So Who Will Not Be a Bill by September?

[Maynard]

23 hours ago, UConn James said:

Depending on how disgruntled he gets… possibly Poyer. Would kinda hate to break up that safety pairing, but there’s Neal and Johnson behind him, yes?

Poyer is under contract. However, I think Hamlin is going to be a stud. 

[UConn James]

7 minutes ago, Maynard said:

Poyer is under contract. However, I think Hamlin is going to be a stud. 

Someone else replied the same, but the league has shown us that there are times a contract doesn’t mean anything.

 

I don’t think Poyer is the type who would hold out of training camp or beyond, but he was one of the very few who didn’t show up for the voluntary mini, his wife seems to be in the extremes of high-maintenance, and given a new agent we don’t know exactly what his thoughts are. So it’s a little up in the air at this point. Just was saying that the possibility exists.

Edited May 3, 2022 by UConn James

[DCofNC]

On 5/2/2022 at 4:29 PM, Success said:

 

Our 2-time pro bowl linebacker?

 

Not likely.  Just because Edmunds isn't playing up to his draft trade/position doesn't mean he isn't vital on this team.

 

The fact he’s not vital means he’s not vital. 

[The Dean]

22 minutes ago, DCofNC said:

The fact he’s not vital means he’s not vital. 

 

Unless they trade for his replacement he is absolutely VITAL to this team. Nobody on the current roster can really replace him, IMO. 

[SirAndrew]

On 5/2/2022 at 5:30 PM, chris heff said:

Poyer is still under contract.

Yeah, but I wouldn’t be shocked by a Poyer trade. Poyer is very important to this team, but if negotiations go south, Beane seems like the type of GM who’d be wise enough to get something of value for Poyer. 

[SirAndrew]

37 minutes ago, The Dean said:

 

Unless they trade for his replacement he is absolutely VITAL to this team. Nobody on the current roster can really replace him, IMO. 

I think it depends how confident Beane and McDermott are in their system. We all know he’s a crucial part of this defense, but I’m not sure how much they’re willing or able to give him. I don’t see Poyer going anywhere, but I wouldn’t eliminate the possibility if negotiations turn ugly. 

[The Dean]

Just now, SirAndrew said:

I think it depends how confident Beane and McDermott are in their system. We all know he’s a crucial part of this defense, but I’m not sure how much they’re willing or able to give him. I don’t see Poyer going anywhere, but I wouldn’t eliminate the possibility if negotiations turn ugly. 

 

My comment was in response to a remark made about Edmunds, not Poyer.

[BaaadThingsMan]

Luke Tenuta

[SirAndrew]

4 minutes ago, The Dean said:

 

My comment was in response to a remark made about Edmunds, not Poyer.

Apparently I got lost in the last couple pages of Poyer and Edmunds talk. With that said, Edmunds certainly isn’t going anywhere imo 😆 I think the team values him far more than fans. I don’t know why, but I have a feeling that McD sees continuity as being important with linebackers, possibly more than other positions on defense. 

[Rockinon]

Going to come down to who performs at the highest level in camp. No doubt there will be some tough decisions. That's exactly the way it should be. Have no idea who stays or who goes aside from punter, but it will boil down to who makes the team better.

[ganesh]

On 5/3/2022 at 1:40 AM, Dablitzkrieg said:

You people on this crusade are going to be awfully disappointed when his 5th year option and long term extension get signed.   I can't wait

Edmunds has indeed been that polarizing player for the fan base of this franchise. 

 

Edmunds puts together good seasons year in year out but with a weak run defense, he has been marked out for not having that "Closing" to finish the runs. 

 

His speed has helped him defend against speedy TEs and yet he has also been known to NOT have the ability to create turnovers.

 

Finally, he has helped the team in making plays at key moments and yet many other times, he has let down the team when it desperately needed him to make a play.

 

To add to the confusion, the Bills picked up his 5th year option (a great sign) and yet have not signed him to a long term contract (Bad sign)!

 

People are looking at Edmunds and want him to be Ray Lewis or a  game changing player like Polamalu.    People get disappointed when he does not. 

