Johnson Signs with San Francisco; Panda Watch ends

by Brian Galliford on Mar 14, 2008 12:27 PM EDT in News Comment 89 comments

Johnson preferred a one-year deal (Getty)

And that, folks, officially ends our Panda Watch.

Free agent wide receiver Bryant Johnson, for two weeks linked as a possible signing of the Buffalo Bills, has agreed to terms with the San Francisco 49ers on a one-year deal. The move comes nearly two full weeks after Johnson met with Bills officials and declared that he'd like to join the team in Buffalo.

Right now, Buffalo Rumblings can confirm, through information passed our way this morning, that Johnson had more than one offer on the table and the only multi-year deal offered was made by the Bills. Johnson and his agent, Joel Segal, were attempting to work with Buffalo to iron out a one-year deal to play here; clearly, that would not have been beneficial for Buffalo, as it's possible that they could have entered the '09 off-season looking at the possibility of losing Johnson and Lee Evans. It's unfortunate that Johnson chose the one-year route, but the Bills' front office deserves credit for not budging on this one.

Johnson will play for a year in San Francisco, where he'll look to have a big year and then strike gold in free agency in 2009. He has a good shot at doing just that playing in the pass-happy scheme of Mike Martz, regardless of who is throwing him the football.

Look for Buffalo to turn their attention to recent free agent visits CB William James and especially DE James Hall. We have not heard anything about the Bills entertaining further free agent wide receivers, though clearly that could change. The team should now more seriously consider a wide receiver with their first-round draft pick, with Texas' Limas Sweed, Oklahoma's Malcolm Kelly, and Michigan State's Devin Thomas the front-runners.

Kudos to SP for reporting it first in the diary section.

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Comments

DJ Hackett....

Is about all that is out there as far as FA wideouts I would consider. I hope we at least bring him in for a visit but who knows, if not I would have to admit that we should definitely start signing some of these defensive players we have brought in, because it is becoming very apparent we are going to need to go with a whole lot of Offense in the Draft. I'm still not sold on taking a WR in round one (surprise) but its looking more and more likely.

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP on Mar 14, 2008 12:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Still Not Necessary to Go WR in Rd 1

I wouldn't be too upset if they went WR in Rd1, but I don't think it's necessary due the depth. I would go best player available at corner or DL (end or tackle). I know nobody has talked much about Balmer at the 11 spot, but you will never regret having multiple dominant players at tackle and they are hard to come by.

by MrFurious on Mar 14, 2008 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Team Needs List

Brian,

With the major wave of free agency over and the Panda Express fleeing town to go to San Francisco, are you planning to organize our community's updated team needs list soon?

We need to develop a solid, Rumblings consensus (as much as possible) plan heading into the draft.

Thanks!

How good do you want the Bills to be?

by Fort Worth on Mar 14, 2008 12:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

HEY!!!! I just remembered

Eric Moulds is still available, I bet we could sign him cheap, bring him in for old times sake. Josh Reed can push his wheel chair around in the routes.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 14, 2008 1:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

an ex-roommate of mine....

told me his friend's sister was dating e. moulds and she bought him a rotweiler. The dog, like most puppies, used to "go" in the house. He used to beat the dog so badly for it, that they had to sneak into his house and steal the the dog back. Josh Reed can push his chair over the falls!

by jj24 on Mar 14, 2008 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL!!!

Very funny. That would certainly redefine the "wheel route". Although I'm not sure which receiver would have the better chance at catching the ball on end zone fade routes.

On a more serious note, would you trade a low-round draft pick for Michael Clayton? Is he in Gruden's dog house? I don't know how you go from shining as a rookie WR to a disappearing act? Something tells me that Clayton still has potential. I do know that he is one big, tough dude.

One would think the Bills will acquire a veteran receiver at some point to at least compete in training camp.

