Bills Sign Former First Rounder Shane Ray (now released with injury settlement)

[Yantha]

Interesting article from some years back.  Wondering about his injury status.   Has potential when healthy.https://www.pff.com/news/pro-the-ravens-add-a-much-needed-pass-rush-presence-sign-pernell-mcphee-and-shane-ray-for-2019

[NewEra]

He’s a camp body with depth player upside imo.  Great guy to bring in.  Can’t hurt

[hondo in seattle]

If nothing else, he seems pretty emotional about getting another shot at the NFL...

 

“Words can’t describe the emotions I’m feeling right now.  So many tears, sleepless nights, depression, everything that comes with losing the game. So many days of having nothing but hope while fighting a uphill battle. There where times that I thought maybe I should give up, but I wouldn’t be me if I folded.Even in my darkest moments I believed in myself. I believed in my preparation. I believed that I would have another opportunity even if the world didn’t believe. There are so many people that have been on this journey with me supporting me and I thank you all!!! When I needed someone to lean on you all wouldn’t let me fall. Most importantly thank you God!!! It’s official im a Buffalo Bill!!!I’m so grateful and excited for this opportunity this moment I’ve dreamt about for 4 years. I’m back!!!!!!!”

 

This was an Instagram quote quoted in Ryan Talbot's NYup article: www.newyorkupstate.com/buffalo-bills/2023/05/buffalo-bills-sign-former-1st-round-pick-shane-ray-heres-what-edge-rusher-said-on-return-to-nfl.html

[taglientep]

1 hour ago, BuffaloBill said:

 

 

This^^^^^

 

What do the Bills have to lose?

McD and co seem to get the best out of guys that others have tossed away. My fav, first time around Jordan Phillips.  I think if the bills can get the floor of AJ Epenesa production out of him it’s a massive signing.  If he doesn’t produce anything at camp, not a hard cut to make 

[Punching Bag]

4 hours ago, eball said:

 

Odds of Ray making the roster are likely 100 to 1 or greater, but it’s a guy with a pedigree and I don’t know why anyone would “criticize” the move.

 

 

Some will criticize move for hit fits in their irrational rant against Beane.

[Punching Bag]

Interesting nugget:

 

Bills Rookie camp QB Quinten Dormandy has history with Shane Ray.

Quinten Dormandy was cut to allow Ravens to put Shane Ray. on camp roster.

[Buffalo_Stampede]

7 minutes ago, Limeaid said:

 

Some will criticize move for hit fits in their irrational rant against Beane.

There is nothing to criticize about the signing. The criticism is for people thinking this signing means anything at all. It’s a nothing signing.

 

Edge is a need Beane hopefully fills by camp.

Edited May 14, 2023 by Buffalo_Stampede

[Breakout Squad]

9 hours ago, purple haze said:

I doubt it.   OBJ is in Baltimore and DHop is still in Arizona.  They didn’t do him those favors.

 

Ray probably showed good athleticism, they could use another pass rusher and they bring 90 to camp.  Why not sign him?    

He plays defense. OBJ and DHop play offense. Hence the favor. 

[The Jokeman]

1 hour ago, Yantha said:

Interesting article from some years back.  Wondering about his injury status.   Has potential when healthy.https://www.pff.com/news/pro-the-ravens-add-a-much-needed-pass-rush-presence-sign-pernell-mcphee-and-shane-ray-for-2019

He played in the CFL in 2022 and put up in 6 sacks in 13 games. So it's safe to assume he's healthy.

[Sierra Foothills]

There's some contentiousness on the board about the degree if any that Von Miller has had on this offseason's roster additions.

 

It could just be coincidence but so far the Bills have signed 4 former Von Miller teammates, David Edwards, Taylor Rapp, Travin Howard, and Shane Ray.

 

 

[hondo in seattle]

15 minutes ago, Sierra Foothills said:

There's some contentiousness on the board about the degree if any that Von Miller has had on this offseason's roster additions.

 

It could just be coincidence but so far the Bills have signed 4 former Von Miller teammates, David Edwards, Taylor Rapp, Travin Howard, and Shane Ray.

