Two Bills Drive

If you are curious about QB Jeff Blake – here is a nice summary written last week on the Stadium Wall by our resident stat and fact queen Lori.

‘Not expecting a contract offer from the Buffalo Bills before the deadline Thursday night, defensive lineman Shawn Price prepared to become a free agent for the second straight year. And he’s not worried.’

‘The Bills also announced that they released veteran cornerback Ken Irvin, saving another $1.9 million in salary cap money.’

‘The Bills are well under the $71.1 million salary cap before Friday’s deadline, but were not willing to pay the price for Johnson after he endured a disappointing season under first-year coach Gregg Williams.’

‘Prisco says “If he can get with the right team, with some decent players, he can be an effective starter.” He rates Johnson ahead of Jim Miller who Bills are considering. Bill Conaty also makes his list at Center at #5.’

@ Tony Banks and Jim Miller are the only fulltime starters from last season on the this year’s list of 15 unrestricted free agent QBs. The Bills might look at Miller and Saints quarterback Jeff Blake, who will be traded or cut, now that they’ve released unpopular starter Rob Johnson.

‘GM Tom Donahoe said that the team has released the frequently injured seven-year veteran. “I just think it’s time we both moved on,” Donahoe said. The departure of Johnson, 28, will save the Bills a whopping $6.15 million on their 2002 salary cap, as Buffalo avoids paying his $4 million base salary and $2.15 million roster bonus that was due Friday. The Bills will have to carry a $5.075 million cap charge for Johnson, the remaining prorated share of his signing bonus. The club has discussed with New Orleans Saints officials a trade that would bring veteran quarterback Jeff Blake to Buffalo, a deal that could take place as early as this weekend if some hurdles are overcome.’

@ The Bills today announced that the club has released quarterback Rob Johnson and defensive back Ken Irvin.

Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly and Goo Goo Dolls’ bass player Robby Takac announced a rally Saturday to protest a plan to close Children’s Hospital. ”This is something that’s dear to my heart and very special to me,” Kelly said Thursday. ”You can look at all the great things that the Buffalo Bills and myself have done in the past. But when it comes to family … this is about as important as it gets.”

‘Releasing Johnson and saying goodbye to Cowart would give the Bills cap room. It would also leave them with at least as many holes as they took into training camp last year.’

‘Yet this is still Sam Cowart, the playmaker and leader-by-example in the locker room. He doesn’t TALK a good game…he plays one.’

@ Al Bemiller was the center for the Bills from 1961-1969 and still lives in Buffalo. Right now he is working for the NY state correctional services as a recreational leader in a prison.

@ A number of Bills players have made the transition from player to broadcaster and Fred Smerlas, Paul Maguire, Ron Pitts and Ahmad Rashad are just a few.

‘When asked how he felt about leaving the Bills, Johnson sounded more relieved than disappointed.’

”’I’m kind of happy,” he said. ”It hasn’t been an easy situation there. Every off-season there’s been something, whether it was me or Doug (Flutie), or new coaches, so it’ll be a fresh start.”’