How good do you want the Bills to be?

by Fort Worth on Mar 14, 2008 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It goes against the Bills way of thinking.....

but I would have thought a 1 year contract would have made sense in this case. If we're planning on extending Evans and still drafting a WR in the 1st 4 rounds of the draft, we would only need Johnson for 1 year. This will put an awful lot of pressure on whatever WR we draft to produce right away.

by drew173 on Mar 14, 2008 1:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Not sure, but

I think Johnson is just looking to get the most catches and then sign his multi next year. Of course, I am not sure that will happen in SF, but between Wash, where he wouldn't get the most looks and Tampa, who seems to never produce high numbers for WRs, he thought SF, in their weak division, might give the best chances, especially with less competition at WR, even though they have some talent there

The Bills can win every game

by killascript on Mar 14, 2008 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Draft...

I could see the Bills drafting more than one WR and none in the first rd because it lessens the risk, just liek we did with RB last year with Lynch and Wright. The offense needs upogrades, and two WRs, a TE, and a FB should be right there. That is four draft picks. Then you can get a top flight CB, a OLB for depth and development and a DE, and that is 7 picks.
How many do we have? Either way, in no particular order, and based upon value, this is what I would like to see.
WR(2)
CB
TE
FB
C
OLB
DE
That is 8 picks, and I am not sure if we have that many or not, but we very well could by draft day. And who we would pick, well frankly, I like to see what others say on the matter.

The Bills can win every game

by killascript on Mar 14, 2008 1:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I would agree

With that look for a draft in no particular order, I would like to see a Safety in there for depth over an OLB, but either way it sounds reasonable to me.

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP on Mar 14, 2008 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, Safety...

I guess thats where you start looking at value, and need. Safety may trump OLB, but we will see how it pans out, come April, but this is what the Bills should go for.

The Bills can win every game

by killascript on Mar 14, 2008 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Evans

I think that with Panda geting away, it is a sure sign that the Bills will have to sign Evans to a long-term contract soon. If Panda had been signed to a long-term deal, it would have been possible that Evans would not be extended (at least there would be a slight comfort), but with only a rookie addition as possible (I gather that Hackett is not being considered), I look for the Bills to shortly announce a long-term deal with Evans.

by labill on Mar 14, 2008 1:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I hope they do...

I have no problem with Evans getting paid. Quality receiver, quality guy. With help on the other side and an improved QB, he's a legit difference maker.

by MrFurious on Mar 14, 2008 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bills can't poor mouth Lee

since they are more than $25 million under cap. I wonder if Evans would rather bail out on the Bills. That's going to be interesting to watch.

by No Longer Doomed to be a Bills Fan on Mar 14, 2008 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

BTW, there may be a center

who is becoming available. Chri Myer is a restricted free agent, but apparently Tom Nalen has fully recovered, so the Broncos might not meet a big offer sheet. Here is Myers bio from broncos.com:
Signed by Denver as a draft choice 7/28/05; Waived by Denver 9/3/05; Signed by Denver (practice squad) 9/4/05; Signed by Denver (active roster) 10/4/05.

2007: He has started on a line that has paved the way for 1,957 rushing yards on 429 carries (4.6 avg.) while yielding only 32 sacks through 16 games. Made his first pro start and helped pave the way for 171 rushing yards on 32 carries (5.3 avg.) while allowing only one sack in the season opener at Buf. (9/9). He helped clear the way for 181 rushing yards on 38 attempts (4.8 avg.), including 128 by Henry, while allowing only two sacks in the home opener vs. Oak. (9/16). Contributed to an offensive line that allowed only one sack vs. Jac. (9/23). Blocked for a rushing attack that amassed 223 rushing yards on 36 attempts, including 131 by Henry, at Ind. (9/30) while allowing just one sack (0 yds.). Started on an offensive line that yielded only one sack vs. S.D. (10/7). Moved over to starting center and helped limit the Steelers to two sacks on Sunday Night Football vs. Pit. (10/21). Helped open holes for a rushing attack that amassed 141 rushing yards while allowing just one sack at K.C. (11/11). Centered a line that cleared the way for 166 rushing yards on 26 carries (6.4 avg.), including Hall's 62-yard touchdown run, while yielding just one sack on Monday Night Football vs. Ten. (11/19). Contributed to an offensive line that yielded only two sacks at Chi. (11/25). Helped create holes for two rushing touchdowns while allowing just one sack at Oak. (12/2). Centered a line that cleared the way for 215 rushing yards on 34 carries (6.3 avg.) while allowing just one sack vs. K.C. (12/9). Centered an offensive line that in the regular-season finale vs. Min. (12/30) - against the league's top-ranked rushing defense - churned out 128 rushing yards on 27 carries (4.7 avg.) - while allowing only one sack.

