Looks like John Brown was released

[Aussie Joe]

Just now, The Jokeman said:

John Ross might be fast but in an unspectacular WR. If want a Brown replacement I look at Stills, Marvin Hall, Phillip Dorsett before I even consider Ross.

 

Meh...If they are the other options take a stab in the draft...

[The Jokeman]

1 minute ago, Aussie Joe said:

 

Meh...If they are the other options take a stab in the draft...

They aren't great but affordable and likely produce better than a rookie.

[Aussie Joe]

1 minute ago, The Jokeman said:

They aren't great but affordable and likely produce better than a rookie.

 

Not sure I agree that a rookie couldnt produce to their levels last year.. 

[Back2Buff]

Bills are in the position to get cheap productive vets looking to play with a throwing offense.  Keeping Brown made zero sense at that dollar amount.  Hoping to get a vet making 2-3 million in here.

[The Jokeman]

Just now, Aussie Joe said:

 

Not sure I agree that a rookie couldnt produce to their levels last year.. 

Tough to say as think Gabe Davis let us forget what most rookie WRs do. Yet as said in my updated post I'd love to get D'Wayne Eskridge in Round 5 as feel he could replace Brown/Roberts and maybe even McKenzie. 

[Aussie Joe]

2 minutes ago, The Jokeman said:

Tough to say as think Gabe Davis let us forget what most rookie WRs do. Yet as said in my updated post I'd love to get D'Wayne Eskridge in Round 5 as feel he could replace Brown/Roberts and maybe even McKenzie. 

 

Not sure Eskridge will be there in Round 5... But Id be on board with that..

[dave mcbride]

12 minutes ago, The Jokeman said:

John Ross might be fast but in an unspectacular WR. If want a Brown replacement I look at Stills, Marvin Hall, Phillip Dorsett before I even consider Ross. Ultimately think we'd be wise to draft someone to replace Brown and Roberts. I'd love getting D'Wayne Eskridge in Round 5.

Yeah, Ross looks to be a complete bust. The way he's produced, I won't be surprised if he's out of the league soon. 

[Man with No Name]

THanks for the memories. THanks for the big plays. 

[Process]

Brown needs to be replaced , IMO. I wouldn't feel great about heading into next season with Davis as the number 2. 

 

Curtis samuel would be such a good fit. And I think he's a great candidate for someone that should take a short term deal this year. 

 

-Loaded free agent WR class, several guys ahead of him

-He's only 24 and will still have room for two big contracts after this one

-He didn't reach his full potential in Carolina. Why sign for 4-5 years when you can come to buffalo and ball out and then sign a massive deal

 

If we can get him for 2 years $20M I am all for it.

 

If we don't sign someone I like the idea of taking one in the second round, either with our current pick or trading out of the first. 

Edited March 10, 2021 by Process

[The Jokeman]

4 minutes ago, Process said:

Brown needs to be replaced , IMO. I wouldn't feel great about heading into next season with Davis as the number 2. 

 

Curtis samuel would be such a good fit. And I think he's a great candidate for someone that should take a short term deal this year. 

 

-Loaded free agent WR class, several guys ahead of him

-He's only 24 and will still have room for two big contracts after this one

-He didn't reach his full potential in Carolina. Why sign for 4-5 years when you can come to buffalo and ball out and then sign a massive deal

 

If we can get him for 2 years $20M I am all for it.

 

If we don't sign someone I like the idea of taking one in the second round, either with our current pick or trading out of the first. 

I'd rather use big money on a TE and a lower cost speed WR. Yet also need interior oline help and possibly right tackle not to mention CB2 and LB and pass rush. 

Edited March 10, 2021 by The Jokeman

[Buffalo_Stampede]

2 minutes ago, The Jokeman said:

I'd rather use big money on a TE and a lower cost speed WR. Yet also need interior online help and possibly right tackle not to mention CB2 and LB and pass rush. 

I just don't have many examples of big money on free agent TEs working. 

 

Last year was Austin Hooper. Didn't really live up to the deal. I'm all for a bargain though if there is one. 