 

Edmunds is an ENIGMA indeed!

[Dablitzkrieg]

8 minutes ago, ganesh said:

Edmunds has indeed been that polarizing player for the fan base of this franchise. 

 

Edmunds puts together good seasons year in year out but with a weak run defense, he has been marked out for not having that "Closing" to finish the runs. 

 

His speed has helped him defend against speedy TEs and yet he has also been known to NOT have the ability to create turnovers.

 

Finally, he has helped the team in making plays at key moments and yet many other times, he has let down the team when it desperately needed him to make a play.

 

To add to the confusion, the Bills picked up his 5th year option (a great sign) and yet have not signed him to a long term contract (Bad sign)!

 

People are looking at Edmunds and want him to be Ray Lewis or a  game changing player like Polamalu.    People get disappointed when he does not. 

 

Edmunds is an ENIGMA indeed!

I don't believe the Bills picked up the 5th year option yet

[ganesh]

3 minutes ago, Dablitzkrieg said:

I don't believe the Bills picked up the 5th year option yet

This is Edmunds 5th year in the NFL.  His 5th year option was picked up last April along with Josh Allen. (Both were 1st round picks of the 2018 draft).

[Dablitzkrieg]

36 minutes ago, ganesh said:

This is Edmunds 5th year in the NFL.  His 5th year option was picked up last April along with Josh Allen. (Both were 1st round picks of the 2018 draft).

You are correct.

[machine gun kelly]

Ford will probably be gone.  Epenesa, and Moss are cheap labor so they should stay.  Edmunds and Poyer are valuable in the eyes of McBeane.

[SoMAn]

16 hours ago, Maynard said:

Poyer is under contract. However, I think Hamlin is going to be a stud. 

Don't know if Hamlin will be 'a stud', but he's been praised by people within the organization. There are a few candidates who are already backup safeties or can be converted from CB, including some rookies.

 

As good as Poyer has been in tandem with Hyde, he's getting older and more expensive. He's under contract now, so he's got zero leverage unless he chooses not to play and not get paid.  The Patriots have been historically smart about not getting too emotionally attached to veterans and  knowing when to cut them loose for the good of the team.

 

The Bills have hit on lower round prospects and undrafted FAs because they often identify players with the raw skills sets who are smart and coachable. Neither Hyde or Poyer were all-pro candidates before coming to Buffalo.

 

This is likely Poyer's final year with the Bills and I'm not too worried about his eventual replacement.

[sonyab1974]

I thought Gronk was going to join the Bills! I guess not.

[SectionC3]

Matt Araiza.  Points matter more than punts.  The inexperience as a holder is an underrated concern. 

[Milanos Milano]

On 5/2/2022 at 1:53 PM, GolfandBills said:

I think the Cook pick makes Duke Johnson a probable cut.  
 

Singletary

Cook

Moss

Jones

No way am I keeping Moss over Duke. Moss has shown nothing of value. 

[In Summary]

17 hours ago, machine gun kelly said:

Ford will probably be gone.  Epenesa, and Moss are cheap labor so they should stay.  Edmunds and Poyer are valuable in the eyes of McBeane.

Ideally a few shine in preseason and are then traded.  

[In Summary]

On 5/2/2022 at 5:32 PM, chris heff said:

Moss is better 

Although generally ignored, his broken ankle could easily have made him less of a player last year.  

[Putin]

On 5/2/2022 at 3:10 PM, Dablitzkrieg said:

You people on this crusade are going to be awfully disappointed when his 5th year option and long term extension get signed.   I can't wait

Oh God NO !! 

[L Ron Burgundy]

On 5/2/2022 at 11:12 PM, Rico said:

Ex-Jet on an extremely cheap contract, it would be no big deal to let him go.

Except that he's really good.  Been stuck on crap Jets teams the poor guy.

[BearNorth]

On 5/2/2022 at 6:17 PM, Aussie Joe said:

 

If he makes the team  it will be at the expense of Quessonberry or Mancz... one of whom I assume you have in your 51... Boettger is no doubt headed for IR /Practice Squad at the start of the season...