Sounds interesting.

by No Longer Doomed to be a Bills Fan on Mar 14, 2008 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm Not sure

Didn't the Bills allow less then 32 sacks this year. I know thats not indicative of Myer's play.

I guess the question is, are we sure he's better than Fowler?

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 14, 2008 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Fowler..

is due for an upgrade,too

by jj24 on Mar 14, 2008 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah..

but how does he take his coffee?

by jj24 on Mar 14, 2008 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Scouts Inc.'s take on him

Grade 58: 2007 season recap.6-4 295

Myers plays on special teams and as a backup to starting center Tom Nalen, but he has value because he is a very hard worker who is tough and versatile enough to play any of the three interior line positions. He isnt huge but is big enough to be serviceable in Denver's scheme and also has enough athletic ability to contribute. He is quick off the ball and tenacious. He is more of a wall-off blocker than a killer and will not blow anyone off the ball, especially larger two-gapping defensive tackles. Myers is smart and shows very good recognition skills. He can get to the second level and is capable of finding and striking smaller targets in space. He is technically sound and obviously pays attention to detail and works on his craft. Myers struggles to stone bigger pass rushers and doesn't play with a great power base. He gets his feet too close together at times. He doesn't have a ton of upside, but he is not a major liability on the field and his versatility all but ensures him a roster spot.

Here is their take on Melvin: 60 grade rating,
6-3 310

Fowler is a five-year veteran that has average size and very good athleticism. He does a great job to snap and step to gain leverage effectively. He is not powerful and can give ground at times but understands body positioning and hand usage. He is very smart and works angles well. Fowler has very good feet, quickness and agility to stay connected and finish blocks. He is very flexible, athletic and crafty to recovery when out of position. He is not nasty but a very steady effort player that wins often. He does a great job to make line calls and adjust to defensive fronts on the run. He is a solid gun snapper and maintains good knee bend and technique when pressured up the middle. He is an even-keeled player that rarely lets blitzes, defensive front movement or adverse weather conditions affect his play. Fowler should continue to be solid for the Bills over the next several seasons.

-- Well, Myers is younger, but a little smaller, but he did help pave the way for a good rushing attack. The only worry with Broncos lineman like Pats lineman is that the system is a HUGE portion of their ability. I've noticed when guys leave other teams and their systems, they become only serviceable. Myers could be a good backup option for us and might eventually move Fowler out, but I still say get a guy in the draft with some real size and nastiness and get him in to Buffalo and let him learn behind Fowler for a year then push him out.

So how done was Pat Williams when we let him go Tommie boy??? Stick a fork in him level right?

by WABillsfan on Mar 14, 2008 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wait a minute

Myers is even lighter than Fowler? Please, no. Plus, he's a Bronco, which means he's got that zone blocking scheme as experience. No thanks

by Kurupt on Mar 14, 2008 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes it will...

I can't imagine that he is too happy with the lack of improvement, because it is obvious that he would benefit greatly from a true number 2. Only my opinion though.

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP on Mar 14, 2008 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

How about this?

I've mentioned this before and now that I am officially the best WR available in free agency, I believe it is time to ponder it again.

What about Teyo Johnson? He was a WR in college, but due to his size (6-6/260) he was converted into a TE in the pros. He has failed at that conversion, by proving he can't block for beans. So now that the Bills are staring at a rookie WR, I'll ask, "Should they try moving Teyo Johnson back to Receiver?"
I honestly think that given the state of the roster he has a better chance of making this team as a WR than a TE. At this point what's the risk?

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 14, 2008 1:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

why quit there?

we've still got george wilson, too

by jj24 on Mar 14, 2008 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't laugh at that idea.

I mentioned it awhile back, and I still think it merits some worth. I think the Bills liks him as a football player, and you know he would do anything to stay on the team.