 

 

 

Von did say he wants to be a GM someday.   Getting involved in personnel already?

 

Edited May 14, 2023 by hondo in seattle

[K-9]

5 hours ago, eball said:

I really don’t get the “favor for Von” angle one bit.  That’s not how Beane operates.  This guy’s agent was likely putting out feelers throughout the league and while Beane may certainly have asked Von about his character and how he is as a teammate, they can watch the film for themselves and it is a completely no-risk, nothing-but-upside signing.

 

Odds of Ray making the roster are likely 100 to 1 or greater, but it’s a guy with a pedigree and I don’t know why anyone would “criticize” the move.

 

What don’t you understand about the term “tongue in cheek?” 

[BADOLBILZ]

 

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/37647296/de-shane-ray-nfl-2019-signs-bills

 

He was a bust.    Didn't show much juice in the CFL action I saw him in recently.   Agree that it's a favor to Von and he probably ends up on PS but when it comes to rushing the passer sometimes old dogs can actually get better with age.   I hope he finds a niche in the NFL in his 30's.   Kid had a tough story growing up with his college football star father wanting nothing to do with him. 

[Utah John]

Shane Ray might work out fine.  Let's just take a look.  As for DE improvement, there's still a lot of upside for Groot and Epenesa.  Basham I never thought would work out and he's performed down to my expectations, but the other two could be the solution to the need right there on the roster.

[RichRiderBills]

1 hour ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/37647296/de-shane-ray-nfl-2019-signs-bills

 

He was a bust.    Didn't show much juice in the CFL action I saw him in recently.   Agree that it's a favor to Von and he probably ends up on PS but when it comes to rushing the passer sometimes old dogs can actually get better with age.   I hope he finds a niche in the NFL in his 30's.   Kid had a tough story growing up with his college football star father wanting nothing to do with him. 

 

He was not a bust. Had 8 sacks his second year. Had 3 sacks in one game the next year. He underperformed for sure. But he's clearly capable when focused.

 

I have a good feeling about this signing. Could be a lorax type signing. If anything other DEs will be pushed by this guy, who sounds hungry and ready to work. I love players that take the CFL route. Again, I have this vibe he will be better than we think. 

Edited May 14, 2023 by RichRiderBills

[Beast]

I remember waving at Von Miller sometime back in 2017 or 2018.

 

I’m anxiously awaiting Beane to call me for an invitation to mini-camp.

Edited May 14, 2023 by Beast

[Mr. WEO]

"former explosive athlete"....lol

[ColoradoBills]

Wow.  The biggest Von Miller involvement in all of this (whether or not he had any influence) is him not taking a lot of snaps in camp.

Ray will be battling Kingsley and Cline for PS positions.  What is the big deal here?

[78thealltimegreat]

Does seem Beane wanted to sign a vet DE but they were just too much money. So he goes the next route and kicks the tires on a couple guys not a bad deal. 

[Shemp]

I hope if Ray makes the team, he doesn't use O.J.'s #32. I think for one reason or another, O.J.'s #32 should be retired forever.

[Thurman#1]

12 hours ago, Buffalo_Stampede said:

They have money. I’m not going to make excuses for Beane. Our pass rush has failed us multiple seasons. Relying on 34 year old Von Miller coming off an ACL is playing with fire. 
 

There are good insurance pass rushers available. They need to sign one. Simple as that. Restructure a contract or 2, release a contract, trade someone. Whatever it takes to sign one. Again, I prefer Yannick, but that would mean making a significant trade. So no, I don’t expect that. But they can definitely create enough space for Ingram or Houston.

 

 

They have money. But beyond a pretty smallish bit, it's money they don't want to use unless some freakishly great opportunity somehow flashed into view.

 

The smallish bit is probably something up to $2 or $2.5M they could make available. Anyone available at this time of the year could very possible be gotten for that. Particularly with so many good DEs out there unsigned right now. IMO we'll see them sign someone fairly cheap out of the group of 9 or 10 good vet DEs. It might come late in the process to allow the players to skip minicamps and such that many older vets don't really want to attend anyway.

 

They don't need to sign one. It would be great to sign one, but it would be dumb to throw away the budget and sign one no matter what it would cost.

