‘Did he think he would have been better off staying in college for one more year and following through with switching to another school after entering the NCAA transfer portal? “No, sir,” Jackson said. “I walked into the facilities when we first got here and I was so happy to be here. And I’m excited to get to work with my teammates, and like I said, just get better each day.”’
BillsBeat - May 11, 2019
Bills Notebook: Ed Oliver taking inspiration from Pancho Billa
‘Oliver was wearing a red-and-blue “#PanchoPower” wristband he got during a visit Tuesday to see Ezra “Pancho Billa” Castro at a Houston hospital.’
Bills invite 36 players to try out at rookie minicamp
‘The Bills’ eight draft picks and eight signed undrafted free agents, including University at Buffalo quarterback Tyree Jackson, are in camp. Former CFL wide receiver Duke Williams and running back Christian Wade, a former British rugby star allocated under an NFL international program, also are attending.’
Derek Anderson's retirement could open door for Tyree Jackson as Bills' third QB
‘“We knew about it as we started the off-season program, a week or two before,” said McDermott. “At the end of the day we respect Derek’s decision, he’s been nothing but a joy to work with all the way back to my time in Carolina with Derek and then what value he provided last year, not only on the field but off the field. He was a guy who brought a lot of wisdom to our team and to the quarterback room in particular.”’
Four observations from the first day of Buffalo Bills rookie mini-camp
‘More than 50 players were on the field including all eight draft picks, eight undrafted free agents, and 36 who are classified as tryout players, put through the paces by a coaching staff that is still trying to figure out names, let alone skill sets.’
Buffalo Bills rookie camp 2019: 7 observations on Ed Oliver, Cody Ford and more
‘”Just getting my feet wet and competing,” Oliver said. “(I) just want to help the team anyway I can. But first off just competing. … (The draft process) has been a whirlwind, but now that I’m here and at practice I feel like I’m back at college. I’m at my destination and you had to go through it to get here, so I appreciate it.”‘
Zeke Pike, former Dixie Heights HS quarterback, gets Buffalo Bills tryout at tight end
‘Pike’s father, Mark, who also starred at Dixie Heights, played for the Bills from 1986 to 1998 – on special teams, as well as linebacker and defensive end.’
Bills Give 26-Year-Old Rookie Williams 2nd Chance In NFL
‘”I wouldn’t say this is my last chance. But I’ve made my mistakes, and I’ve learned from them,” he said. “So it’s always in the back of my head: ‘Go get it. You ain’t got no more chances to mess up.'”‘
Journeyman NFL QB Derek Anderson, 35, retires with fun trivia nugget
‘Beane added: “We appreciate what he did. He came into a tough spot. He was thrown into action quicker than we anticipated. He did a good job. Obviously what he brought to Josh, I think Josh will be able to take those things with him throughout his career.”‘
Bills' Jackson on the field for the first time
‘There was a very strong wind in Orchard Park and it didn’t help former U.B. quarterback Tyree Jackson or Sam Straub throw the football at all. Both were off and Sean McDermott said all were jittery as early as Thursday, “I thought they were nervous, to be expected. It’s a good group. We’re off to a good start. There’s a lot of work to get done. I don’t think you really know about a draft class until you’re two or three years down the road. All those draft grades, that’s for all you guys out there. We’ll know a little bit more once we get going, in particular once we get to training camp.’
McDermott: Can't get too high or low on any players at rookie minicamp
‘That start included a full practice, similar to one during the regular season, but with no contact. The players started with stretching before heading off to their individual positions to work with their position coaches on basic techniques and drills. From there, some of the offensive and defensive skill position players worked a special teams punt drill. Then it was time for the offense and defense to separate into their own huddles and run some of their schemes and concepts, before finally each unit going against one another running plays.’
Who is attending Bills rookie minicamp?
‘Buffalo Bills rookie minicamp began Friday with eight drafted players, eight undrafted free agents, 36 players on a tryout basis, and two who are considered NFL veterans, but eligible for rookie camp. ‘
Joe B: 5 observations from Buffalo Bills rookie minicamp
‘Matched up against tryout players that were fighting for a spot on the team’s 90-man roster, the Bills’ first-round pick Ed Oliver was routinely in the backfield before a play could get started.