I thought I remember him making a few spectacular catches in some pre season games. I know it doesn't mean anything, but at least I saw something positive..

by krytime on Mar 14, 2008 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thank God

this is over. I personally think that Johnson will regret this decision. The 49ers don't have a QB but they actually have a group of pretty decent weapons. Johnson will have to share with Vernon Davis, Frank Gore, Issac Bruce, Arnaz Battle, and Darrell Jackson. In my opinion, he would face much less resistance to a prominent role here. He will have a bad year in San Fran and his services will be in even less demand. His career could very well be over.

This throws me firmly in the "Draft a WR in round 1" group. I know all of the arguments about WR's not delivering early, but I don't care. This team needs another WR period and going by a majority of "experts", there are at least 3 guys that would NOT be a reach at #11. Malcolm Kelly, Limas Sweed, and DeSean Jackson all fall in that group and from what I've read, Mario Manningham could even be moving up.

I like Malcolm Kelly and I'm sticking to it.

by RabidBuffalo on Mar 14, 2008 2:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Recently

I've heard experts say Devin Thomas is the best prospect and I kind of agree. It's on that NFL Total Access clip...the one that Marshall Faulk embarasses himself on - from a Bills's fan perspective

by jj24 on Mar 14, 2008 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I say it

on NFL.com

by jj24 on Mar 14, 2008 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

whoops..

i mean saw

by jj24 on Mar 14, 2008 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

At this point

You may be right, BUT:

1st, Manningham stinks, he's not rising, he's dropping like a rock.

2nd, Kelly hasn't worked out for ANY scouts yet, his knee is still sore for the bowl game he played OVER 3 MONTHS AGO I want nothing to do with Kelly. If you wanted to take two WRs 1 in the 2nd and 1 in the 3rd I'm O.K. with that. Think Earl Bennett, Jordy Nelson, William Franklin, Paul Hubbard, or Andre Caldwell (Reche's little brother if I'm not completely wrong) WR at #11 is to big of a reach, I would rather take two in the middle rounds.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 14, 2008 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have a feeling you're gonna be pissed

when we draft WR round 1 and TE round 2..

by jj24 on Mar 14, 2008 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Na.

I wont be pissed as long as the guys they pick produce, and I will reserve judgment until they prove otherwise.

At this point choosing a WR at 11 makes a lot of sense, and i wouldn't kill them for it. (Unless he flops)

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 14, 2008 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

TWO WRS

Just like last year with RB, but I still think rd 1 will be traded or CB

The Bills can win every game

by killascript on Mar 14, 2008 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

who

do you think is least likely to flop from all the first round candidates?

by jj24 on Mar 14, 2008 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If I knew that

I'd be getting paid the big bucks as a scout. Best guess is Devin Thomas I like him plus he's a return guy, so if he's having trouble as a WR at least he can still contribute.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 14, 2008 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i'm just asking

cus you undoubtedly are more informed on these college guys than I am(I'm lucky my girl let's me watch pro football)

by jj24 on Mar 14, 2008 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gotta get that woman in line

Hey, I got lucky enough to find a woman who is into football, college (she'a a Penn State Alum) and pros (unfortunetly a Giants fan). She even loves going to crappy weather games. We were at that Giants - Bills game in the middle of the Monsoon/Blizzard.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 14, 2008 8:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Getting her in line......

is out of the question. I've got a better shot at turning water into wine. Yeah, the Giants spanked us! That game was as crazy as the weather. It must've been quite the celebration when your girls' Giants won over those damned Patriots. That was nice..watchin them lose. Belichick running for the plane before the game was over was hilarious

by jj24 on Mar 15, 2008 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here's a point for you and I to stand on.

Over the next few weeks, I'm sure you and I will be defending our stances that a DE (your wish) or a DT (my wish) will be taken over a WR. I personally think we'll get killed for it.

I propose we use the blanket term "That the offense in whole needs to get better."

One or two rookie WRs are not necessarily going to be the key for improving the offense this year. Do they need another player or two at WR? Yes, I think they do.

If we expect, and we should, better play calling, improvement from Edwards, a better run game, more from the RB spot as a pass catcher, then the offense is bound to improve.

Historically speaking, a rookie WR is not going to pay huge and/or early dividends. While we no longer are a team who has to draft for need, we're still not a team that has the complete luxury of drafting the BPA. They're sort of in that we need a good guy who can possibly contribute right away phase. I know it might sound the same, but it's not.