 

The way people always phrase this as "they can afford it," or "they can create enough," is ridiculous. Of course they can, but it would put them in a bad position next year or two or three. And next year people will say the same thing, and soon you end up having to cut guys you don't want to cut or can't sign guys you really do feel that you need.

 

I could borrow enough money from credit sources and ravaging retirement accounts and saving to buy myself to buy myself a Lambo. Not the Aston Martin Valkyrie I'd really like, but one of the cheapest Lambos is something I could do. But it would be a dumb idea, as it would ruin my budget in future years and eventually cost my family to lose something else I don't want to give up, and perhaps many things.

 

The way to say this is that they can or can't create enough space in a sensible manner that it won't come back to bite them. They seem to think they can't. That makes sense to me.

 

 

[bostonadguy]

18 hours ago, Freddie's Dead said:

 

I’m ashamed to say it, but I loved this song. Peaches and Herb were great,

[BillsFanForever19]

8 hours ago, Buffalo_Stampede said:

Man you’re replies are too long for my attention span.

 

I know how the cap works. I know the current contracts on the roster. I know what we can and can’t do. Beane can add to the roster. He’s choosing not to push more cap into the future or make other roster moves to create cap. I understand why he’s not doing. That’s one of the reasons I’m questioning his ability to get us where we want to go. We can’t worry too much about 2-3 years down the road. We are currently in a Super Bowl window. Poyer, Hyde, Diggs, and Miller aren’t going to be all pros forever.

 

That's not going to happen. We did that before he came here and he had to work his tail off to get us out of cap hell when he first arrived. He's not going to turn around and do the same thing himself.

 

A big part of Beane getting hired by Pegula was that he was going to be smarter about these things then his predecessors were. He's said time and again that his vision is to keep the team from ever having to do a tear down by acting reckless for a year or two. Whether you agree with it or not, it's foolish to expect him to do otherwise.

 

As long as Josh is playing at a high level, we are always in the window. Teams have done it with less than what we've had this year with a QB catching fire in a given year. 

 

5 hours ago, Buffalo_Stampede said:

There is nothing to criticize about the signing. The criticism is for people thinking this signing means anything at all. It’s a nothing signing.

 

Edge is a need Beane hopefully fills by camp.

 

In a vacuum, Ray could have been a nothing signing.

 

But in the context of Von scheduled to not miss any time and at worst, a game or two, having Groot on the other side, still having Epenesa and Basham, bringing back Kingsley Jonathan, re-signing Shaq, claiming Cline, and now signing Ray - at a time where we have 88 players on the roster when he said he was planning on not bringing 90 to camp, 9 DE's already on the roster - the signing of Ray represents something else.

 

He said he was unable to sign a DE post draft. Reportedly, we offered Yannick an incentive deal he turned down. This makes it pretty obvious he tried to get one or more from the list and couldn't do it under the constraints we have. He said he would probably look to add "a" (singular) DE before Camp and was "kicking the tires on Ray" as that possibility. He then signed Ray.

 

I really don't see a 10th DE coming in. And I hope you don't throw another child like temper tantrum and fill the thread with "little baller Beane" comments if this is it like you did in the Hopkins thread. 

Edited May 14, 2023 by BillsFanForever19

[Freddie's Dead]

1 hour ago, bostonadguy said:

I’m ashamed to say it, but I loved this song. Peaches and Herb were great,

 

No shame attaches, it's a great song!

[Buffalo_Stampede]

1 hour ago, BillsFanForever19 said:

 

That's not going to happen. We did that before he came here and he had to work his tail off to get us out of cap hell when he first arrived. He's not going to turn around and do the same thing himself.

 

A big part of Beane getting hired by Pegula was that he was going to be smarter about these things then his predecessors were. He's said time and again that his vision is to keep the team from ever having to do a tear down by acting reckless for a year or two. Whether you agree with it or not, it's foolish to expect him to do otherwise.

 

As long as Josh is playing at a high level, we are always in the window. Teams have done it with less than what we've had this year with a QB catching fire in a given year. 

 

 

In a vacuum, Ray could have been a nothing signing.

