Javon Walker?

by DCRumbler on Feb 14, 2008 2:58 PM EST Comment 14 comments

OK, the BR faithful are probably going to ostracize me for it, but I think this merits a look. Bucky Brooks mentioned in his latest article (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/bucky_brooks/02/14/league.buzz/1.html) that the Broncos are shopping around Javon Walker. Other sources that have mentioned this earlier, but lets give credit to a former Bill.

To summarize, Walker is disgruntled and due a big roster bonus this year ($5 mil plus). Odds are the Broncos are going to cut him if they can't trade him, so he should come cheap. (Before I write anything else, I must admit I am ignorant to the intricacies of player contracts, so I do not know if Walker is a feasible option financially. I expect the more knowledgeable BR members to set the record straight in this regard, if need be.)

Anyway, IMO, if he restructures his contract, I think he would be a pretty good addition that would adequately fill an area of need (with the intention of drafting a WR fairly high to develop). Hear me out: he has the size, presence and, most importantly, a proven track record. Johnson (considered to be the best receiver available in free agency) will command the same money if not more, and I think he is terribly overrated due to this weak-sauce market. Not to attack Johnson too much, but he is a No. 2 (at best) wide out in any other off season. Obviously, Walker has major health issues (historic knee problems and possible upcoming surgery), and he is not a good "character" guy in the Marv sense. But, I think under the right circumstances it wouldn't be a bad play to go after him.

So, I pose the question: Under what conditions, if any, would you like Walker on this team? That Darwin Walker fifth seems like a nice fit to me.

As a side note, if Buffalo was able to trade for the ideal WR, I'd love to see Roy Williams in the red, white and blue. But, word has it that Detroit doesn't want to give him up. Same goes for (thankfully IMO) Ocho Stinko.

This FanPost was written by a registered user of Buffalo Rumblings. Its views do not necessarily reflect the views of Rumblings' editorial staff, but are just as valued as our own.

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Javon Walker?

IF healthy, and IF his head is on straight, Javon Walker would be great next to Lee. If all it will cost is the 5th rounder you spoke of, I'm all for it. Too much more than that might be a big risk, plus he has to be willing to come here. If he's just going to be a head ache, he can stay unhappy in Denver.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Feb 14, 2008 3:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

No Way!!!

This guy is a cancer one of the reasons he is on his way out of Denver is because he said he didn't want to play second fiddle to Brandon Marshall. What do you think he would say about being a number 2 in Buff? Add to that, the guy has constant knee problems.....NO WAY is he worth even a look!

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP on Feb 14, 2008 3:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

On the contrary

We're desperate enough for help at wideout that anybody better than Peerless Price would help outside. He's certainly not my top choice, for all of the reasons already stated (injuries, whining, etc.), but if he comes cheaply, is healthy and humble, his skills complement those of Evans very well.

Keep in mind, folks, that it was Walker that shredded Buffalo's secondary in that Week 1 loss to Denver. He's still technically in the prime of his career, and when he's healthy, he's one of the best. Anything more than a 4th-round pick, however, just isn't worth it.

Create a free account to join in the discussion, Bills fans!

by Brian Galliford on Feb 14, 2008 4:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd take Walker

Obviously at the right price. No way should we give a guy like that any sort of big bonuses, nor should it cost us more than a 4th or 5th round pick, or maybe a future '09 pick based on performance.

Walker, assuming he's healthy, is better than the FA WR's available. The knee is a big question mark though and we should go nowhere near the guy if it's still troublesome.

And a healthy Walker could very well be our #1. He's the possession type WR that Edwards needs. I'd bet he'd be our leading receiver (catches) if he was here.

by Kurupt on Feb 14, 2008 4:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd give up a 3rd

Trading Baltimore's 3rd round pick for Walker would make the Willis McGahee trade basically McGahee for Trent Edwards and Javon Walker (and CJ Ah You). That's a pretty good return for a running back we were going to lose after 1 playoff-less season anyway. I think the offenses Walker has played in throughout his career (Denver and Green Bay) are exactly what Schonert's going to attempt in Buffalo and Walker's more of the run after the catch receiver that Evans isn't (he's the Reed to Evans' Lofton). In other words, he's perfect.