Will I be angry with them if they draft a WR first? Na, but I will be very skeptical of whomever it is..

by krytime on Mar 14, 2008 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

formulating a plan already

Sounds good.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 14, 2008 8:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I guess

it just depends on where you get your information. Many of the publications I read and websites I visit, really don't worry at all about the health of Kelly.

His upside is exactely what we need. He has tremendous ball skills and compete in crowds. He has great hands and can adjust well. We have been terrible in the red zone for years and Kelly would immediately give us a true red zone threat.

by RabidBuffalo on Mar 14, 2008 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Let me ask

I'm not bashing you or Kelly but let me just ask:

Would you not be concerned about a guy who has had a lingering injury for 3 months?

He never put up dominate numbers despite having all the tools. I'd rather take Jordy Nelson (he of the 122 catches last year) and/or Earl Bennett (he of the 3 straight years of 75 or more catches) those two guys have shown me more then Kelly, both in college and health wise.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 14, 2008 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Numbers aren't everything

Texas Tech, Hawaii, and Houston WR's put up Madden like numbers but don't turn into anything at the NFL level.

Does his injury status worry me? No. Football is rough and guys get hurt. Nobody, save maybe Brett Favre, is going to escape that.

Kelly has the tools to fit what the team needs. He would be an impact almost by default as a possesion and redzone threat.

I know the numbers scream to not take WR's in the first because they usually don't do much early. But we are building a team for the future. Drafting Kelly and extending Evans would give us a great corps for the next five years.

by RabidBuffalo on Mar 14, 2008 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just to point out....

Kelly did not even play in his bowl game. There are way too many concerns on this kid.

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP on Mar 14, 2008 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

By the Way

Is it just me who thinks that Bryant Johnson and his agent were insane to choose San Francisco, who already picked up Isaac Bruce (Martz's favorite) and has Darrell Jackson, Arnaz Battle, Ashley Lelie (a Johnson clone in terms of size (6-3) and draft (17th pick of 2002)) and Jason Hill (early pick last year) to battle from with just a 1-year commitment? I understand that Martz will have the team throwing a lot more, but it sounds a bit like Kelley Washington doing the same last year at NE, who got zero playing time to show what he can do for a long term contract (of course, though, SF doesn't have Moss and Welker).

by labill on Mar 14, 2008 2:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

You are not alone

I thought that was pretty dumb also, and after you listed all the names of their WRs I think it's even dumber.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 14, 2008 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I believe

his career is effectively over. He and San Fran will have another bad year and he will get even less attention next year.

by RabidBuffalo on Mar 14, 2008 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

San Fran

Any chance they part ways with Darrell Jackson? It seems like Isaac Bruce was added to replace Jackson, who was pretty disappointing last year in 15 starts. How about a 7th rounder for Jackson, and Frisco still has Bruce/Johnson/Battle/Hill or Lelie as their top 4. I bet Jackson gets releases, but why battle for his services when he could really help?

Nick (Bensalem, PA)

by Nick BensalemPA on Mar 14, 2008 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If anyone gets cut

it would Jackson. I have heard nothing but bad things about him and I would think that the Bills would be better off with drafting a guy....anywhere in the draft then scooping up Jackson.

by RabidBuffalo on Mar 14, 2008 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

We should trade them

Ellison for Jackson. Make everyone happy.

A 7th rounder for Jackson would be a risk worth taking. If not Jackson, another player of his caliber.

There will likely be a few WR's on the block come draft day, just like every year. I'm going to look around for potential players that could fit that mold, but I think I had done that a few weeks ago and came up with nothing.

by Kurupt on Mar 14, 2008 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i just read

on the arizona reublic website that johnson has reunited with his rookie WR coach - who is one of the best in the league. that, combined with the one year contract, was probably why he picked them

by jj24 on Mar 14, 2008 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Coach

Wasn't Johnson's rookie year WR Coach our own Tyke Tolbert?

by Kurupt on Mar 14, 2008 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think...

In Panda's rookie year in 2003 (also Anquan Boldin's rookie year) in Arizona, Jerry Sullivan was the offensive coordinator (now WR coach in San Francisco?) and Tyke Tolbert was the WR coach (now WR coach in Buffalo).

