Two Bills Drive

‘Considering counter offers from the Titans, Bills and Falcons will probably stretch the process through the weekend, Staninger said.’

‘Volek, who has now healed from his season-ending December spleen laceration, and agent Ken Staninger faxed another proposal to the Titans Wednesday on the heels of receiving an offer from the Buffalo Bills late Tuesday night, further complicating the decision for the free-agent quarterback. “Buffalo has certainly made a very serious proposal. It is a very legitimate offer and Billy and I have talked about it,” Staninger said.’

‘Vincent has donated significant moneys to youth athletic programs in both the Trenton and Yardley communities. In addition to many non-athletic programs he supports, Vincent sponsors a summer basketball league for girls in West Trenton, according to Trenton mayoral spokesperson Kent Ashworth. The five-time Pro-Bowler sponsors Trenton Recreation Department drill teams and maintains the only Little League ballpark in West Trenton.’

‘”The good thing is I get to stay in Buffalo,” Van Pelt said. “With the significance of this injury, the chances are probably pretty good that I won’t play again. I’m very lucky I got to play nine years. I made a ton of friends on the team and in the community.”‘

‘Denver, Green Bay and Buffalo have shown interest, too, but Volek’s agent, Ken Staninger, said Volek’s choices have been narrowed down to the Titans and Falcons, who are believed to have offered at least $1 million more to sign than Tennessee.’

‘Van Pelt spent all of his nine seasons with the Bills working mostly as a backup. He had 11 starts in 31 appearances and combined for 2,985 yards passing with 16 touchdowns and 24 interceptions.’

‘Van Pelt has the third longest tenure among Bills’ quarterbacks, trailing only Joe Ferguson (1973-84) and Jim Kelly (1986-96).’

‘Van Pelt tore a ligament in his wrist in the pregame warm-up before the Bills-Dolphins game in December. He was approached about the analyst job about a month ago after it became clear the wrist might keep him out well into the season. The Bills save about $1 million against the salary cap by terminating the contract.’

‘”I think what we’ve all found out is that with the parity we’ve seen the last few years . . . the turnover of head coaches, the turnover of personnel each year, no one knows who’s going to win,” Vincent said in a phone interview with Buffalo-area reporters Tuesday. “I don’t think anyone can make a promise. . . . Last year on paper, the Bills were very talented. They had more talent than most teams in the NFL. Some injuries happened and the chemistry just wasn’t there, and they didn’t perform to the caliber of play they’re capable of. Our chances now are just as good as any team in the NFL.”‘

‘The Bills today announced that former quarterback Alex Van Pelt has been selected as the color analyst for the Bills Radio Network.’

“For whatever reason,” allowed Buffalo Bills rookie coach Mike Mularkey at the recent combine sessions in Indianapolis, “(wide receiver) is a more difficult position to project than most people might think.”‘

‘”Last year, on paper, the Bills were very talented. They had more talent than most teams in the NFL but there were injuries and the chemistry just wasn’t there. But this is another season, and I can say our talent is as good as any in the National Football League.”‘

‘Alex Van Pelt’s playing career as a Buffalo Bill may have ended, but the longtime backup quarterback may rejoin the club, either in a football or business-related capacity in the front office. An announcement could come as soon as today.’

‘”I had a nice chat with [Bills general manager] Tom Donohoe [Monday] night, and he expressed some sincere interest in Billy,” Staninger told The City Paper.’

‘Van Pelt was a Buffalo quarterback for nine seasons. He served mostly as a backup but started 11 times in 31 games for his NFL career and ranks among the top ten passers in Bills history.’