Two Bills Drive

The best example of how to control the market and get full value for a star player even when he’s out of contract was the Buffalo Bills’ handling of WR Peerless Price . Bills GM Tom Donahoe was not about to let a talented young receiver just go free and sign with a new team. He decided to put a franchise tag on him and force teams interested in Price to come forward and surrender a high draft pick for the right to sign him. Atlanta surfaced and eventually gave the Bills the 23rd pick in the first round for the rights to Price. The Bills got value for a player they could have easily kept on their roster. As one GM said to me, "I would have kept Price on my roster with Drew Bledsoe under center, but it was a masterful job by Donahoe of getting great value for him." Teams flirting with Price tried to get away with offering the Bills a second-round pick, but Donahoe held his ground and got what he wanted.

Meanwhile, long snapper Ethan Albright confirmed that he was cut and re-signed last week to take advantage of the veterans’ cap credit. He wanted to make the move last year but the NFL wouldn’t allow it. He said Cleveland and Buffalo both called during the five minutes he was on the market, but he never had any intention of leaving the Redskins.

Recently-acquired linebacker Takeo Spikes will be in Buffalo on Wednesday, March 12, to be officially introduced as the newest member of the Buffalo Bills.

Bills fans currently have the opportunity to purchase a limited number of Authentic Takeo Spikes Reebok Jerseys by ordering them in the Online Pro Shop. Orders will also be taken now for Reebok Replica Jerseys, which will be first available for delivery on April 11, 2003.

"I thought I was coming out in Cincinnati at Paul Brown Stadium that last game of the year," said Spikes. "They made me feel welcome. So that’s a big plus. I remember one guy said, ‘Play well, Takeo. Just don’t hurt anybody so you can get ready for us next year.’ It was impressive."

Free Agent running back tours Buffalo.

‘Talks between Adams’ agent and the Bills appear to be in a holding pattern while the Bills entertain more free agents. Adams, a two-time Pro Bowler, was the key run-stuffer on two AFC Super Bowl teams the last three years (Baltimore and Oakland). He remains interested in joining his friend, Pat Williams, on the Bills’ defensive line.’

‘A dialogue with Adams’ agent, Angelo Wright, was kept open through the weekend and the sides spoke again on Monday. “I’m upbeat,” Wright said. “I think both parties recognize Sam could be an integral cog in the Bills getting to a Super Bowl.”‘

‘”He brings a ton of NFL experience, and we’re very excited about what he can add to our organization, what he can add to our coaching staff and what he can add to our team with his ability. We’re excited about what he can bring to us to help take us to the next step. For 40-plus years Dick has been one of the best in the league.”‘

”’If I don’t sign here, it was a lateral,” he said. ”If I sign here, it was a completely phony, bogus play that shouldn’t have counted.”’

‘Spikes will be reunited with his old coach and defensive coordinator, Dick LeBeau, who was introduced Monday as Bills assistant head coach. “That’s my man,” Spikes said.’

‘Calling it “the beginning of a new day in the Bengal organization and in the shaping of the team under my direction,” head coach Marvin Lewis announced the club won’t match Spikes’ six-year, $32 million contract with Buffalo, allowing him to join the Buffalo Bills.’

New assistant head coach Dick LeBeau began his Bills coaching career on Monday. He will primarily be involved in better implementing the zone-blitzing schemes into Buffalo’s defense, particularly the pass coverages that help make zone blitzing so effective.

‘Also pretty active are the Buffalo Bills, who officially added linebacker Takeo Spikes to what was one of the NFL’s worst defenses last season.’

‘“I didn’t even know he was coming,” LeBeau said of Spikes. “But I’ll tell you one thing, you’ve got a pretty good football player in that young man.”’

“It works out for both parties,” said cornerback Artrell Hawkins. “It’s only fair after Takeo has said he doesn’t want to be here to let him try to make a name for himself somewhere else. It was a pretty fair deal because we get three really good players in spots we need.