Interesting how Arizona selected a WR in the first (Panda) and second (Boldin) rounds that year.

How good do you want the Bills to be?

by Fort Worth on Mar 14, 2008 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

boldin

he's like the earl campbell of wide receivers - dishing it out better than he gets it. funny how that worked out between him(very good) and johnson(not very good), huh?

by jj24 on Mar 14, 2008 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fort Worth

has the correct story. man, you guys know your stuff. I was just there to read about the suns and noticed the johnson article. thanks for correcting my mistake, fort worth

by jj24 on Mar 14, 2008 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No Problem

jj24,

Thanks for the props!

How good do you want the Bills to be?

by Fort Worth on Mar 14, 2008 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Haven't seen the terms yet

But I still think it's incredibly stupid. I hope for his sake that he called Lloyd's Of London, and purchased a very large insurance policy against a career ending injury. Plus, he really things SF is a team on the rise? All those WRs you listed? Man, I just think it's stupid. I hope he gets booed here next year.

by krytime on Mar 14, 2008 7:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can One Bills Drive Hackett?

If the Bills want to bring in a free agent WR, please, PLEASE, just cut through the charades and sign D.J.Hackett. Don't settle for a lesser player like Darrell Jackson.

As far as Panda goes, good luck getting that big payday in '09 with Alex Smith throwing the ball to umpteen different receivers (and missing half the time). Panda should fire his agent - he would have been better off career-wise signing with Buffalo.

Get the Bills back to the big game!

by Blitz on Mar 14, 2008 3:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Now I'm wondering if there will be any decent cuts

Nick, you just got me thinking: who is going to get cut before June 1st? Is there any indication that some relatively big names (not Drew Carter big, of course) get the ax? Any semi-informed speculation 'round these parts?

by DCRumbler on Mar 14, 2008 3:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Cuts

We'll definitely have to wait and see how the Draft plays out for those. A lot of guys won't be cut until their team has a replacement.

Darrell Jackson is an interesting thought. He's got some of the worst hands in the league, but he has produced in the past and would at least give us a viable veteran WR...

by Kurupt on Mar 14, 2008 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I figured this was way too early

But to be honest, I am just a little disappointed with the situation. If you told me 3 months ago that I would be disappointed because the Bills missed out on Bryant Johnson, I would have laughed at you. It's too bad the market was so weak.

by DCRumbler on Mar 14, 2008 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Possible Decent Cut

Tampa Bay WR Michael Clayton?

How good do you want the Bills to be?

by Fort Worth on Mar 14, 2008 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

How sad

We're contemplating what it would take to get Darrell Jackson or Michael Clayton. Yikes, what a terrible market.

Clayton has really struggled since his rookie year, especially with the dropsies.

by Kurupt on Mar 14, 2008 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dear Panda...

I'll sorely miss you. I felt like I knew you for so long. I dreamt of you in red, white and blue, jumping into the stands in Orchard Park after catching bombs from Trent Edwards. Now, you are just an after-thought. I hope you catch 12 passes for 2 yards and make the league minimum for years to come.

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Mar 14, 2008 4:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I couldn't agree more

I hope this blows up in Johnson's face. Taking a risk like this, when you are already an unproven commodity is potentially career damaging. I hope he tears his ACL in pre-season.

by Buffalonian by the Grace of God on Mar 14, 2008 7:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would jump all over Clayton

Considering his first season with his size and other measurables, a new start as our #2 could go a long way to returning to his amazing rookie campaign.

by Kumario! on Mar 14, 2008 6:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Bad things man

Not signing Bryant Johnson was a complete failure by the Bills. Not from the standpoint that Johnson was the best free agent WR to ever hit the market but because of these two important reasons: One it severely puts us in danger of Evans being so frustrated he will want to have a crack at free agency. Secondly it could potentially damage/hinder Edwards development, we cannot afford to handle Edwards the way we did Losman. Flat out terrible blunder. A rookie WR is not going to make this team better next year, possibly the next, and if you roll the dice on the wrong guy, Ever! I am indescribably frustrated. Gosh to I miss Polian.

by Buffalonian by the Grace of God on Mar 14, 2008 7:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

for what johnson was asking...

polian would have told him to jump off a cliff

by jj24 on Mar 14, 2008 8:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Polian

Polian would have signed Evans last year, and would have signed Johnson and you know it. He wasn't asking for that much money. You are telling me that our offer was so great, that he decided to take a one year contract? Wake up, you have no idea what you are talking about.

by Buffalonian by the Grace of God on Mar 14, 2008 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

All wrong...