 

But in the context of Von scheduled to not miss any time and at worst, a game or two, having Groot on the other side, still having Epenesa and Basham, bringing back Kingsley Jonathan, re-signing Shaq, claiming Cline, and now signing Ray - at a time where we have 88 players on the roster when he said he was planning on not bringing 90 to camp, 9 DE's already on the roster - the signing of Ray represents something else.

 

He said he was unable to sign a DE post draft. Reportedly, we offered Yannick an incentive deal he turned down. This makes it pretty obvious he tried to get one or more from the list and couldn't do it under the constraints we have. He said he would probably look to add "a" (singular) DE before Camp and was "kicking the tires on Ray" as that possibility. He then signed Ray.

 

I really don't see a 10th DE coming in. And I hope you don't throw another child like temper tantrum and fill the thread with "little baller Beane" comments if this is it like you did in the Hopkins thread. 

His edge moves this offseason are definitely Little Baller Beane moves. Lack of above average edge play will hurt us this year.

[Sierra Foothills]

4 hours ago, ColoradoBills said:

Wow.  The biggest Von Miller involvement in all of this (whether or not he had any influence) is him not taking a lot of snaps in camp.

Ray will be battling Kingsley and Cline for PS positions.  What is the big deal here?

 

It's NOT a big deal.

 

WHO said it was a BIG deal anyways?

 

WHY does everyone have to blow EVERYTHING out of proportion... I JUST SAID IT'S NOT A BIG DEAL!!!

 

2 hours ago, bostonadguy said:

I’m ashamed to say it, but I loved this song. Peaches and Herb were great,

 

Peaches and Herb are great but you should try it the other way around... the Herb and THEN the Peaches... that's really great.

 

 

[Ridgewaycynic2013]

6 minutes ago, Sierra Foothills said:

Peaches and Herb are great but you should try it the other way around... the Herb and THEN the Peaches... that's really great.

[BADOLBILZ]

5 hours ago, RichRiderBills said:

 

He was not a bust. Had 8 sacks his second year. Had 3 sacks in one game the next year. He underperformed for sure. But he's clearly capable when focused.

 

I have a good feeling about this signing. Could be a lorax type signing. If anything other DEs will be pushed by this guy, who sounds hungry and ready to work. I love players that take the CFL route. Again, I have this vibe he will be better than we think. 

 

What Is The Definition Of A Bust In Football?

1. A bust is a player who was drafted on the first day of the NFL draft and failed to meet expectations. A player who is labeled a bust is usually drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft.

 

Like I said........he was CLEARLY a bust.

 

What a player was briefly "capable" of 7-8 years ago doesn't matter a bit in that regard........it's what the player accomplished in the 5 year rookie deal.

 

He had one productive season and injuries took him out.    Injuries don't exempt you from bust status it's only about production.

 

Now as for you calling Ray out as being "unfocused" I have no idea where you have come up with that analysis.  His primary issue has been injuries.   He couldn't stay on the field in the CFL either.     I wish him luck but your vibe isn't based in reality it's coming from an imaginary place where he's able to stay healthy......7 years ago.

[TC in St. Louis]

They signed him because they think he can play football.  He needed another chance.  His draft profile was excellent.  I wondered what happened to Shane Ray.  Glad to welcome him to Buffalo.   Go get 'em, Shane.

[John from Riverside]

I’m willing to give him a chance and training camp I don’t know about you guys

[balln]

Reeks of another dubious beane move

 

signed beasley and John brown for cripes sakes last year during the season. Both wr had retired…… 

[biggerdaddynj]

Next Duke Williams!! 

[Zerovoltz]

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2625195-broncos-lb-shane-ray-gets-chiefs-tattoo-defends-himself-on-social-media

[Buffalo_Stampede]

14 hours ago, Thurman#1 said:

 

 

They have money. But beyond a pretty smallish bit, it's money they don't want to use unless some freakishly great opportunity somehow flashed into view.