Tailgate debate at One Bills Drive
‘“To nickel and dime some of the best football fans in all of America, to treat them like this is unwise,” says Rep. Reed.’
Bills begin rookie minicamp
‘“They didn’t throw the whole book at us yet, so they are keeping it simple the next couple of days,” said Oliver. “Easy stuff for us to interpret and put from the class to the grass kind of helping each other when we can.”’
McDermott speaks before the start of rookie minicamp
‘Among the tiopics covered was two of the undrafted free agents from UB, quarterback Tyree Jacskon and cornerback Cam Lewis. “I think that says a lot about the program that Coach Liepold runs over at UB and the direction they’re headed, particuallerly with Tyree he’s a talented young man that’s just got through his first meetinga and walk throughs, and is about to get his first NFL pracvticve under jhis belt, so we’re anciousd to see what he can do and certainly the talent is there,” McDermott said.’
David Sills' unique background makes him a perfect fit with the Bills
‘”I was that kid in elemantary school that didn’t have lunch because I was cutting weight for a tournament,” laughed Sills. “I’m not sure if [McDermott] knew I was a wrestler back in the day or not.”‘
Quick Hits: 3 updates from Sean McDermott's rookie minicamp press conference
‘“The critical piece to that is we’ve had communications with Shaq and we are on the same page with where we are and how we view Shaq,” he said. “This doesn’t necessarily mean that after this year that we’re going to go our separate ways. We like where he is and the work he’s put in of late. I think the critical piece is we’re on the same page with where we are and where he is.”’
Top 5 observations from Bills rookie minicamp
‘Oliver during team periods of practice put his elite physical skill set on display early.’
BillsBeat - May 10, 2019
LaAdrian Waddle: ‘Patriot guys definitely respect the Bills’
‘“I could do anything you want me to do. As far as physically, I feel like I can handle whatever blocking assignment I need to do. And then, as far as the mental part of the game, I’m seven years in now. I’ve seen a lot of stuff playing against a lot of guys, and I feel like I can digest the playbook well and I have a good understanding of what’s going on. So that kind of helps me play faster than, I guess, someone who doesn’t know the playbook as well without that experience.”’
QB Derek Anderson informs Bills he will retire, potentially opening roster spot for Tyree Jackson
‘As for why he decided to retire, Beane chose to let Anderson disclose that, but did say “he knows that it takes a certain amount to get himself ready, a commitment, and I told him ‘if you’re not all in, that’s not good for you or for us. Think about it.’ You don’t ever want to talk somebody out of retirement. If they’re kind of leaning … that way, that’s the best decision for them, which means it’s also the best decision for us.”‘
First-round draft pick Ed Oliver among seven drafted rookies signed by Bills
‘The lone member not to sign so far is Ole Miss tight end Dawson Knox, the team’s second third-round draft pick. All of the rookie contracts are for four years, with the Bills holding a team option for a fifth on Oliver’s deal. Rookie contracts are slotted based on draft positioning, with Oliver’s deal as the ninth overall draft pick paying him just under $20 million, according to a report from Houston Chronicle reporter Aaron Wilson.’
Bills fans: You could own a piece of New Era Field turf
‘Erie County legislators originally wanted pieces of the turf to be given away to interested youth and community sports organizations. But there’s red tape involved in giving away taxpayer-bought county assets.’
Here's what the Bills' 53-man roster could look like in Week 1 against the Jets
‘Offensive linemen (8) – Depth chart: Dion Dawkins, Mitch Morse, Cody Ford, Quinton Spain, Jon Feliciano, Ty Nsekhe, Spencer Long, Wyatt Teller.’
Derek Anderson retires | 3 quick thoughts on what it means for Tyree Jackson, Buffalo Bills
‘Some quarterbacks currently on the market include Cody Kessler, Josh McCown, Josh Johnson, Brock Osweiler.’
Buffalo Bills to host TE Lee Smith on free-agent visit (report)
‘In eight seasons in the league, Smith has caught 56 passes for 392 yards and seven touchdowns. Although Smith does not have much to show in his career from a receiving standpoint, he’s viewed as one of the better blocking tight ends in the league.’
