Bills' Evans, Peters a Contradiction in Professionalism
by Brian Galliford on Jul 26, 2008 8:56 AM EDT
in Opinion
79 comments
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Lee Evans wants a new contract; he's wanted it for two years now. His teammate, left tackle Jason Peters, also wants a new contract. (Y'all may have heard that rumor.) He's wanted a new deal, at least publicly, since the 2007 season ended.
If actions speak louder than words, the Bills are currently attempting to re-sign the right guy.
Ever since putting together a 2006 season in which he caught 82 passes, scored 8 touchdowns and was mentioned as a possible Pro Bowl receiver (he did not make the team), talks about Evans' contract status have dominated headlines surrounding the player. Currently working on his rookie contract, Evans has every right to covet a new contract - he's probably not worth "elite receiver" money, but his current deal underpays him.
Peters, meanwhile, isn't working under his rookie contract. A budding talent at right tackle in the summer prior to the 2006 season, Peters was handed a 5-year, $15 million extension by the Bills - an extension he had not yet earned, and one that paid him over $5 million in bonus money immediately.
So which guy is most likely to hold out? Ask me a year ago, and I emphatically answer Lee Evans - the guy who had every reason to feel disloyal to a club that, as of yet, hadn't proven their trust in him financially. Needless to say, I've been surprised by the actions of both players. Those actions, so starkly different from each other, prove something we may not have known until this weekend: Evans is a professional in every sense of the word; Peters isn't.
Examining the Contracts
Evans' current deal is set to expire in 2010. However, a clause is written into his deal that gives Evans the option to opt out of the deal after 2009. Thus, if the Bills don't sign him prior to the start of free agency in 2009, Evans will hit the market as an unrestricted free agent.
In this, his final year, Evans will make $2.25 million in base salary. Factoring in the bonus money of Roscoe Parrish ($520K base salary, with $3.75 million in bonuses), as far as we can tell, Evans will be the second-highest paid Bills receiver in 2008, barring an extension. Evans will make slightly more than Josh Reed ($1.825 million) and tight end Robert Royal ($1.625 million).
Meanwhile, purely in terms of base salary, Peters' 2008 numbers easily outstrip the deals he's miffed about, those of Derrick Dockery and Langston Walker. Peters will make $3.3 million in base salaries this season, as compared to the $2 million of Walker and the $1.5 million of Dockery. Bonuses likely obscure the picture; we were unable to confirm bonus payouts for Dockery and Walker, but they likely add to the '08 wages they'll make significantly. Dockery has been paid $8 million of $16 million in guaranteed money to date; Walker has also received half of his $10 million guaranteed. So, at the very root of the issue, Peters has a point - he's better than either Dockery or Walker, and deserves to be paid like it (though, again, we can't actually confirm if he's making less than them in the 2008 season).
But if Peters has reasons to hold out, Evans' are better. Evans hasn't been handed a gift contract in his time in Buffalo, and he's currently entering the final year of his deal (as opposed to three for Peters). Yet it was Evans catching the first pass of training camp from Trent Edwards; Kirk Chambers did the blocking at left tackle.
Buffalo's Message is Clear
Why is Evans currently in contract discussions with the Bills, while Peters "charts a road map of silence"? Not just because Evans' situation is more urgent. Not just because Evans deserves a new contract. Evans is in Pittsford. He's working with his teammates, trying to become a better football player and part of a better team.
Buffalo is going to pay the guys who show up to work. They're doing it now with Evans. They did it last year when, after a spring mini-camp holdout, Aaron Schobel reported to training camp on time. They're maintaining that standard with Peters, and it is absolutely the right decision.
If you hear anything that your fans say, Mr. Peters, hear this: Bills fans respect loyalty. Take a page out of Lee Evans' book and do what's right, not what you feel is necessary. Evans is the kind of teammate that makes teams better. You probably are, too, but it's pretty hard to believe it at this point. Get to Pittsford. You do that, you'll probably get your deal. Until then, you're simply highlighting the difference between good teammates and bad teammates, and you're adding an inauspicious start to what could be a promising season.
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The Peters Bruhaha
The only rose colored tint to be put on this situation is that he’s an experienced offensive lineman. He can rely on his talents and experience to compensate for any time he misses. Chemistry is, of course, not as strong as it would be if he were working with his teammates right now. That’s unfortunate, but probably not devastating.
Being an offensive lineman is probably a lot like riding a bicycle for him. Once he is back with the team he’ll need very little time to get up to speed. Who knows. Maybe it’s a good idea to keep him out of harms way right now. Somebody could stumble, fall into his knee, and end his season right there. If you asked me what one player I wouldn’t mind sitting out all of training camp, even the preseason, then starting the first game of the season, Jason Peters would be my answer.