There is risk and reward and to say that Johnson was a greater reward than the bills were willing to risk is, well, risky. We can draft a couple WRs, and still pick up a free agent, and more notably a TE that will help Edwards get better and Lee Evans will also perform better. Not to mention, that you should till the smoke clears, the draft and any trades we may make have happened and then grade the off season. We wanted Johnson, but he got greedy and went to a crappier team. Period. San Francisco is not going to make him a 70 catch 1200 yard receiver. So there you have it.

The Bills can win every game

by killascript on Mar 14, 2008 9:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

the money we didn't spend on johnson

can be used to resign evans. evans resigning or not would hardly be influenced be the prescence of bryant johnson. sure, another decent receiver is fine, but he's not what reggie wayne is to marvin harrison

by jj24 on Mar 14, 2008 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

what?

Why would Evans resign with Buffalo? He isn't going to receive a thousand yards, he isn't going to the pro bowl, he isn't going to make the playoff's, and his QB isn't going to get any better this year. Bryant Johnson was a HUGE factory in Evans decision to stay in Buffalo or not. Evans is no Harrison either. Wake up folks, this was a huge blunder.

by Buffalonian by the Grace of God on Mar 14, 2008 9:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Blunder?

They offered him a multi-year deal, which no one else was willing to do. What exactly does that say about him? We gave him the most secure offer and he decided a 1 year deal with the worst offensive team to try and prove himself was the better option.

So spending much more than this guy was worth is what we should have done to make sure we got him?

by Kurupt on Mar 14, 2008 9:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bless you

for summing it up perfectly, BGG. Thanks,

Doomed

by No Longer Doomed to be a Bills Fan on Mar 14, 2008 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hope you guys are joking

You think Lee cares about Bryant Johnson coming here?

You have to give Trent more than half a season to prove whether he's the future or not. We still have the draft to add impact offensive players to help him out too.

Way too early for the panic button. But I guess that's what you do.

by RabidBuffalo on Mar 14, 2008 9:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Are you nuts?

Yes Evans cares about getting a number 2 WR. Did you not see what he went through last year? You can't think that depending on the draft for "impact players" is a reality, especially WR's. Wake up and look at what WR's do historically. It normally takes until the 3rd year for them to produce. Copy and paste this quote. Lee Evan's will not sign an extension with the Bills this year. We then will have to franchise him. Then hope we show him what we should have showed him with Bryant Johnson that we are committed to building around him. Wake up, I'm not panicking, just have a superior thought process than yours. But that's ok, that's why I am here. For you to learn from.

by Buffalonian by the Grace of God on Mar 14, 2008 9:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

settle down fellas

Lets not attack each other. remember we all want the same thing, the Bills to get better.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 14, 2008 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

apologies

You are correct? I guess the frustration just builds up. I just can't understand why the obvious takes so long with out team. It's kind of like Fairchild. Every self respecting Bills fan saw he was a joke. But we wouldn't have fired him. I know that GM's and coaches know so much about football that we couldn't begin to know, but I honestly think the fans see things that they won't admit.

by Buffalonian by the Grace of God on Mar 14, 2008 10:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No worries

I get what you mean. I asked myself a whle ago, if Fairchild was doing such a horrible job, why didn't Jauron take away his play-calling duties? I guess he didn't want to humiliate him but c'mon enough already.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 14, 2008 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well....

I think we all know why Jauron didn't take any of Fairchild's duties away from him. It has something to do with him being a conservative coward....

But that's in the past, no need to talk about that anymore!

by Kurupt on Mar 14, 2008 10:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Question

Why is it that you think the Bills didn't go after Johnson like they really wanted him?

