Two Bills Drive

‘The Buffalo Bills signed three free agents on Friday, including receiver Reggie Allen, who spent part of last year on the team’s practice roster.’

Marv Levy opened the door to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Jim Kelly might be the first to follow him in. In his first year of eligibility, and a year after Levy was inducted, Kelly was among 15 finalists announced for selection into the hall. The class of 2002 will be determined on Feb. 2, a day before the Super Bowl, following a vote of the hall’s board of selectors.

‘”Whether it’s this year, whether it’s next year or two years down the road, my dream is that my son will be around to watch me go into the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” Kelly said. “He’s my life.”‘

‘"Did I learn anything from that game? You bet I learned something from that game," said Smith. "I learned you have to be ready for all situations. I thought the Bills were ready for everything that Tennessee thought of for us except the last play of the game on special teams with that throwback. That taught me we have to be ready for all situations no matter what comes up and never stop playing."’

‘If there is a favorite among the 15 [finalists], it is Kelly, the only one in his first year of eligibility.’

‘Kelly is the only candidate in his first year of eligibility.’

‘Quarterback Jim Kelly, Baltimore Ravens owner Art Modell and punter Ray Guy were among the other finalists for the Class of 2002, which will be announced Febuary 2 in New Orleans.’

There’s a strong sense around the NFL that Buffalo is banking on picking either Joey Harrington or David Carr, the top two QBs in this year’s draft class. It’s likely team president Tom Donahoe will let oft-injured QB Rob Johnson go, leaving Alex Van Pelt, who recently agreed to a five-year contract extension, as the starter.

Jim Kelly, QB, 1986-1996 Buffalo Bills

James Lofton, WR, 1989-1992 Buffalo Bills (among others)

Kelly also played two seasons in the defunct USFL with the Houston Gamblers (1984-85).

Ted Washington never gets tired of going to the Pro Bowl.

Although he’s a Pro Bowl veteran, this will be the first time Washington has represented the NFC. His other three trips — 1996, 1997 and 2000 — came when he was in Buffalo.

Offseason plans: get an intern in Cleveland Clinic in their computer area.

Just Buffalo related remarks:

Q: You recently said that Buffalo would try to get Harrington or Carr in the April draft, yet we’re also hearing they are going to trade down for more picks. Any updates?

A: I think that the Bills are very high on Carr and Harrington, but there are a couple of other QBs that may catch their eye, too, like Kiitner and Davey, so if they got great value for the fourth pick that would enhance their overall draft – and still get a QB they believe will be a quality NFL starter – then I’m sure they would consider it. But that’s what the next couple of months are about – to evaluate everything.

Q: What do you think of the Johnson situation in Buffalo? Personally, I think they should let him go if he wont accept contract changes. I doubt houston would want to take him in the Expansion draft.

A: Don’t be so sure about that. Chris Palmer was one of Rob’s offensive coaches in Jacksonville and he was pretty high on the guy, I think. Palmer is the Houston OC.

Ex-Bils DC Ted Cottrell is going head-to-head with Bucs ex-HC Tony Dungy for positions with Panthers and Jets. Indianapolis will interview New York Jets DC Ted Cottrell on Saturday and the Panthers will meet with him on Thursday. Dungy’s agent is still working on times and places to meet.

‘The fact the Bills were competitive, with nine games decided by a touchdown or less, encouraged and impressed Wilson and left Williams on solid footing.’

‘It could be that Cowart’s condition is merely a convenient excuse to jettison another veteran.’