I know it makes sense to have him there to keep him involved in the team, but you can’t plead with him on-line to show up to practice(Brian I know you’re actually doing that though you would be tickled if he did read your right up ; ). He’s going to do what he feels he has to do. He doesn’t care how professional we think he’s being or not being. He’s probably heard every possible opinion on the issue and he’s sticking with his decision. So be it. If he needs to get paid like a great offensive lineman to keep playing like one then that’s Buffalo’s decision to make. I, for one, don’t blame him because Buffalo threw all kinds of money at Walker and Dockery and now Peters is sitting around thinking “Uh, I’ve been here all along and I’m feeling a little overlooked here. Why, after my loyalty and performance, am I sitting here with less than these guys?” If this happens anywhere else in the labor market of life it’s a slap in the face, so why not the NFL?
by jj24 on Jul 26, 2008 9:56 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Loyalty timeline
“Why, after my loyalty and performance, am I sitting here with less than these guys?"
Buffalo gave Peters a shot at TE when literally every other team in the league passed on him. The Bills took a shot on a guy who no one else wanted. The team was loyal to him, not the other way around.
Buffalo gave Peters a shot at LT and gave him a fat new contract along with the new position. The team was loyal to him, not the other way around.
Peters backed into the Pro Bowl and now wants an even bigger deal than the one he just signed a couple of years ago. He hasn’t demonstrated loyalty to the Bills. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that he shouldn’t want more money or that the Bills shouldn’t rework his contract. He should just go about it differently—particularly given the Bills’ obvious preference to renegotiate deals for deserving players quietly and without causing disruptions.
by Ron From NM on Jul 26, 2008 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What are they waiting for?
“I’m not saying that he shouldn’t want more money or that the Bills shouldn’t rework his contract.”
This probably should have been taken care of a long time ago then. Or at least in the works right now. We hear word that Lee Evans new contract is close but not Peters’. It’s easy for Evans to be happy when the check is in the mail.
by jj24 on Jul 26, 2008 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Was it easy for Evans to be happy last year? He didn’t hold out last year either, or the year before that…
by Brian Galliford on Jul 26, 2008 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
With Peter's rookie salary he was making "peanuts"
Then Buffalo offered him a new contract where he was making “apples”. Lee Evans rookie deal started him off with “apples”. Now Buffalo is going to start paying Evans “oranges”. Peters thinks he deserves to be making “oranges”, too.
A lot of people think Peters should play out his “apples” contract first and then see what kind of deal he can get, but that’s the opinion of a fan and not a player. Most NFL players are trying to make as much money as they can, get as much playing time as they can, and win as many games as they can. That’s it. That’s the goal.
I think it’s a little hypocritical Evans is “Mr. Professional” this season after being the most publicly difficult player last season during the changing of the guard at quarterback. When all the fans in Buffalo were excited that Edwards was winning games and showing how much less defensively illiterate than Losman, Evans was undercutting Edwards and throwing all kinds of negative words around. Wasn’t that rocking the boat the same way Peters is now, only with negative statements instead of a holdout?. I actually prefer Peters display of frustration over Evans’.
by jj24 on Jul 27, 2008 5:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
All I see now on Evans is a guy who has gone out of his way this off-season to build a relationship with Edwards. In my book, his comments from last season are now forgiven – just as Peters will be if he ever gets his arse to Pittsford.
And as for your “apples”, “oranges” comparison… Evans is on his apples contract right now just as Peters is. Evans is at work seeking his oranges. Peters is sulking at home looking for his. The point still applies. I’ll reiterate – I’m NOT arguing that Peters should not expect a raise. I’ve only ever said he’s going about getting it the worst way possible.
by Brian Galliford on Jul 27, 2008 8:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Keeping with the analogy......
First, let start by saying I would rather Peters be at camp. I would respect that decision MORE. But Evans’ orange grove has already been planted. He’s just waiting for the fruit. The land for Peters’ orange grove hasn’t even been tilled(preliminary discussions) and perhaps the land(necessary funds) hasn’t even been alocated yet. He’s making his point that he wants an orange grove soon. I know Peters should be practicing right now. But calling him names or freaking out about it equally as childish or whatever you want to call it. It’s a little early to be panicking.
by jj24 on Jul 27, 2008 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think my being miffed with Peters is childish at all – I think it’s holding him accountable. You say “he’s making his point”; I say that point has already been made. We did, after all, know about this issue BEFORE training camp…
I’m not freaked out, either. It’s not like I’m operating under the delusion that if he’s not in camp, his skill level is rapidly deteriorating. My issue is that he’s part of an up and coming club that hasn’t been to the playoffs in a decade, and while the rest of his team is working, he’s pouting. Again, the point has been made, Jason. Get to work and be a part of your team. Devin Hester did… and now he’s got a new deal. Magical.