Edited March 10, 2021 by Buffalo_Stampede

[The Jokeman]

2 minutes ago, Buffalo_Stampede said:

I just don't have many examples of big money on free agent TEs working. 

We need a more reliable guy than Knox. To me guys like Everett and Smith could do that. With the cap tight I'd hope get either at $7m in 2021 and expand it over future years.

Edited March 10, 2021 by The Jokeman

[DCOrange]

14 minutes ago, dave mcbride said:

Yeah, Ross looks to be a complete bust. The way he's produced, I won't be surprised if he's out of the league soon. 

Bringing Ross in would be reminiscent of us trading for Corey Coleman. Might be worth taking a flier on him but in all likelihood he won't be the answer to any of our needs.

[BADOLBILZ]

8 minutes ago, Process said:

Brown needs to be replaced , IMO. I wouldn't feel great about heading into next season with Davis as the number 2. 

 

Curtis samuel would be such a good fit. And I think he's a great candidate for someone that should take a short term deal this year. 

 

-Loaded free agent WR class, several guys ahead of him

-He's only 24 and will still have room for two big contracts after this one

-He didn't reach his full potential in Carolina. Why sign for 4-5 years when you can come to buffalo and ball out and then sign a massive deal

 

If we can get him for 2 years $20M I am all for it.

 

If we don't sign someone I like the idea of taking one in the second round, either with our current pick or trading out of the first. 

 

 

He is so intriguing for this offense.

 

The only fit problem is that he's another small receiver and I think they ultimately need a couple huge catch radius guys in the offense to lean on when they have those days where the weather is making it hard to be pinpoint accurate.

[The Jokeman]

3 minutes ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

 

He is so intriguing for this offense.

 

The only fit problem is that he's another small receiver and I think they ultimately need a couple huge catch radius guys in the offense to lean on when they have those days where the weather is making it hard to be pinpoint accurate.

Or get a big TE, I'd  love 6'6 Hunter Henry but he's going to get paid by someone else am sure.

[DCOrange]

2 minutes ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

 

He is so intriguing for this offense.

 

The only fit problem is that he's another small receiver and I think they ultimately need a couple huge catch radius guys in the offense to lean on when they have those days where the weather is making it hard to be pinpoint accurate.

I think Diggs (not big but amazing in contested situations) and Davis project as those kinda guys. I think Samuel would be a perfect fit (but an expensive one and maybe TOO expensive of one) because he can do all the McKenzie gadget-stuff, can fill in Beasley's spot in the slot or Brown's spot out wide, and can even potentially line up in the backfield to give us a pass-catcher back there. There's a few guys in the draft this year that can theoretically do these things while being on a rookie contract, but obviously with Samuel you already know what you're getting.

 

As I've mentioned though, I think ultimately, Beane will go cheap on WRs this offseason to save that money for other spots.

[Process]

1 minute ago, DCOrange said:

I think Diggs (not big but amazing in contested situations) and Davis project as those kinda guys. I think Samuel would be a perfect fit (but an expensive one and maybe TOO expensive of one) because he can do all the McKenzie gadget-stuff, can fill in Beasley's spot in the slot or Brown's spot out wide, and can even potentially line up in the backfield to give us a pass-catcher back there. There's a few guys in the draft this year that can theoretically do these things while being on a rookie contract, but obviously with Samuel you already know what you're getting.

 

As I've mentioned though, I think ultimately, Beane will go cheap on WRs this offseason to save that money for other spots.

Another good point, I think this will be Beas' last year with the Bills and Samuel can fill his role in 2022. 

 

Really is a perfect fit for us 

[4BillsintheBurgh]

15 minutes ago, Process said:

Brown needs to be replaced , IMO. I wouldn't feel great about heading into next season with Davis as the number 2. 

 

Curtis samuel would be such a good fit. And I think he's a great candidate for someone that should take a short term deal this year. 

 

-Loaded free agent WR class, several guys ahead of him

-He's only 24 and will still have room for two big contracts after this one

-He didn't reach his full potential in Carolina. Why sign for 4-5 years when you can come to buffalo and ball out and then sign a massive deal

 

If we can get him for 2 years $20M I am all for it.

