Two Bills Drive

‘Combined with a high left ankle sprain suffered at the end of his 2000 Pro Bowl season, Cowart has played just one half of football in the past 20 games. But he said that has taken away none of his play-making ability. "Most definitely, the impact is still there," he said. "Right now I’m 95 to 97 percent. The Jets told me this is no rush issue, we don’t play until September, we’ll bring you along slow."’

‘He is a fireplug-shaped tackling machine who starred on the Rams’ defense the last three seasons. His nickname is "dot.com" because, as he likes to say, he’s always on line to make the tackle.’

‘Signed as undrafted college free agent in April 1998.’

‘What Johnson can’t face is that his career has – financial windfalls aside – been a huge disappointment.’

‘"The Jets believed in me."’

‘Cowart had 487 tackles, four interceptions, three fumble recoveries and 6 1/2 sacks in his five seasons in Buffalo.’

‘St. Louis was unable to resign Fletcher after the season, and on Sunday signed free agent Jamie Duncan to replace him at middle linebacker.’

‘”I’m not going to rush into anything,” Blake said. “But with the (NFL) combine over, things should heat up by next week. If I had to sign today, it would be with Buffalo, but I’m trying to get in the best situation for me.”‘

‘”The addition of ‘Sam C’ makes our linebacker corps one of the best in the league. I can’t wait to get on the field now. It’ll be something to see.”‘

‘Worst-case scenario: If Cowarts reinjures his Achilles early in the season, the Jets can cut him next offseason without major cap implications. Basically, it’s a $3 million gamble.’

‘Cowart’s negotiations with the Bills hit a snag, apparently because Buffalo wanted his salary in 2003 reduced if he got hurt in 2002. There is no such clause in the Jets’ contract. However, Cowart is eligible for up to a $6-million option bonus next March, which is partially based on playing time. If exercised, the bonus would be prorated over the final five years of the deal for cap purposes.’

‘Safety Blaine Bishop spent yesterday in Buffalo visiting with the Bills while receiver Chris Sanders, released by the Titans last week, has drawn interest as well.’

‘Meanwhile, negotiations with free-agent quarterback Rob Johnson are at a stalemate. The Texans are holding firm to their one-year, $1 million commitment, and Johnson has said Houston is where he wants to be and that money won’t be an issue. Nevertheless, he and his agent have not pulled the trigger on the deal.’

‘A tenacious player who goes sideline-to-sideline, the Bills like Fletcher because he’ll be able to anchor the middle of their 4-3 defense and stay on the field on passing downs, either in coverage or to blitz.’

‘"I was lobbying for Sam since I got here," said Cottrell, who joined the Jets last year. "I never thought we could pull this off because he’s one of those rare players. Needless to say, I was jumping up and down when it happened."’