As I said before, if he gets to camp, say, sometime this week, a whole lot can be forgiven.
by Brian Galliford on Jul 27, 2008 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Quotes from your Devin Hester story
“The team announced the deal Sunday. Hester skipped the first two days of training camp because he wanted to renegotiate his contract, which had two years left. Hester returned to camp Friday, saying there was progress in the negotiations.
He said he skipped practices to make a statement that he was serious about a new deal.”
Negotiations start to make headway and THEN Hester shows up to practice. See the sequencing of events there?
by jj24 on Jul 27, 2008 8:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough. But my point about Peters’ point being made remains valid. Maybe now that Eugene Parker is done with one holdout, he’ll start working on this one.
Ultimately, Peters won’t miss a game check. It’s just severely disappointing to me to see, after such a promising off-season, Peters take this tact.
by Brian Galliford on Jul 27, 2008 9:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good debate, Brian.
I’m willing to give that one a rest. Here’s to hoping something positive happens soon.
by jj24 on Jul 28, 2008 7:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Evans out of his way?
I don’t think so. Trent had to fly to South Florida to get some reps with Evans because he wasn’t involved in the OTA’s. I wouldn’t say that’s Evans going out of his way.
~K
by Kurupt on Jul 27, 2008 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A – Evans wasn’t involved in OTAs heavily because of off-season surgery. I’m not sure if you’re counting that against him or not, but I’m just saying.
B – Evans wasn’t the only guy working out with Edwards. I know I read somewhere that other guys were involved – I’m positive Justin Jenkins was one of them; I can’t exactly recall (and of course I can’t find the link), but I believe one or two of Reed, Parrish and Royal were there as well.
by Brian Galliford on Jul 27, 2008 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know he sat out from injury
but it’s not like Evans was going out of his way to develop chemistry with Trent. It seems like it was the other way around. Trent made the efforts to throw with his receivers, which I highly commend. He’s definitely growing into a leader, I just hope that translates on the field. And I really like what I’ve heard regarding Evans thus far in camp, being tough to cover and catching a lot of passes over the middle. That’s where I’ve been critical of him and if he can improve in those areas this year, he’ll be very good for us and Trent, IMO. I just don’t see how Evans went out of his way to develop chemistry with Trent, am I missing something else here??
I think it was Evans, Jenkins and maybe Parrish from what I recall…And I think Trent spoke of going to Arizona(?) to throw with Royal? Not sure if that materialized.
~K
by Kurupt on Jul 27, 2008 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How perfect
blurb from the Buffalo News on this exact subject today
~K
by Kurupt on Jul 27, 2008 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well at the same time, Evans could have just told Trent he was busy. Evans doesn’t get credit for the work because Trent took the initiative?
by Brian Galliford on Jul 27, 2008 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well
I’d have to credit Edwards for taking that initiative and wanting to get the work in. Sure, Evans could have said no, but it’s not like he was flying back up to Buffalo or out to Cali to catch passes from Trent. It really doesn’t matter though, they got the work in and have looked good together thus far. Let’s just hope it continues and becomes a mainstay for the O….
~K
by Kurupt on Jul 27, 2008 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the two are not comparable
deriding a man who defended his quarterback and the team leader during a difficult period is ridiculous. The guard hadn’t fully changed yet and Evans behavior simply showed that he is loyal to his leader. A plus not a minus. Once it was obvious that the guard had changed guess what? Evans shut his mouth.
McKelvin and Hardy - rookies of the year
by poz on Jul 27, 2008 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
His leader is whoever is playing quarterback.
It’s his job to be a wide receiver. Not a coach.
by jj24 on Jul 27, 2008 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not sure loyal is the correct word here
I wouldn’t say the Bills have been loyal to him. They say potential in him and felt he could help the team. Giving him a shot at that point wasn’t loyalty. And how do you know no other team wanted him? Maybe the Bills were the only team who thought he could help out at TE, while others wanted to try him at DT or OT right away? We don’t know these things. Giving him a new contract wasn’t loyalty either, it was smart business on their end. They saw Peters growing into an excellent tackle and wanted to lock him up before his price tag went up even further.