 

If we don't sign someone I like the idea of taking one in the second round, either with our current pick or trading out of the first. 

The more FA wr's that fill holes for teams, the more wr's will be available in the draft. It might be the case that we will be rolling with Davis and then Hodgins filling the Davis role and getting a burner in the draft and as others have stated, covering the return position also.

 

I for one would rather put resources into our run game with the hope that will cause defenses to play closer to the los and create some holes down the field. Josh seems to be pretty good at the intermediate throws at this point anyway and if we can give him more room on the field to make those throws by running the ball more effectively that sounds good to me.

[Buffalo_Stampede]

21 minutes ago, Process said:

Brown needs to be replaced , IMO. I wouldn't feel great about heading into next season with Davis as the number 2. 

 

Curtis samuel would be such a good fit. And I think he's a great candidate for someone that should take a short term deal this year. 

 

-Loaded free agent WR class, several guys ahead of him

-He's only 24 and will still have room for two big contracts after this one

-He didn't reach his full potential in Carolina. Why sign for 4-5 years when you can come to buffalo and ball out and then sign a massive deal

 

If we can get him for 2 years $20M I am all for it.

 

If we don't sign someone I like the idea of taking one in the second round, either with our current pick or trading out of the first. 

Davis isn't the #2, he's the #3. Depending on how big they go at TE he could be the #4. 

[Process]

4 minutes ago, Buffalo_Stampede said:

Davis isn't the #2, he's the #3. Depending on how big they go at TE he could be the #4. 

When people reference #1 and 2 WRs they usually referring to outside guys. You know what I mean. Yes Beas > Davis as an option in the passing game. 

[Buffalo_Stampede]

1 minute ago, Process said:

When people reference #1 and 2 WRs they usually referring to outside guys. You know what I mean. Yes Beas > Davis as an option in the passing game. 

I'm pretty confident the Bills are going with Davis, otherwise just restructure Brown. 

 

I think if the Bills spend on a receiving option it'll be TE. I can see them signing a cheaper option, someone mentioned Ross and Stills. Both make sense. 

[stuvian]

I thought he played well for us but i get that there's no room for sentiment at the top

[Hapless Bills Fan]

A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever

 

 

[WhitewalkerInPhilly]

1 hour ago, Buffalo_Stampede said:

I just don't have many examples of big money on free agent TEs working. 

 

Last year was Austin Hooper. Didn't really live up to the deal. I'm all for a bargain though if there is one. 

 I have heard rumors that Zach Ertz is on the table from Philly, and he was their best offensive weapon the past few years.

[Ethan in Cleveland]

Still would have preferred a new deal for Brown with a pay cut.  

Hopefully they use this money to bring back Williams and get a pass rusher

 

[Reed83HOF]

3 hours ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

 

😥😥

 

Not sure how the team gets faster on offense by cutting John Brown and letting McKenzie walk in FA, but given the cap situation and all the holes it probably had to happen.

 

I know and I'm kind of sad. Curtis Samuel is all I can think of...

 

Speed on offense is something we need to address...

[SirAndrew]

15 hours ago, DCOrange said:

 

Gabe isn't slow and he's always been at his best as a vertical threat. Still might not ultimately be the #2 guy out wide that we need but he's always projected as a fit there if he develops the right way and he developed very well over the course of his rookie season.

I thought Davis was a great rookie player. I think my concern is the fact he still needs to develop into a true number two. I’m not putting him down, I just don’t see how starting him over Brown is an even trade off. People underestimate how much an opponent must plan for a player like Brown who can always beat them deep. Davis is known as a vertical threat, but he has a lot to learn with tracking the ball, and making contested catches down field. There were several plays last season you knew Diggs or Brown would have made. This isn’t an insult to Davis, I’m just not all that comfortable with him as a number two. 

Edited March 11, 2021 by SirAndrew

[HOUSE]

What a revolting development this is...

 

[BillsShredder83]

Kinda bummed out. Super fun player to watch, and a huge part of some of my fav Bills teams.  Def wish we had got him the year before we did, the extra year of memories wouldve been nice.  Thanks Smoke!

[Bob in STL]

Solid veteran and key contributor to the turnaround in performance and in culture.  
 

