Shaq is back (Thompson, signed to the practice squad)

[UConn James]

After he went all through UFA saying he would be happy to come back to Buffalo & didn't sign anywhere, it seemed like he just wasn't a fit for what Leonhard was running on D. And then after training camp and all of preseason, he's signed to the practice squad this evening. 
 

Hey, I'm not against it. Just... what's up with the timing? Seemed out of left field.

 

Shaq was a real boon to the D when he came in. Has more of the ILB size than certain others on the roster. And depth is so important because inside guys get pretty beat up. Go Bills!

[Sierra Foothills]

Someone in the other topic summed it up accurately I believe.

 

Paraphrasing... something like when Shaq realized there was no market for his services, the next best thing was to have a job AFTER the offseason workouts, training camp, and preseason was over.

 

He maximized his rest, recovery and time away from football and came back to a job where he can pickup the system on the practice squad.

 

In other words, Shaq's signing was the fruition of a conversation he previously had with Beane and Brady.

 

Being a seasoned player with experience in a 3-4 scheme I imagine he'll pick things up pretty quickly.

 

Edited September 1 by Sierra Foothills

[BuffaloBillsGospel2014]

He was solid for us last season and if injuries or a player like Bernard is underwhelming again then he should come in and make an impact. 

[The Tomcat]

Happy to see this

[0017]

I wonder what’s up with cooks and Milano, both would be great stashes on the PS too. 

[Fan in Chicago]

1 hour ago, Sierra Foothills said:

Someone in the other topic summed it up accurately I believe.

 

Paraphrasing... something like when Shaq realized there was no market for his services, the next best thing was to have a job AFTER the offseason workouts, training camp, and preseason was over.

 

He maximized his rest, recovery and time away from football and came back to a job where he can pickup the system on the practice squad.

 

In other words, Shaq's signing was the fruition of a conversation he previously had with Beane and Brady.

 

Being a seasoned player with experience in a 3-4 scheme I imagine he'll pick things up pretty quickly.

 

I really liked seeing his name on the PS!

 

And Frank Gore Jr, Keonta Jenkins and Kani Walker's

[transient]

43 minutes ago, 0017 said:

I wonder what’s up with cooks and Milano, both would be great stashes on the PS too. 

Milano should take some extended time to heal, stay in shape and then start sniffing around teams late in the season. It’s probably the only way he’ll ever be healthy for the playoffs. 

[Jim]

I'll admit I'm a little surprised. Really kinda thought he was a "McDermott guy" and wouldn't be particularly interested in coming back.

 

Great acquisition imo.

[machine gun kelly]

I thought once TC ended he’d make his way back to the PS.  He now knows there wasnt much of a market for his services.  The next I expect at some point in the season is Cooks to the PS.  Just another depth piece.

[billsbackto81]

4 hours ago, Jim said:

I'll admit I'm a little surprised. Really kinda thought he was a "McDermott guy" and wouldn't be particularly interested in coming back.

 

Great acquisition imo.

McDermott guy?

 

He's a "need a check" guy. 😂

[Matt_In_NH]

So a vets contract is not guaranteed after week one.   He is someone who wants to play and is capable.  Does he become a starter with Bernard by week 5?

[TheBeaneBandit]

At his age with his knowledge,  he don't need no training camp!😆 Seriously though, keep him healthy we will probably need him.

[ddaryl]

Solid depth piece.

[Kirby Jackson]

Makes total sense

[AlCowlingsTaxiService]

[BuffaloBill]

adds veteran presence to the Bills LB room - probably plays situationally and obviously if injury situation calls on him to do so.

[BillsShredder83]

9 hours ago, UConn James said:

After he went all through UFA saying he would be happy to come back to Buffalo & didn't sign anywhere, it seemed like he just wasn't a fit for what Leonhard was running on D. And then after training camp and all of preseason, he's signed to the practice squad this evening. 
 

Hey, I'm not against it. Just... what's up with the timing? Seemed out of left field.

 

Shaq was a real boon to the D when he came in. Has more of the ILB size than certain others on the roster. And depth is so important because inside guys get pretty beat up. Go Bills!

I saw this yesterday at like 6pm, and later on like 9pm I didnt see anything posted here, and was kinda worried it was a bunk report.

 

Weird the board here was sleeping on that one... have we seen a Bills channel announce it to be sure its real? Certainly hope so. Killer move!

8 hours ago, Sierra Foothills said:

Someone in the other topic summed it up accurately I believe.

 

Paraphrasing... something like when Shaq realized there was no market for his services, the next best thing was to have a job AFTER the offseason workouts, training camp, and preseason was over.

 

He maximized his rest, recovery and time away from football and came back to a job where he can pickup the system on the practice squad.

 

In other words, Shaq's signing was the fruition of a conversation he previously had with Beane and Brady.

 

Being a seasoned player with experience in a 3-4 scheme I imagine he'll pick things up pretty quickly.

 

Im guessing there wasn't "no market for his services", I know hes older but he looked great last year. Im thinking he was willing to be super picky knowing he could latch on here after summer talks with Beane by his agent.

 

Should be pretty fresh yet again thid year!

[Drew21PA]

Good - his tackling was incredible last year 

[BillsShredder83]

7 hours ago, transient said:

Milano should take some extended time to heal, stay in shape and then start sniffing around teams late in the season. It’s probably the only way he’ll ever be healthy for the playoffs. 

Hopefully its with a contender (nfc preferred - just for rooting purposes). A guy id like to see get one!

[SoonerBillsFan]

9 hours ago, UConn James said:

After he went all through UFA saying he would be happy to come back to Buffalo & didn't sign anywhere, it seemed like he just wasn't a fit for what Leonhard was running on D. And then after training camp and all of preseason, he's signed to the practice squad this evening. 
 

Hey, I'm not against it. Just... what's up with the timing? Seemed out of left field.

 

Shaq was a real boon to the D when he came in. Has more of the ILB size than certain others on the roster. And depth is so important because inside guys get pretty beat up. Go Bills!

I love this