Interestingly Quessenberry played more snaps last season than anyone on the Bills roster. Doubt he is cut.

[BearNorth]

Summarizing; and ignoring the Edmunds, Poyer, and to some extent Crowder mentions; here are the "bubble" players mentioned above

 

Dodson

Epenesa

Ford

Gilliam

Duke Johnson

Kumerow

Matakevich

McKenzie

Haack

Hart

Taiwan Jones

Moss

Andre Smith

Stevenson

Sweeney

 

will be interesting to see how many make the 53, and how many are active on game day

[TheBrownBear]

11 hours ago, IronMaidenBills said:

No way am I keeping Moss over Duke. Moss has shown nothing of value. 

Well, this isn't true at all.  Moss was productive as a rookie and was in a good position to run away with the starting RB spot before injuring his foot in the 2020 postseason.  On OBL on Monday, Beane was gushing about Moss and said that he was still dealing with his recovery from the foot thing all of last year and basically couldn't cut at all off of his left foot.  Assuming he's 100% heading into 2022, he's absolutely in the mix to split carries with Motor or possibly supplant him as the starter.  Duke Johnson was signed in case they didn't get a hybrid/pass-catching back that they liked in the draft.  They've filled that spot now with Cook.  I expect Johnson to be traded or cut before the final regular season roster is finalized.

Edited May 5, 2022 by TheBrownBear

[CA OC Bills Fan]

On 5/4/2022 at 11:03 AM, SectionC3 said:

Matt Araiza.  Points matter more than punts.  The inexperience as a holder is an underrated concern. 

I agree with the statement "points matter more than punts". However, they would not have drafted him if they didn't believe he could learn to hold. If he doesn't, I agree he'll be gone. Haack punted an average of 3 times per game. He had a few awful punts, but for the most part he was a slightly below average punter. If he continues to be a far superior holder over Araiza or any other FA they find, he'll keep his job. But, I fully expect Araiza to be a good holder and to stay with the team. 

[Big Turk]

Yo Granny

[SectionC3]

36 minutes ago, CA OC Bills Fan said:

I agree with the statement "points matter more than punts". However, they would not have drafted him if they didn't believe he could learn to hold. If he doesn't, I agree he'll be gone. Haack punted an average of 3 times per game. He had a few awful punts, but for the most part he was a slightly below average punter. If he continues to be a far superior holder over Araiza or any other FA they find, he'll keep his job. But, I fully expect Araiza to be a good holder and to stay with the team. 

The guess here is that they were beaten to the punch on Stout.  I can’t recall a year in which three punters were drafted.  Not saying it didn’t happen; I just don’t remember.  Joe B has a nice write up today on the value of the holder, which Stout is and which Araiza is not. 
 

Anyhow, I think the thesis on Haack remains the same.  He’s a hang time/positional guy who, when our offense puts together a few first downs, can effectively trap the opponent deep in its territory if we’re forced to punt.  I appreciate that he sucked last year, but I’m not sold on the idea that he’s a goner.  I agree with you that we’ll see what happens in camp and go from there. 

[DasNootz]

55 minutes ago, SectionC3 said:

The guess here is that they were beaten to the punch on Stout.  I can’t recall a year in which three punters were drafted.  Not saying it didn’t happen; I just don’t remember.  Joe B has a nice write up today on the value of the holder, which Stout is and which Araiza is not. 
 

Anyhow, I think the thesis on Haack remains the same.  He’s a hang time/positional guy who, when our offense puts together a few first downs, can effectively trap the opponent deep in its territory if we’re forced to punt.  I appreciate that he sucked last year, but I’m not sold on the idea that he’s a goner.  I agree with you that we’ll see what happens in camp and go from there. 

2018, 2016, 2010, 2009, 2007, 2004, 1999, 1993, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1980.........

It's happened a lot, but not with this year's love affair and nicknames.

Edited May 5, 2022 by DasNootz

[The Dean]

5 hours ago, SectionC3 said:

The guess here is that they were beaten to the punch on Stout.  

 

Well, if you mean the Bill had a higher grade on Stout than Arazia, you are probably right. But I don't believe the Bills had a 4th round grade on ANY punter. But I'm not sure I'd refer to that as "beaten to the punch".  Maybe if Stout had gone late in the 5th? 