If anything, I could maybe say Peters was loyal. After getting cut, he stuck by the Bills and joined the PS. He was later promoted to the team and the rest is history. He also had no issue switching positions. Sure, it was obviously in his best interest to do so, but he could have been a stubborn mule and said no. A lot of people have talked about how great it is for George Wilson and Matt Murphy to switch positions in order to have their best shots at making the team. I guess because Peters has gotten so good, he doesn’t fit in with them.
If the Bills were to be considered loyal to a player, I’d have to say it’d be after something happened to that player. If Peters was coming off a major injury before he signed his first big deal, that’s loyalty on the team’s part. I think that happened to Andre Reed in the mid 90’s after he tore his hamstring. I could be totally wrong, but I think Reed was a pending FA the year he tore his hammy, but the team still resigned him after the season. That’s loyalty. Paying Kevin Everett’s salary after his circumstances was loyalty (even though they’d be crucified if they didn’t do this). I don’t see how giving a young player a chance to play a new position and rewarding him with a big contract as he’s improved is loyalty.
~K
by Kurupt on Jul 26, 2008 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone could have drafted Peters
No one did. Buffalo has repeatedly rewarded Peters based on his potential. We can quibble about what to call it but Buffalo has been more than fair to Peters. Can Peters make the same claim?
Since you brought up the 90s greats, Buffalo didn’t come across at all as loyal to players at that time. I recall that Reed was thoroughly pissed when he left. I don’t remember Smith or Thomas complaining too loudly but I do remember thinking the team had shafted them. Maybe the approach Buffalo has taken recently grew out of that debacle…
by Ron From NM on Jul 26, 2008 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brian, I blew my little parentheses to you.
It’s also supposed to say “I know you’re not actually doing that”. Feel free to change it.
by jj24 on Jul 26, 2008 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Impact of Injury
I haven’t heard anything about Peter’s recovery from last year’s injury. Is it possible he’s pushing hard on the contract this year because he’s concerned that lingering affects of the injury will impact his play.
by MrFurious1 on Jul 26, 2008 11:04 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Am I feeling a hint of bias in this post????
Seems that whatever Peters does or has done, he is either wrong or didn’t deserve what he has gotten, while Evans can do no wrong….
I wouldn’t say that what Peters is doing is unprofessional. Stupid? Maybe, but I can’t say what he’s doing is unprofessional. In fact, I would say what Lee Evans has continued to do is unprofessional….talking to the media about his contract seemingly in every interview is not the way I’d go about business. Then again, silence and not showing up is not how I’d do business either. I would say Peters’ and his agent are going about this wrong, especially since his agent seems to have his other clients’ best interests ahead of Peters’. Plenty of players have taken the holdout route and I don’t recall it ever hurting anyone in the long run.
You criticize Peters for being handed a contract he didn’t deserve. How so? He started 10 games the prior season and was obviously on his way to great things at a position we’ve had so many struggles at. He earned that deal and it was the team hedging their bets so they wouldn’t lose him when he really got good.
I didn’t realize Evans had earned his first deal with his play in the NFL. His rookie deal was very comparable to the deal Peters received after his playing time at the NFL level earned while, while Evans got his money because of his college production. If anyone got a gift contract, it was Evans.
I also think Peters has a better gripe about a contract. If Evans wasn’t going to be a FA next year, he wouldn’t be close to Peters’ situation. Evans has proven to be an inconsistent performer who has yet to reach the pinnacle of his position. On the other hand, Peters has quickly and consistently improved and reached the highest level at his position this past year, and also plays the most premiere position on offense after QB.
I don’t think it’s fair to criticize Peters and call him unprofessional, while complimenting everything Evans has done. Peters is a better player and deserve to be paid more handsomely than other OL on this team. I wish he would show up so some dialogue between him and the team could occur, and I can’t agree with him holding out and not talking to them, but I also understand his position and motives. I can’t call it unprofessional. At least he’s not going to the media (yet) at every turn to talk about his deal.
Brett Favre
~K
by Kurupt on Jul 26, 2008 11:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think that you and I are on the same page here. I don’t think he is going about this the right way, but I don’t think he is the disgracfull jerk that he has been refered as on this site. He wants more money and as far as I’m concerned he deserves it.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on Jul 26, 2008 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
but again
if you want your money show up and earn it.
