Two Bills Drive

The franchising of Price was pure brilliance by general manager Tom Donahoe.

Recently-acquired LB Takeo Spikes has arrived in Buffalo. Spikes will be officially introduced as the newest member of the Buffalo Bills at 3:15 PM this afternoon. Listen to the press conference live on buffalobills.com. After his press conference, Spikes will read through some of the emails he's received. Here's your chance to send him a question or comment and welcome him to Buffalo.

From 1975 until late in the ’84 campaign, Freeman was in on a lot of plays. And in fact, did not miss a game. A 144-game streak. However, during a November game against New England, he suffered a ruptured thigh muscle. The Bills lost that afternoon to go 0-11, but it never crossed Freeman’s mind to let the injury heal properly and finish the disappointing season on the sideline.

‘ The Buffalo Bills took a look at two more free agents Tuesday, bringing in running back Moe Williams and defensive tackle Henry Ford. Arizona Cardinals wide receiver/kicker returner MarTay Jenkins is scheduled to visit today.’

‘”I just want to go somewhere where I can make a difference and make plays,” Dyson said. “Buffalo has a Hall of Fame quarterback and he looks for his receivers to make plays, so to have an opportunity like that would be something I would definitely look forward to.”‘

‘In essence, the Bills dropped nine spots in the first round – the No. 14 they sent to the Patriots compared to the No. 23 they acquired from the Falcons – and traded a receiver to land a franchise quarterback in Bledsoe. On the surface, it’s an outstanding deal for the Bills. Scratch the surface, and it’s even more impressive.’

As the NFL continues its’ “trade renaissance,” one deal has stood above the rest and will impact two teams greatly in 2003. While the Falcons hope their latest move makes them “peerless,” the Bills selected a new route for their receiving corps.

Look for the Bills to readjust their offensive focus to a more defensive-friendly scheme that places greater emphasis on the run and includes higher-percentage, ball-control passing. And look for their defense to give the offense more favorable field position by turning up the heat against quarterbacks, such as Tom Brady of the New England Patriots and Chad Pennington of the Jets, that often made producing big plays against Buffalo look a bit too easy.

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.”‘