 

 

[Buftex]

On 5/2/2022 at 3:23 PM, Rico said:

Crowder.

Nah...Crowder will be there

 

[Canadian Bills Fan]

Duke Johnson

[BillsShredder83]

On 5/2/2022 at 3:45 PM, nkreed said:

BBB believes in Moss, see article just posted about beans and the draft. I think Johnson is gone.

Was that where he said he had s hard time cutting or something like that? Maybe post draft presser?

[nkreed]

5 hours ago, BillsShredder83 said:

Was that where he said he had s hard time cutting or something like that? Maybe post draft presser?

It was the Michael Silver article.

brandon beane's lasting formula to build a champion in buffalo

Quote

Though Beane believes that running back Zack Moss, a 2020 third-round selection, will rebound from a disappointing 2021 season to challenge current starter (and 2019 third-rounder) Devin Singletary, the Bills could clearly use some more juice at the position. Had the Bills not landed Elam and stuck with the 25th selection, Iowa State running back Breece Hall would have been under consideration.

 

[BillsShredder83]

20 hours ago, CA OC Bills Fan said:

I agree with the statement "points matter more than punts". However, they would not have drafted him if they didn't believe he could learn to hold. If he doesn't, I agree he'll be gone. Haack punted an average of 3 times per game. He had a few awful punts, but for the most part he was a slightly below average punter. If he continues to be a far superior holder over Araiza or any other FA they find, he'll keep his job. But, I fully expect Araiza to be a good holder and to stay with the team. 

I get holding is important but holy chit, there's 53 PROFESIONAL athletes on the team! There's no reason Araiza hits the streets over a holder.

I know, I know, it's more than the hold and timing and all that, and it IS important! But I mean good grief teach Kumerow/Taiwan or any one of Bernard, Shakir, Benford, Spector to figure it out. Take one for the team and spend some practice time on the other field.

If we are punting it's likely from inside our own 40, can't be sending haack out to get blocked, kick it 30yards or backwards.

[Motor26]

12 minutes ago, BillsShredder83 said:

I get holding is important but holy chit, there's 53 PROFESIONAL athletes on the team! There's no reason Araiza hits the streets over a holder.

I know, I know, it's more than the hold and timing and all that, and it IS important! But I mean good grief teach Kumerow/Taiwan or any one of Bernard, Shakir, Benford, Spector to figure it out. Take one for the team and spend some practice time on the other field.

If we are punting it's likely from inside our own 40, can't be sending haack out to get blocked, kick it 30yards or backwards.

I assume Araiza practices about 10,000 holds between now and the first game, he’s gonna be fine. It’s a hard thing to learn and do, but with his leg he’s going to make the team. 

[The Dean]

1 hour ago, BillsShredder83 said:

I get holding is important but holy chit, there's 53 PROFESIONAL athletes on the team! There's no reason Araiza hits the streets over a holder.

I know, I know, it's more than the hold and timing and all that, and it IS important! But I mean good grief teach Kumerow/Taiwan or any one of Bernard, Shakir, Benford, Spector to figure it out. Take one for the team and spend some practice time on the other field.

If we are punting it's likely from inside our own 40, can't be sending haack out to get blocked, kick it 30yards or backwards.

 

You may want to check out this article if you haven't:  https://theathletic.com/3295131/2022/05/05/bills-punt-god-matt-araiza/?source=dailyemail&campaign=601983

[Airseven]

Epenesa, Ford, and Phillips

[BillsShredder83]

2 hours ago, The Dean said:

 

You may want to check out this article if you haven't:  https://theathletic.com/3295131/2022/05/05/bills-punt-god-matt-araiza/?source=dailyemail&campaign=601983

Holy smokes! In 2 years Bass has kicked 110 XPs and 66fgs!  That's honestly nuts. Cool article and something to keep an eye on but I think he figures out a way to get er done.

I know it's not identical but there's some similar mechanics in catching and dropping a punt. Have T-Pegs mail a Juggs machine to his house, and get to gettin