Buffalo Bills lose out on defensive end Ziggy Ansah | 4 options for team
‘Jadeveon Clowney was reportedly on the trade block at the 2019 NFL Draft. The Houston Texans placed the franchise tag on Clowney ahead of the 2019 season, but the two sides are reportedly far apart on a long-term deal. Could the Bills make a play for the former overall No. 1 pick in the 2014 draft?’
10 things to watch for at Buffalo Bills rookie mini camp 2019
‘Oliver’s quickness, athleticism, get-off and aggressiveness as a pass rusher are one thing to behold on film but a completely different experience up close and personal. When Oliver is put through some drills at practice this weekend we’ll finally get a chance to see what all of the hype is about. How does he interact with his teammates? What’s his demeanor like on the field – work ethic during practice? Oliver’s expected to take a very significant role on the Bills No. 2-ranked defense from the jump after going No. 9 overall to Buffalo in April’s NFL Draft. That process of assimilating into the culture and taking his place among the current Bills begins at mini camp.’
Bills sign first-rounder Ed Oliver to $19.675 million contract
‘Oliver received a $12.329 million signing bonus.’
Buffalo Bills Sign 7 Draft Picks; QB Derek Anderson Retires
‘Anderson’s decision to retire comes as a surprise, after the 35-year-old signed a one-year contract a day after Buffalo closed its season. The Bills lured him out of semi-retirement in October to serve as an experienced backup to then-rookie Josh Allen.’
Bills announce retirement of Derek Anderson, who once upon a time won 10 games for the Browns
‘Anderson began his career as a sixth-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens back in 2005. He soon moved onto the Cleveland Browns, leading them to a 10-5 record in 15 starts in 2007, the only 10-win season for the Browns in the last 24 years. Anderson’s play fell off over the next few seasons, though, before he carved out a niche as a reliable backup in places like Arizona, Carolina, and finally Buffalo.’
Bills QB Derek Anderson Retires After 14 NFL Seasons
‘Anderson started two games for Buffalo last season as the team dealt with multiple injuries to its various quarterbacks. He completed 60 of his passes but tossed four interceptions in those contests.’
Breaking: Bills QB Derek Anderson retires
‘The soon-to-be-36-year old is widely credited with helping mentor Josh Allen during his rookie season after signing with the club in early October. After an injury to Allen just a week after Anderson signed, coupled with two critical interceptions thrown by Nathan Peterman in relief, Anderson started the following game against the Indianapolis Colts, throwing for 175 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions. The Bills lost 37–5.’
Capaccio: Quick thoughts on Derek Anderson's retirement and what it means
‘Some quick thoughts on the retirement of Bills QB Derek Anderson, in Twitter form…’.
Bills sign Ed Oliver, 14 others to rookie deals
‘Oliver was not the only rookie to sign a contract on Thursday. With the exception of third round pick Dawson Knox, the Bills inked their entire 2019 draft class, and signed eight undrafted free agents as well.’
Capaccio: What to expect from each of the Bills' 2019 draft picks
‘It’s probably too much to expect Oliver to play more than half the snaps as a rookie, whether he starts or not, but he’ll certainly play a big role.’
Bills quarterback Derek Anderson announces retirement
‘However, if a player decides their heart isn’t in it and didn’t know if they could commit to another year, then it’s best for all parties to step away and move on to what’s the most important thing to them in their lives. So, while a bit of a setback in not having that longtime veteran in the quarterback room any longer, it’s for the best.’
Bills QB Derek Anderson announces retirement
‘Allen made mention of Anderson heading into his second season while attending voluntary workouts in late April. “Obviously, being in year two and being with the same staff now, understanding the offense, having Matt [Barkley] and DA [Derek Anderson] in the quarterback room, it’s very familiar now,” Allen said. “Obviously, a new coach with Coach [Ken] Dorsey, started to develop that relationship, as well. You know, using that first year and all that experience that I had last year and bringing it into this year.”‘
Ed Oliver signs rookie contract with the Bills
‘He is expected to hit the field with the rest of the rookie class on Friday when the team begins rookie minicamp in Orchard Park.’
Oliver, Ford & Singletary among 7 draft picks signed by Bills
‘The team also announced they officially put pen to paper with eight undrafted free agents, including UB quarterback Tyree Jackson, cornerback Cam Lewis and West Virginia receiver David Sills.’