‘The proposal to have Thursday night flex options for Weeks 14-17 on 14 days’ notice was tabled until at least May and drew the ire of New York Giants owner John Mara, who called it “abusive,” citing the change of schedule for fans traveling to the games in addition to player injury concerns.’
BillsBeat - March 29, 2023
In wake of Damar Hamlin's emergency, NFL announces cardiac arrest initiatives
‘On Monday, the NFL announced the launch of The Smart Heart Sports Coalition, which will advocate for life-saving policies to prevent death from sudden cardiac arrest for high school athletes across the country. The collaboration is with the NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, NHL, NCAA, the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, Korey Stringer Institute, National Athletic Trainers’ Association and Hamlin’s Chasing M’s Foundation.;
Instead of debt, New York will likely use cash to fund $182 million for Bills stadium
‘In 2022, the state budget included language allowing the state Dormitory Authority to issue new, long-term debt for the specific purpose of funding “athletic facilities for professional football in Orchard Park, New York.”’
NFL helps launch initiative to prevent fatal cardiac arrest among high school athletes
‘The coalition, which is also partnered with Hamlin’s Chasing M’s Foundation, advocates for the implementation of three best practices to prevent death: widely distributed emergency action plans for each high school athletic venue that are posted, practiced and updated annually; clearly marked AEDs at each athletic venue or accessible within three minutes of anyplace a high school team practices or holds competitions; and CPR and AED education for coaches.’
Bills Likely Out on DeAndre Hopkins Trade, per Report
‘The Bills will not trade for Hopkins “barring a significant development,” according to a Monday night report from Tim Graham of The Athletic.’
What new Bills players' former coaches are saying about them
‘I asked each of their recent head coaches on Tuesday at the annual NFL League Meetings at the Arizona Baltimore Hotel, what the Bills are getting in each player? Here is some of what each coach had to say…’.
BillsBeat - March 28, 2023
Bills’ Kadish dies; updating free agency
‘The passing of the former Bills defensive tackle wasn’t unexpected as he’d battled Parkinson’s disease for 28 years.’
Observations: Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott says plan is for him to call defensive plays
‘McDermott also said the team will not hire a defensive coordinator from outside the organization, reiterating what General Manager Brandon Beane has said. Defensive line coach Eric Washington, a former Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator, and senior defensive assistant Al Holcomb, a former Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator, are among those who bolster McDermott’s confidence.’
Ryan O'Halloran: Sean McDermott naming himself defensive play-caller may be game-changing move
‘Let’s be honest, this call puts McDermott on the pressure cooker if it doesn’t work out.’
Buffalo Bills to sign safety Taylor Rapp to one-year deal
‘Rapp, 25, has spent his first four professional seasons with the Los Angeles Rams after he was a second-round draft pick of the team in 2019. He made seven tackles in the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI victory over the Bengals following the 2021 regular season. For his career, Rapp has appeared in 58 games in the regular season, starting 47 times. He had 92 tackles last season, with two interceptions and a fumble recovery. It was his third season with at least 90 tackles and two interceptions.’
Cost of new Bills stadium increases to $1.54 billion, officials say, as new renderings are released
‘All signs continue to point an imminent agreement among the team, the state and Erie County and Raccuia projects a ceremonial ground-breaking within 30-45 days, but he told The News on Monday that the new cost is $1.54 billion and the Bills are responsible for the $140 million overrun.’
As stadium construction begins, Bills executive Ron Raccuia says 2023 parking will be mostly the same
‘“We don’t think we’re going to reduce much of anything this year – 2023 should have little-to-no impact for the regular fans,” he said. “Our overriding philosophy is the more spots we can have for our fans, the better. We may lose some things (this year) by potentially reducing or eliminating some of the RV spots.”’
Bills news, notes: Former Ram safety signs with Buffalo; McDermott to call defensive plays
‘“I’m gonna be the play-caller but at the same time, have tons of confidence in the guys that we have around me that if I need to toss it to them from time to time, I can do that,” McDermott confirmed to reporters Monday morning at the annual coaches breakfast at the NFL owners’ meetings in Phoenix.’
Bills’ Sean McDermott will call defensive plays in 2023: 5 things coach said at NFL’s Annual Meeting
‘“It’s been done before,” McDermott said. “It’s what I did coming up through and something I’m very comfortable with … if we come to a deal and it’s like, hey, this isn’t working because of the breadth of the job, in addition to the coordinator piece, then, I’ll turn it over. So, I’m very confident in the people in the room.”’
Bills’ Brandon Beane addresses DeAndre Hopkins rumors, Odell Beckham Jr. pursuit at NFL Meeting
‘“I think you’ve seen since Harty, we haven’t signed anybody, even north of $2 million,” Beane said. He added that safety Taylor Rapp, who signed on Monday, also falls under the $2 million mark on his one-year deal. “And we’re probably going to remain under ($2 million on deals) through the draft at least.”’