Two Bills Drive

‘However, the move allows the Bills to save more than $4 million. Brown was due to make $2.7 million in 2004 and would have received a $1.8 million bonus if he was still on the Bills’ roster Wednesday, the first day of free agency.’

‘I know there were questions surrounding the way the season ended last year and I have chosen to keep those issues personal. Many of those issues have been resolved and my life has moved on from that point.’

‘By tendering offers on the team’s Restricted Free Agents (RFA) – a player who just finished his third season in the league and his contract is about to expire – the Bills will be given draft-round compensation should the players sign elsewhere.’

‘The salary cap is the maximum each club may spend on player salaries in a capped year. For 2004, that amounts to 64.75 percent of leaguewide “Defined Gross Revenues” (divided by 32 teams), made up of preseason, regular-season and postseason gate receipts and radio and television rights. The cap is in effect 365 days a year. From March 3 to the day before the season begins, a club’s top 51 salaried players count towards the cap, plus pro-rated signing bonuses, incentives, etc., but not base salaries of other players on the roster up to 80. Thereafter, all salaries on a club’s roster count towards the cap. The maximum salary cap for 2004 is $80,582,000 per club. The minimum club salary is $67,337,000. Player benefits are $12,865,000 per club above the salary cap number.’

‘Brown, who missed only eight games in nine seasons, started 15 games last year before being excused by the team from playing in the season finale against the New England Patriots last December.’

‘”He’s played at good level for a long period of time. He’s been on the leaders on our team,” Donahoe said. “It just boils down to when you have a new staff come in there are changes that are inevitable. Ruben won’t be the only change as we move forward, but he obviously is a significant chance for what he did here.”‘

‘Brown came under fire after he missed Buffalo’s regular season finale against New England. The team had excused him from playing after he had spoken out against then-offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride.’

‘Brown was due to receiver a $1.8 million bonus had he been on roster Wednesday, the first day of free agency. He also was due for a base salary of $2.7 million this season.’

Despite reports claiming Henson will also audition for Buffalo, team president Tom Donahoe told ESPN.com that he will not arrange for an individual workout unless he is convinced a contract agreement can be reached. Donahoe remains doubtful on that front. Agent Tom Condon also told ESPN.com that he doesn’t think the Bills will request a Henson workout.

The Buffalo Bills have decided to part ways with eight-time Pro Bowl guard Ruben Brown, ending the tenure of one of the franchise’s most recognizable offensive lineman. Originally drafted by the Bills in the first round (14th overall) of the 1995 draft, the former Pittsburgh All-American played and started in 136 games and has been selected to the Pro Bowl in each of the last eight seasons, an accomplishment no other Bill can claim.

‘Buffalo could have offered Tucker a one-year minimum tender ($628K), but it would have offered no protection against losing him to another team. The minimum tender only demands that another team that signs him away from Buffalo compensate the Bills with a draft pick equal to the round in which Tucker was drafted. Tucker, however, was an undrafted free agent coming out of college, so there would have been no compensation.’

‘The Bills are 34th with a frustration index of 2.95. And the Sabres, with a score of 2.12, rank 98th. That makes them Buffalo’s least frustrating team, despite their weak performance in recent seasons.’

‘The Bills will start free agency with about $7.8 million in cap space but that figure will fluctuate greatly. Off the bat, the team must decide if it wants to retain eight-time Pro Bowl guard Ruben Brown, who is due a $1.8 million roster bonus that will have to be accounted for.’

‘The Bills aren’t being bashful about their interest in NC State quarterback Philip Rivers, one of the fastest rising players in the draft. Buffalo is in the market for Drew Bledsoe’s eventual successor and taking a quarterback with its 13th pick is being heavily considered.’

‘Coach Mike Mularkey recently sat down with Brown to discuss his future with the club. Part of the conversation addressed Brown’s falling out with the previous coaching staff. Brown was excused from the final game of the season at New England after arriving late for a practice and having a confrontation with offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride.’