Two Bills Drive

‘The Patriots also were flummoxed by the method in which Donahoe made his offer. Instead of calling Pats personnel director Scott Pioli directly, Donahoe faxed the request – and not just to Pioli. The fax went to five machines throughout the team complexes, including one belonging to owner Bob Kraft. It was a highly unusual move in terms of how business is done in the NFL. Most trade talks are conducted on a one-on-one basis over the phone.’

‘The Bills have the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft but have said they will not part with that to get Bledsoe. The Patriots are reportedly seeking a first-round pick in exchange for the 30-year-old former franchise quarterback.’

‘"I’m not overly optimistic that it’s going to get done," Bills president Tom Donahoe told Buffalo radio station WNSA on Friday. "I still don’t have the sense that they really want to do this, particularly with us. And that may be part of the hangup."’

@ After being briefly courted by Buffalo, Blake has moved on while the Bills continue their bid to trade for New England’s Drew Bledsoe, Blake’s agent, Ralph Cindrich said, on Friday. "There’s nothing there," Cindrich said, referring to the recent interest the Bills showed in Blake.

‘If the Patriots do not trade Bledsoe by this weekend’s draft, they would be faced with having a frustrated backup quarterback on their roster – one who has not been taking part in the team’s off-season conditioning program. They seem willing to do that rather than swap their quarterback for little in return.’

‘…the Patriots turned down the Bills’ latest offer after receiving a faxed proposal on Friday. Buffalo offered a No. 2 pick in 2003, with a clause that would have made it a No. 1 pick in 2003 if Bledsoe started 12 games or if the Bills qualified for the playoffs. The Patriots were not interested because the deal dealt with draft picks for next season, rather than this season.’

‘After being briefly courted by Buffalo, Blake has moved on while the Bills continue their bid to trade for New England’s Drew Bledsoe, Blake’s agent, Ralph Cindrich said, on Friday.’

‘Since Bill Polian took over as Bills’ general manager before the 1986 draft, Buffalo has been one of the NFL’s most successful teams in the player lottery.’

‘The general consensus is that market is limited to Buffalo and Cincinnati, but what if the Carolina Panthers decide at the last minute that they can’t win with a sore-armed Chris Weinke? What if the Detroit Lions come to their senses and take Harrington with the third pick instead of grabbing a defensive player such as Quentin Jammer or Julius Peppers?’

‘The Bills will not be a contender in 2002, but could be in 2003 if they have a solid draft. Getting Bledsoe would move them up a lot faster.’

‘The Bills have the fourth overall pick in the draft, but, according to the report, are unlikely to part with that to get Bledsoe. Whether the Patriots would settle for less for the former franchise QB remains to be seen.’

Officail statement form the bills regarding possible trade

The speculation and misinformation concerning the Bills and QB Drew Bledsoe continues to run rampant throughout Western New York and beyond.

‘If a deal for Bledsoe falls through, the Bills likely would go back to free agent quarterback Jeff Blake, the former New Orleans backup, and see if he will accept a contract offer Saturday.’

‘In short, the Bills could have the 30-year-old Bledsoe for three years at $16.5 million — a bargain given his talent and the cost of top-notch quarterbacks these days — before making a decision on what to do after 2004.’