Two Bills Drive

‘Some news a lot of fans probably don’t want to hear:

The Chargers, coming off a 1-15 season, have sold more than 1,000 new season tickets since free-agent quarterback Doug Flutie was signed March 12, and the renewal rate has increased in what generally is a "down time" for season-ticket sales.’

"It’s a give-and-take situation," Gray said. "These guys played for Ted Cottrell, and they liked him. There might be a tad bit of animosity at first. They might want me to be just like Ted."

Don Banks speculates on the details of the NFL's possible realignment in 2002. When the league becomes a 32-team, eight-division in 2002, Banks thinks most of the new look will be quite familiar. Will the AFC East have Miami, New England, Buffalo and the New York Jets?

‘Donahoe and Williams are a tad over the edge when it comes to details. But their obsession with the finer points looks pretty good next to the Obsessive Ostrich Disorder displayed by Butler and Phillips during last year’s slide to .500.’

‘Brian Delucia (one of the more well-respected draftniks) projects the different players the Bills have shown interest in and where they might project to take ’em – pretty good stuff … no qbs till round 5 … only round 2 possibility at tackle is Kareem Mackenzie … possibly Nick Harris as punter in round 5.’

The articles states Miami and KC offered Miami FA DE Rich Owens contracts last week, and neither was accepted. Owens was in Buffalo last Friday. Owens' agents expect a contract offer from the Giants and the Bills as early as today. He missed 6 games last year with a back injury.

‘"It’s tough to deal with," said Williams, shaking his head. "Even now, it’s hard to believe he is gone." "He" is Ted Washington, the Pro Bowl nose tackle who was released by the Bills last month. To Williams, Washington was more than just a vital element of the Bills’ defense. He was Williams’ confidant and closest friend on the team.’

‘He signed with Buffalo as a free agent in 1998 and started all 16 games that season, but missed all of 1999 after undergoing surgery to repair a bulging disc in his neck. He was able to rejoin the team last season, but a series of nagging injuries, as well as the play of Pro Bowler Ruben Brown and Jamie Nails, kept him on the bench for the entire season.’

‘Waived by the Buffalo Bills for salary cap purposes in February, Panos has started 56 of 83 games in seven NFL seasons.’

‘The Bills will play preseason games at Pittsburgh and at Cincinnati. Their home games will include the Rams and the Eagles.’

‘He signed with the Buffalo Bills in 1998 and started every game that season. But he missed all of ’99 after surgery to repair a bulging disk in his neck, and missed three games last year with injuries to his right heel and knee.’

Mel Kiper lists each AFC team's major draft need. His opinion? The Bills need to get help on the offensive line, at cornerback, and on the defensive line.

‘When the Buffalo Bills conducted their three-day practice last week, Jerry Ostroski was lined up at right guard instead of the center position he played last season. It appears the position switch will be permanent.’

‘Washington is an unrestricted free agent after his release last month by the Bills. He decided to leave Buffalo rather than agree to a cut to his $5.28 million base salary. He met at Halas Hall with the Bears on Monday and would like Miller and his agent to get together again.’

‘"If they work something out with my agent and the negotiator here, it’s pretty much a done deal," the 6-5, 350-pound Washington said. "I like what I see and I’ll fit in good." The Bears are trying to be patient and prudent with the $4 million of salary-cap room they have remaining.’