Two Bills Drive

‘The defensive unit of the Buffalo Bills has taken a few hits even before training camp. The Sporting News Pro Football 2000 annual ranks the 31 NFL teams in a variety of categories.’

‘Marcellus Wiley walked unaided into the media room of the Bills’ new administration building Friday. That was good news, and it was even better news that he seemed to be in new shape than the room that doesn’t yet look moved into.

‘…the ring belonged to [Chuck] Burr, an assistant general manager and public relations director for the Bills at the time. Oddly enough, Burr mentioned the ring to [Denny] Lynch two weeks ago, when Lynch called him about a 35th reunion for the Bills’ 1965 championship team.’

‘The Bills report the surgery to repair a bulging disc in Wiley’s lower back was successful. He is expected to return to action in four to six weeks. "Steve McNair had a similar thing last year during the season and missed five regular-season games," said Bills coach Wade Phillips, referring to the Tennessee Titans quarterback. "I’d say it’s somewhere in there, which would put us at the end of the preseason. Maybe he’ll be able to play in the last preseason game."’

‘…the ring belonged to team’s former public relations director and assistant general manager Chuck Burr, who in 1970 lost it at the beach, about 15 miles west of Buffalo. Burr had been given the ring after the Bills, led by quarterback Jack Kemp, won their first AFL championship with a 20-7 win over San Diego.’

‘Reportedly, the deal is three years for just under $900,000, with a $26,000 signing bonus. Haddad will be there when training camp opens next Thursday. Haddad’s best chance to make an impact as a rookie is on punt returns. The Bills have no veteran returner on the roster.’

‘Moore, the third-round draft choice of the Buffalo Bills, on Thursday reached a three-year contract agreement. The deal is worth $1.201 million and it includes a $375,000 signing bonus and base salaries of $193,000 (2000), $275,000 (2001) and $358,000 (2002). The agreement leaves first-round pick defensive end Erik Flowers and second-round free safety Travares Tillman as the only unsigned members of Buffalo’s 2000 draft class.’

July 2 to July 8 (in alphabetical order by subject). This is a weekly collection of the fans’ most interesting posts on The Stadium Wall message board. Posts will be highlighted each week on the Shout!/TBD web site. Posts from the previous week follow the new posts.

‘The 11th castaway has been voted off Buffalo Bills Island. This former DT was the heart of the Bills defense back in the mid-60’s. If it wasn’t for a knee injury that forced him to retire in 1968, he could have had a Hall of Fame career. ‘

‘Shout!’s annual training camp issue will be out on newstands July 14. Here’s an article on the players’ camp itinerary. The issue also includes defensive unit overviews and a complete analysis of how the Bills will use their tight ends and wide receivers. Call 1-800-932-4557 to get your copy.’

‘"The Bills have a good reputation of treating their players fairly," [Flowers’ agent Eric] Metz said. "We’re making progress with Erik, and I’m sure we’ll be able to get a deal done by next week."’

‘Buffalo has 21 victories and a pair of playoff berths in Phillips’ first two seasons, and he’s already lasted longer than he did in Denver. But with the divisions’s toughest schedule and a younger team than Bills fans have grown used to, a third trip to the first round is anything but assured.’

‘When [Katherine] Keough [president of St. John Fisher College] presented the idea of hosting the team’s training camp to her board of trustees, some members rolled their eyes. But heads began to nod "yes" when she sold it as "an academic partnership," providing Fisher students with hands-on learning opportunities in areas from marketing to food service.’

Unless the two sides can agree on a long-term extension – which seems unlikely because of the salary cap – Bills WR Eric Moulds will become an unrestricted free agent following the 2000 season. Moulds’ agent, Harry Henderson, told PFW that he has talked with the Bills a few times this year but that "they weren’t in the range of money we expect to get for Eric."

Comments on Wiley, Flowers, and some good info on Buffalo’s NFL Europe signings.