Nick (Bensalem, PA)

by Nick BensalemPA on Feb 14, 2008 9:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Can't agree

Javon Walker has all the talent in the world, I admit that. With that being said there are way too may ifs about bringing him in..what if .... he's healthy, he's humble, he's cheap? He is not worth it at all I mean he talked his way out of Green Bay and Denver, he is a whiner who has all the tools in the world WHEN healthy, however that WHEN is NOT often enough! I really like Hackett and Johnson, and wouldn't even mind giving Carter a shot, but if we trade for one it should be Roy Williams(we could do it) NOT Javon Walker.

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP on Feb 14, 2008 4:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

You asked:

"Under what conditions, if any, would you like Walker on this team?"

My answer is, If he can pass a physical. I doubt he can though. That knee is a disaster and the Broncos will likely cut him.

by kaisertown on Feb 14, 2008 5:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

He is a BABY

No Jevon Walker or Jerry Porter in Buffalo!!!

The Bills were 7-9 last because of team unity and cohesiveness. A team like the Bills don't need the top players available if they come with a history of not being a team player. You don't want your young QB feeling like he has to get a WR the ball to make him happy. I would take a player not as talented who will bust their hump and mesh with our team.

With that said, they are talented and both are thte type of receivers we need. I think releasing Price gives us an indication that we are going to atleast pick-up one receiver in FA.

by hilliarddavid on Feb 14, 2008 5:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Good point

"You don't want your young QB feeling like he has to get a WR the ball to make him happy."

Yeah, I am not really big on Walker myself to be honest. But, if he comes along cheap enough, I think its something the front office just might consider - that's why I brought it up. Releasing Price does show that the Bills will be looking for a WR which does make me a happy camper.

BTW, I may be way off base here, but hilliarddavid, you can call me pickeringtonnate. If that makes sense, sweet. If not, ignore.

by DCRumbler on Feb 14, 2008 6:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

Let's not forget, Walker is only in Denver because he was such a malcontent in Green Bay first. He's just not a Buffalo guy.

by rexob on Feb 14, 2008 10:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I gotcha (as you can see I am very original)

I do agree. If we ever have a chance to bring in a guy with his talent, the front office atleast has to have a conversation with the guy. You never know... maybe a guy like Jauron can change a players attitude, he is a players coach.

by hilliarddavid on Feb 14, 2008 6:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I think

I think the Jauron factor really has to be included. The guy really has a good reputation it seems.

But to play here, Walker would have to pull a "Moss." By that I mean he'd have to buy into the system, and be a team guy, something I'm actually amazed Moss did last year. At least, until he started taking plays off in the SB...

Still, with that said, Walker's not our guy. That knee probably likes like a bowl of chopped up pasta..

by krytime on Feb 14, 2008 9:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It has ALL been said!

Javon Walker is a very good receiver when healthy. Unfortunately his knee is torn up and he does need surgery before he can play again. The guy's attitude doesn't help his cause either, he is a very selfish player. Who wouldn't want to play their whole career with Brett Favre? The cons outwiegh the pros. Don't sign him. Trade for Roy Williams. Force Detroit's hand, and then turn around and pick up another receiver in the Second Round! I like Hardy - 6' 7" out of Indiana. Imagine him and Rivers in the first two rounds!

I am a huge Bills fan! Have been since I was 5! I miss the good old days with Marv, Bruce, Talley, Ballard, Hull, Reed, Lofton and Thurman!

by cutter3232 on Feb 15, 2008 1:51 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

What?

I love the part about trading for Roy Williams, but to do that and turn around and draft Hardy in the Second, are you kidding? If we could get Williams (which we have the pieces) you do not draft one in the.... 2nd? I mean that would mean we could use almost the entire draft to fix our defense. Take a WR in the later rounds.

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP on Feb 15, 2008 3:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs