Two Bills Drive

‘Free-agent quarterback Doug Flutie visited the Chargers on Tuesday and, by his account, it couldn’t have gone much better.’

‘NFL sources said yesterday the Chargers want to proceed slowly with Flutie because they’re waiting to see if the Dallas Cowboys will release veteran Troy Aikman tomorrow.’

‘Tom Donahoe stated ‘As far as the Bills, the three areas we’re looking the hardest at are the defensive line, offensive line, and the secondary.’ CBS Sportsline says that this is one of the deeepest drafts for DT and rates the DT’s. Big Ted is only rated #8 on their list.’

‘The Tennessee Titans is one possible team Christie will NOT be going to. The Titans signed vagabond Nedney to replace Al Del Greco who was let go after failing to perform in a clutch multiple times last year.’

‘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.’