Two Bills Drive

‘Price, who has lived in Atlanta during the offseason since 2000, had been unable to agree on a new long-term contract with the Bills. Since Price was listed as a “franchise” player with the Bills, Atlanta had to compensate Buffalo with its first-round pick, No. 23 overall, under NFL rules.’

“The Falcons give me the opportunity to be a No. 1 receiver and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play with Mike Vick,” Price said. “He (Vick) creates so many more opportunities for me with his ability to scramble. That creates more offense for me.”

‘The Atlanta Falcons announced today that they have acquired WR Peerless Price in a trade with the Buffalo Bills. In exchange for Price, the Falcons gave Buffalo their first-round pick in the 2003 draft (23rd pick overall).’

‘Receiver Charles Johnson re-signed with the Buffalo Bills on Friday. Johnson appeared in all 16 games last year, mostly on special teams.’

Congratulations to Tom Donahoe for having the foresight to franchise-tag Peerless Price a few weeks ago and then move him to Atlanta for a first-round pick. That was a shrewd maneuver; one I suspect other NFL general managers might copy when unrestricted free agency occurs in the coming seasons.

To complete the deal, Price and the Falcons agreed on a seven-year contract. Tim McGee, the receiver’s agent, wouldn’t give specific terms, but did say the signing bonus was at least $10 million and the total compensation was between $35-40 million.

‘While complete details of the contract Price will sign with the Falcons were not yet available, ESPN.com has learned it is a seven-year deal and includes a $10 million signing bonus.’

‘The Falcons have called a 1 p.m. press conference today, where the team is expected to announce they’ve taken a major step toward acquiring Buffalo Bills wide receiver Peerless Price. It is not immediately known whether it is to announce that the team has acquired his rights in a trade from the Bills, or that the team has not only acquired his rights, but also actually reached a contract with him.’

‘The Bills might have to give up a pick in the 2004 draft, along with Price, to make the deal work.’

‘Contrary to some broadcast reports, the transaction is not complete, Falcons executive Ray Anderson told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.’

‘”The one thing that’s a little difficult with this type of deal, if you put the offer sheet in, the team that has the tag has a chance to match it. We wouldn’t know for seven days, so that part of it is a little risky because you may be doing (the Bengals) work for them.”‘

‘”They made me feel welcome,” Spikes said of Bills fans. “So that’s a big plus. I remember one guy said: ‘Play well, Takeo. Just don’t hurt anybody so you can go ahead and get ready for us next year.’ I saw posters out there. I even (heard) some guy say, ‘Spikes, I love Buffalo, but I’m going to take my jersey off today and put a Cincinnati jersey on.’ And he put it on.”‘

‘For the first time, the Bills two home preseason games at Ralph Wilson Stadium will be televised on a tape-delayed basis. Channel 7, the ABC affiliate in the Buffalo market, will televise the Bills’ preseason opener at Baltimore versus the Ravens. The second preseason game at Tennessee versus the Titans will be carried nationally on ESPN. Home preseason games will follow against the St. Louis Rams and Detroit Lions. Final dates and times have not yet been determined..

‘Contrary to some reports Thursday night, the transaction is not complete, if nearly imminent. "Those are musings," said Falcons chief administrative officer Ray Anderson. "The trade has not been finalized. I’d like to be optimistic and say we hope to make progress [today]."’

‘The Buffalo Bills are reportedly close to a deal that will send wide receiver Peerless Price to Atlanta for the Falcons’ No. 1 choice in the draft, the 23rd overall choice.’