Two Bills Drive

‘We did look at Alex Van Pelt this morning, and we have some interest in signing him. We probably would go to training camp with four. It’s likely we will sign an additional one in the off-season, and probably look in the draft. Going into the camp with four, it will create some competition…’

‘Said Van Pelt, who owns a home in Orchard Park: "I feel positive. My wife and family love it in Buffalo, so if things can work out here, it’s where we want to be."’

‘The Bengals broke off talks with Washington after the two sides failed to narrow a huge gap in virtually every facet of the contract proposals. Cincinnati offered a two-year contract with a $2.5 million signing bonus. Washington’s agent, Angelo Wright, countered with a four-year proposal at $22 million and including a $6.5 million signing bonus.’

‘Vermeil suggested the Chiefs would try to talk to Doug Flutie but made no outward attempt to bring him in for a visit. Flutie visited San Diego on Tuesday, but the sides told The Associated Press they didn’t discuss a contract because Flutie plans to visit other teams, which he wouldn’t identify.’

‘[Where are they now?] Todd Collins, who could not unseat Warren Moon and has since retired, hopes to compete for the starting QB.’

‘Listed is the amount of money each team can spend under the $67.4 million cap during the 2001 veteran free agency signing period as of March 5… Buffalo Bills – $2.8 million.’

ESPN’s John Clayton argues that the “franchise” tag designation has outlived its usefullness when the Colts can name their backup TE, Marcus Pollard, their franchise player. He notes that former Bills GM John Butler began the demise of the franchise tag, by discovering how to make it reusable from year-to-year. He proposes to replace the “franchise” tag with a single, reusable, transition tag for each team, each year.

‘Marcellus Wiley, a teammate of Flutie’s the last three years at Buffalo, said he heard Washington, New England and Tampa Bay were interested in Flutie.’

Junior Kiper thinks that the Bills will go after a cover corner in the first round. And to the dismay of Fred Smoot fan's, he predicts the Bills may go after Syracuse's Will Allen, who did well at the recent combine.

‘Flutie will tour the practice facility and spend more time with the coaching staff today, then fly out tonight for a visit with an unidentified team, his representative said.’

‘The Bengals have concerns about Washington’s age (32), weight (350-370 pounds, give or take a steak) and asking price…The club has been negotiating with several other tackles simultaneously and is likely to make an offer to Tony Williams of the Minnesota Vikings today.’

Pete Prisco reports that the days of using perks to recruit are gone. The Jaguars used to pick up players in a stretch limo, house them at a beachfront hotel and take them to the finest restaurants. Now a player might get a call and a ham sandwich. The only perk that really mattered anyway was money, and there simply isn't a lot of it to go around.

Club executives and the agent for former Buffalo defensive tackle Ted Washington exchanged contract proposals Monday, and agent Angelo Wright said he is awaiting a counter offer from the Bengals. The Bengals initially offered two years and Wright wanted four.’

Something different for those tired of the Flutie news items (he is no longer on this team folks!) On Nov. 26, 1964, the 23-year-old Gogolak captivated the Bills' fans by booting a game-winning 33-yard field goal soccer-style with three seconds left to lift Buffalo to a 27-24 win over the San Diego Chargers.

‘It figures to take a year or two for Donahoe’s rebuilding plan to pay off, but the Bills have enough talent to remain competitive for a wild-card playoff berth. The 2001 Bills will be playing what appears to be a much softer schedule in a division that could be slipping.’