We were the only team willing to give him a multi-year deal. Nobody else thought highly enough about him to offer him a bigger deal. Why is that? Could it be that nobody sees him as more than a complimentary WR?

It would have been dumb to give him a huge contract that he didn't deserve (see Berrian, Bernard) just to add an experienced WR opposite Evans. Plus, it's still mid March, there's still time to find a veteran WR that can contribute. Yeah, the options are shrinking, but with trades and cuts later on, there will be options. There's no need to overreact to the Panda not signing a long term deal here. Let him go try to have a great season for the worst offensive team in the league...

by Kurupt on Mar 14, 2008 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I get it....

I get what you are saying, but the bigger picture is that without Johnson (the best option this year), we are going to loose Evan's to free agency. This is what I am trying to convey. It's not that I love Johnson all that much. But he was our best option to give Evans a chance at enjoying success again. Without Johnson, Edwards will struggle, Evans will get double teamed. I agree that Johnson made a mistake and I hope he tears his ACL in Pre-Season. But our offer must not have been good enough for him to take a one year contract. It should have been good enough to get him to sign, that's all I'm saying. Again it's not about Johnson, it's about the residual effects of not signing him.

by Buffalonian by the Grace of God on Mar 14, 2008 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Haha

Please send me tomorrow's lottery numbers.

You can't make statements like that after not signing BRYANT JOHNSON! Failing to sign a mediocre WR isn't going to have a big effect on us resigning Evans. The only reasons Evans wouldn't resign are if he wants more $$$ elsewhere or Trent completely craps the bed this season. Not having Bryant Johnson does not constitute a dealbreaker.

Remember, it's March. If come May we've done little else to upgrade the WR position, then we can all complain and complain.

by Kurupt on Mar 14, 2008 10:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am with you Kurupt

Not getting Johnson isn't going to send Evans packing. Does Evans want another reciever, most recievers want the ball more. If he can't be a good reciever without another guy taking pressure off him, maybe we don't need him to stay.

I love Lee and would love for him to stay. I just don't buy that he would turn down millions because we didn't sign a mediocre reciever.

by RabidBuffalo on Mar 14, 2008 10:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you want Bryant Johnson as our #2

perhaps proclaiming thyself superior isn't the best option. Sure, he was the best available,(hackett-debatable) but this is a "least of all evils debate". his best season was comparable to josh reed's rookie campaign. If we paid him javon walker or joey porter, which is what he wanted, that would have pissed evans off and drove his price up even higher. it will become apparent the bills made the right choice not signing this delusional dingbat

by jj24 on Mar 15, 2008 8:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

watch

Watch and see if this blunder doesn't effect our ability to retain Evans. How can we address the WR situation Kurupt? Our best option passed us by. Anything else, draft, other free agents will be measurably less than Johnson.

by Buffalonian by the Grace of God on Mar 14, 2008 11:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Best option

The best option may still be a draft pick.

Sure, Johnson was probably the best (or second best-Hackett) FA WR remaining, but not getting him isn't the end of the world for our O. Who's to say a Draft Day trade won't net us a good starter? What about June cuts? Maybe we'll still bring Hackett in. At this point we can't be talking about how screwed we are because we didn't end up with a mediocre WR. There's plenty of time until the preseason and there will be more options that pop up that we didn't envision.

I still don't see how not getting Johnson has anything to do with Evans signing a big deal. Having a viable option opposite him wasn't the only reason he had a poor season last year. A revolving door at QB and terrible playcalling have as much to do with how poorly our passing game was. I also think Evans' play was very subpar last year, as he dropped numerous passes and failed to get open as often as he did in prior years. Remember, in '06 Evans had the same crappy options around him and still put up 1200+ yards.

by Kurupt on Mar 14, 2008 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have to say it...

...In '06, Evans wasn't working with Trent Edwards, the least effective QB the Bills have had since Vince Ferragamo.

Nick (Bensalem, PA)

by Nick BensalemPA on Mar 15, 2008 8:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

BINGO.

How good do you want the Bills to be?

by Fort Worth on Mar 15, 2008 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry fellas

I apologize to anybody who read those last few posts as they were not consistant with the quality that this site it used to. Steps are being taken to ensure that this doesn't happen again. Thank you.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 15, 2008 5:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs