, but he knows things are not all that simple in regard to him making the Bills’ final roster. There’s playmaking, yes, but blocking, reading an NFL defense, and plenty of other under the surface things are still new to him and because of that, he thinks his big plays are distracting fans from realizing the deep aspects of the game.

“I don’t know if they’ve been educated and they know the full background. I think people are obviously seeing a football player out there doing football stuff, but they don’t really know the full background,” Wade told NYUP.com.

 

I guess what disappoints is the fact that Some of our fans don't realize how much more the game is besides busting a long play or 2. Wade does..  which is a great thing. He's dialed in on what it takes to be a pro football player here.

When you don't have the ball in your hand you have dozens of other intricate obligations, and these take time to develop. For most players it was a decade or more of development

Edited August 21, 2019 by ddaryl

[billsfan_34]

Wade needs a chance to run with the 1’s and 2’s in the third pre season game in the tune of 10-12 touches at least. If he lights it up I am still not sure he makes the 53 unless injury/trades happen at RB- he is safe for now to stash on the practice squad.

[ddaryl]

3 minutes ago, billsfan_34 said:

Wade needs a chance to run with the 1’s and 2’s in the third pre season game in the tune of 10-12 touches at least. If he lights it up I am still not sure he makes the 53 unless injury/trades happen at RB- he is safe for now to stash on the practice squad.

 

 

so you think the coaches and Christian Wade don't know enough  to make the proper decision. Wade himself, (follow link above I posted)  just told you he ain't making this team because he is not ready to play in the NFL, and the fans need to chill.

 

 

Edited August 21, 2019 by ddaryl

[SoCal Deek]

The only stat that really matters is whether he’s prone to fumbling the ball. The actual yards per carry difference between most running backs is minimal. I’d love to know if he’s hanging onto the ball in full contact practices. My hunch is that a rugby player would be trained to hang onto the ball! 

[ddaryl]

4 minutes ago, SoCal Deek said:

The only stat that really matters is whether he’s prone to fumbling the ball. The actual yards per carry difference between most running backs is minimal. I’d love to know if he’s hanging onto the ball in full contact practices. My hunch is that a rugby player would be trained to hang onto the ball! 

 

 

the game and position is much more than stats and running the football. Blocking assignment's defensive reads are very complex. We know he can run but can he patiently wait for a hole to open and hit it with authority. Can he choose the right gap to tie up a defender protecting the QB ?

Those things need to be developed.. Even Wade knows this and from what it sounds like he is ready and willing to be a PS player this year. 

[Doc]

So am I correct to assume that if the Bills don't put Wade on the roster, they can designate him to the PS in a protected 11th spot, but they could also waive him, subject him to the waiver wire, and then sign him to the 10-man PS?

[ddaryl]

Just now, Doc said:

So am I correct to assume that if the Bills don't put Wade on the roster, they can designate him to the PS in a protected 11th spot, but they could also waive him, subject him to the waiver wire, and then sign him to the 10-man PS?

 

 

They can place him directly on the PS I believe. If they waive him he is exposed. 

[DaBillsFanSince1973]

8 minutes ago, Doc said:

So am I correct to assume that if the Bills don't put Wade on the roster, they can designate him to the PS in a protected 11th spot, but they could also waive him, subject him to the waiver wire, and then sign him to the 10-man PS?

 

 

If Wade does not make the Bills' final 53-man roster:

• He gets placed on waivers just like every other player with less than four-years service who is released. The waiver period lasts 24 hours. Wade can be claimed by another NFL team. That team would have to place him on their 53-man active roster immediately.

 

If he clears waivers and is not claimed by another team:

• Wade is eligible to sign-on as one of 10 players on any team’s practice squad, including the Bills' practice squad. In that case, he would be eligible to be activated at any point during the season, or be signed by another club to their 53-man roster. All practice squad players in the league are essentially free agents, free to sign with any team, but must be placed immediate on that team’s 53-man roster if that happens.
   
• Wade can be signed to the Bills' practice squad as an 11th, roster-exempt player. If that happens, he is ineligible to be activated by the Bills for the the entire season, and also ineligible to sign with another team for the entire season.

 

The only difference occurs if/when he isn’t signed to a team’s 10-man practice squad. At that time, the Bills can sign him (if he chooses) to their practice squad as an 11th, roster-exempt member, making him ineligible to play in the NFL in 2019.  

Ultimately, Wade has a chance to find work and choose what his best option is before signing with the Bills as that 11th practice squad player.

What is Christian Wade's roster situation?

Edited August 21, 2019 by DaBillsFanSince1973

[billsfan_34]

13 minutes ago, ddaryl said:

 

 

so you think the coaches and Christian Wade don't know enough  to make the proper decision. Wade himself, (follow link above I posted)  just told you he ain't making this team because he is not ready to play in the NFL, and the fans need to chill.

 

 

Relax man, it will be ok. My best guess is PS squad for this guy- but it doesn’t hurt to run him with something other than the 3’s. We all understand he is raw and not seasoned- it really isn’t rocket science. 

[Victory Formation]

He’ll definitely get signed somewhere I’m sure. I hope it’s with Buffalo.

[ddaryl]

11 minutes ago, billsfan_34 said:

Relax man, it will be ok. My best guess is PS squad for this guy- but it doesn’t hurt to run him with something other than the 3’s. We all understand he is raw and not seasoned- it really isn’t rocket science. 

 

 

I'm relaxed just confused at the inability of some Bills fans to separate fantasy from reality here. For some here it is rocket science if you back track through the pages of this thread.

 

I do share the sentiment of the underdog. I'm pulling for him long term.  But it makes NO sense at all to give him reps with the 1s this week. Imagine he might see a few plays with the 2s. But week 3 is the final regular season tune up for the starters

Edited August 21, 2019 by ddaryl

[Doc]

21 minutes ago, DaBillsFanSince1973 said:

If Wade does not make the Bills' final 53-man roster:

• He gets placed on waivers just like every other player with less than four-years service who is released. The waiver period lasts 24 hours. Wade can be claimed by another NFL team. That team would have to place him on their 53-man active roster immediately.

 

If he clears waivers and is not claimed by another team:

• Wade is eligible to sign-on as one of 10 players on any team’s practice squad, including the Bills' practice squad. In that case, he would be eligible to be activated at any point during the season, or be signed by another club to their 53-man roster. All practice squad players in the league are essentially free agents, free to sign with any team, but must be placed immediate on that team’s 53-man roster if that happens.
   
• Wade can be signed to the Bills' practice squad as an 11th, roster-exempt player. If that happens, he is ineligible to be activated by the Bills for the the entire season, and also ineligible to sign with another team for the entire season.

 

The only difference occurs if/when he isn’t signed to a team’s 10-man practice squad. At that time, the Bills can sign him (if he chooses) to their practice squad as an 11th, roster-exempt member, making him ineligible to play in the NFL in 2019.  

Ultimately, Wade has a chance to find work and choose what his best option is before signing with the Bills as that 11th practice squad player.

What is Christian Wade's roster situation?

 

So if he has to be wavied if he doesn't make the Bills' roster, the Bills have a decision to make as to whether they think someone will claim him.  I doubt it but it just takes 1 team out of 31 to do it.  And if he does make it through waivers, I'd sign him to the 10-man PS.

[ddaryl]

5 minutes ago, Doc said:

 

So if he has to be wavied if he doesn't make the Bills' roster, the Bills have a decision to make as to whether they think someone will claim him.  I doubt it but it just takes 1 team out of 31 to do it.  And if he does make it through waivers, I'd sign him to the 10-man PS.

 

He can be waived and if no one claims him he may be placed on the PS squad and be eligible to be called up (Not 100% on that). There seems to be conflicting info on the internet about this.

 

However if he is placed on the PS squad using the 11th man designation for international players he is ineligible for call ups

Edited August 21, 2019 by ddaryl