Best wishes Smoke.  

[RichRiderBills]

Smoke was a good player and a good Bill. 2019 was a solid year for him, and in the last 30 years the Bills WR who've got 70 plus grabs can be counted on one hand (or so). He was a little overpriced at 10 million per year for us, but I'm surprised he didn't have trade value as an 8 million per year guy to someone else.

 

The Bills can't be paying 10 million per year to a # 4 WR, the need to replace McKenzie and Roberts also likely played a role. Why not find a guy who can do all three roles? The answer probably lies in the draft, but I'd be surprised if the Bills didn't make some moves here in FA as insurance.

 

I'd be very interested in the details of this release; was a restructure attempted? Was he shopped in trade?

 

When on his game, John Brown is a 70 plus catch 7-10 TD guy, with a few more nuances to his game than just a true burner. He can do some aspects of a possession guy, is good in the locker room (rare for a WR), and runs solid routes. Those guys don't grow on trees.

 

However, he can't stay healthy. This is been his big problem year after year...and this is why he's not worth a multi-year deal or the kind of money he's looking for. Best of luck to John, unless he goes to the Pats or Phish or something...

 

I have high hopes for Gabe Davis, and think we'll be fine at WR. Let's not forget Isaiah Hodges as well.

 

 

 

 

Edited March 10, 2021 by RichRiderBills

[oldmanfan]

Many thanks Smoke and best wishes going forward.

[C.Biscuit97]

I think this is one of the few times it has been universal wishing an ex bill well. 
 

proud of us. ☺️

[Patrick Duffy]

Ah sucks...Enjoyed watching him play in a Bills uni. Thanks smoke for the hard work and effort, also a big factor in the constant improvement of Josh Allen. Played a major role, arguably the biggest role in the 2019 season that helped Allen start to show what he could do.

[C.Biscuit97]

3 minutes ago, Patrick_Duffy said:

Ah sucks...Enjoyed watching him play in a Bills uni. Thanks smoke for the hard work and effort, also a big factor in the constant improvement of Josh Allen. Played a major role, arguably the biggest role in the 2019 season that helped Allen start to show what he could do.

Basically, Brown got replaced by a better version of himself. Sucks but that’s the business. Seems like a legit good dude and he will have no problem finding a new team.

[Patrick Duffy]

9 minutes ago, C.Biscuit97 said:

Basically, Brown got replaced by a better version of himself. Sucks but that’s the business. Seems like a legit good dude and he will have no problem finding a new team.

yeah, think most of us expected this, but silver lining is when he was out all those games the offense didn't seem to drop all that much, if any .

[TailgateChef]

4 hours ago, SirAndrew said:

I like Gabe Davis a lot, but I hope they don’t count on using him as the number two next season. Our offense was fine without Brown, and I’m not overly concerned, but I see Davis as a third option. His lack of speed worries me. 

His 40 time was .02 faster than Davante Adams.

[TailgateChef]

3 hours ago, QCity said:

It's the right move with that cap number. Burners don't age gracefully, and his injury history isn't likely to improve at 31. He had a great 2019.

Few sprinters run well into their 30s.  And they don't ever get hit.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

50 minutes ago, RichRiderBills said:

When on his game, John Brown is a 70 plus catch 7-10 TD guy, with a few more nuances to his game than just a true burner. He can do some aspects of a possession guy, is good in the locker room (rare for a WR), and runs solid routes. Those guys don't grow on trees.

 

However, he can't stay healthy. This is been his big problem year after year...and this is why he's not worth a multi-year deal or the kind of money he's looking for. Best of luck to John, unless he goes to the Pats or Phish or something...

 

I think this last isn't painting quite a correct picture.  Brown played 16 games for the Ravens + a playoff in 2018 and 15 games + a playoff in 2019 for the Bills (healthy scratch for the final reg. season game).

 

However, it wasn't just the number of injuries Brown had this season (3 different injuries) but that he really struggled against physical coverage and was taken totally out of 2 playoff games and 2 regular season games where he played.  We can't pay top dollar to a WR who gets erased so easily.

 

[HappyDays]