 

The smallish bit is probably something up to $2 or $2.5M they could make available. Anyone available at this time of the year could very possible be gotten for that. Particularly with so many good DEs out there unsigned right now. IMO we'll see them sign someone fairly cheap out of the group of 9 or 10 good vet DEs. It might come late in the process to allow the players to skip minicamps and such that many older vets don't really want to attend anyway.

 

They don't need to sign one. It would be great to sign one, but it would be dumb to throw away the budget and sign one no matter what it would cost.

 

The way people always phrase this as "they can afford it," or "they can create enough," is ridiculous. Of course they can, but it would put them in a bad position next year or two or three. And next year people will say the same thing, and soon you end up having to cut guys you don't want to cut or can't sign guys you really do feel that you need.

 

I could borrow enough money from credit sources and ravaging retirement accounts and saving to buy myself to buy myself a Lambo. Not the Aston Martin Valkyrie I'd really like, but one of the cheapest Lambos is something I could do. But it would be a dumb idea, as it would ruin my budget in future years and eventually cost my family to lose something else I don't want to give up, and perhaps many things.

 

The way to say this is that they can or can't create enough space in a sensible manner that it won't come back to bite them. They seem to think they can't. That makes sense to me.

 

 

No, it’s not “dumb” to sign someone that helps your pass rush. 
 

I’ve kind of mentioned this before but what I want them to do is trade Ed Oliver and sign Yannick Ngakoue to a long-term contract. Multiple reasons. We load up at edge this season, have insurance for Von Miller or if Rousseau fails to take that next step. You can easily play Miller, Rousseau, and Ngakoue at the same time.

 

We would have a great 3 man rotation at edge. I would sign Matt Ioannidis DT a cheap deal as our 4th to rotate in.

So my plan is trade Oliver and sign DE Ngakoue and DT Matt Ioannidis. You can do this and save cap space this year believe it or not.
 

Edited May 15, 2023 by Buffalo_Stampede

[Buffalo_Stampede]

Picture it!

 

Obvious passing situations

Miller - Philips - Rousseau - Ngakoue 

 

Base Nickle

Rousseau - Jones - Ford - Ngakoue

Miller/Williams/Bernard - Milano

 

Yes, I would have Rousseau rushing from

3TDT because he’s amazing at it. Miller would rotate in at LB for base nickel with Dorian Williams and Bernard. Miller would play the Lorenzo Alexander roll from a few years ago. I loved that defensive scheme, just wasn’t as talented as we are today.

 

 

Edited May 15, 2023 by Buffalo_Stampede

[Warriorspikes51]

4 hours ago, Zerovoltz said:

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2625195-broncos-lb-shane-ray-gets-chiefs-tattoo-defends-himself-on-social-media

Clearly a desperate move by Andy Reid to send a spy among us! haha

[Don Otreply]

13 hours ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

What Is The Definition Of A Bust In Football?

1. A bust is a player who was drafted on the first day of the NFL draft and failed to meet expectations. A player who is labeled a bust is usually drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft.

 

Like I said........he was CLEARLY a bust.

 

What a player was briefly "capable" of 7-8 years ago doesn't matter a bit in that regard........it's what the player accomplished in the 5 year rookie deal.

 

He had one productive season and injuries took him out.    Injuries don't exempt you from bust status it's only about production.

 

Now as for you calling Ray out as being "unfocused" I have no idea where you have come up with that analysis.  His primary issue has been injuries.   He couldn't stay on the field in the CFL either.     I wish him luck but your vibe isn't based in reality it's coming from an imaginary place where he's able to stay healthy......7 years ago.

Funny how it’s never the GM/team that drafts the guy with the wrong pick that gets labeled as a bust. Its is the GM who blew the pick, not the player. It’s on the GM. 
 

 

[Slippery Rubber Mats]

10 hours ago, balln said:

Reeks of another dubious beane move

 

 

ANOTHER DUBIOUS BEANE MOVE

[hondo in seattle]

I don't get some of the drama here.  At worst Ray is a cheap camp body.  We need camp bodies.   At best, he's a quality backup.  There's no loss and a possibility of a modest gain.  

 

[Bruffalo]

Should probably back Duke Williams while we're at it. 

 

It's a low risk/high reward type signing, but I don't think we really should expect much (or anything).