McKelvin and Hardy - rookies of the year
by poz on Jul 26, 2008 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m sure that he feels he has already earned it.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on Jul 26, 2008 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And if we let all players
have a new contract when they “feel” they have already earned all the money from their old one? Lucky the contract is more specific. Peters has not earned his money for 3 more years or until the Bills say so.
by Joe P. on Jul 26, 2008 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know you don't like the comparisons to other jobs
but, what if a waitress asked for her tip after bringing the drinks and appetizer. You tell her that the meal is not over yet. She says, “I feel I have already outperformed the 15% tip you will give me, so I want some guaranteed money before I can bring you your food. After all, I could slip and get injured, then someone else would serve the meal and they would get the tip."
by Joe P. on Jul 26, 2008 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would tell the Waitress that I am a bad tipper and that she exceeded the crappy tip I was going to leave her when we were seated. So she might as well finish the job for the crap sum she was going to get anyway.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on Jul 26, 2008 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So, you agree with the Bills tactics then! LOL!!!
by Joe P. on Jul 26, 2008 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes
I never once said that I agree with the way that Peters was going about this. I think the Bills are doing the right thing . All I ever said was that I agree Peters should be paid more (something I don’t think any of us disagree on) and that I see his point of veiw, and if I was him I would feel the same way. I would report to camp though.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on Jul 26, 2008 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly
What Peters is doing makes all the sense in the world, but he still needs to get to camp to get any deal done. I don’t disagree with anyone who says Peters is wrong for staying away, I just don’t think criticizing him for everything he is doing is the way to treat him. With McKelvin now signed, hopefully more attention can be spent on Peters assuming he gets to Buffalo soon….
~K
by Kurupt on Jul 26, 2008 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
To be perfectly clear on my end: I’m definitely NOT criticizing Peters for wanting a new deal. Not at all. I’m criticizing him for staying away (and also giving props to Evans for continuing to work through his situation).
by Brian Galliford on Jul 26, 2008 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds good to me
By the way, I was laughing with you, not at you :-)
by Joe P. on Jul 26, 2008 6:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s cool either way. You wouldn’t be the first to laugh at me.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on Jul 26, 2008 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly my point
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on Jul 27, 2008 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What if the waitress is really hot though?
by krytime on Jul 26, 2008 11:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well that changes the whole scenario.
It’s common knowledge that when a waitress is hot and flirty the base tip goes from 15% to 25%, clevage adds an additional 10%.
Joe P. said 15% so I figured the waitress was either an old crone or a dude.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on Jul 27, 2008 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're a 35% tipper???
I’ll go over 15% for a fun/flirty/hot waitress but nowhere near more than double. You’re quite the man, Sireric…
by Ron From NM on Jul 27, 2008 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with sireric, 'specially if the waitress looks like this...
by krytime on Jul 27, 2008 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL wow… this might be the last picture I expected to see on this thread. :)
by Brian Galliford on Jul 27, 2008 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that was sireric’s last Halloween costume.
I kid, ha
~K
by Kurupt on Jul 27, 2008 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mine was more low cut and showed more cleavage.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on Jul 27, 2008 9:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
For her....
Yeah, I’d go 35%....but I can’t think of a restaurant with that spiffy of a uniform.
by Ron From NM on Jul 27, 2008 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Having worked in the resturant field for a number of years, I tend to be a decent tipper. Flirty – Hot – and Cleavage increase the tip.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on Jul 27, 2008 9:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My issue is that he’s one of two major holdouts in the NFL (Steven Jackson being the other), and Jackson has a year left on his deal. My issue is that, as of Thursday when he didn’t report, he has made his point. We get it, Jason – you really, really want a new contract. Why continue to hold out when his point has been made? Why continue to hold out when the Bills have very clearly stated that they won’t talk to him until he shows up? He’s being childish. If he reverses his decision in the next week or so, great.
It’s not like I hate the guy, nor does anyone else who’s miffed at him. He’s just being childish right now. A lot can be forgiven if he realizes he’s being stupid about this.
by Brian Galliford on Jul 26, 2008 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well put
I think Brian here made my point better than I have been trying to sireric. Exactly right, he has made his point that he is unhappy and by not showing up he is being childish. To me and my view of the world, when a grown man is acting like a bratty child he is being a disgraceful jerk. Now, I think I agree that he does deserve a new contract, like sireric, but where we differ is that I really believe he should not get it unless he reports to camp on time. Because he did not, he should have to wait a half year to a year. Discipline is key in this world and if you let guys like Peters get away with this stuff you end up like the Bungles, and I think we can all agree we do not want to be like that!
McKelvin and Hardy - rookies of the year
by poz on Jul 26, 2008 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually...........
Marshawn Lynch’s incident was much more “Bungles-esque”. Along with James Hardy whipping out his pistol on his pops. This is a contract holdout at the beginning of camp, and that’s it. Peters isn’t going to play any better or worse because of the first week of training camp. Most veterans hate training camp because they’ve already been through it all to the point of monotony. Training camp is more for rookies, free agents, players coming back from injuries, and players battling for roster spots or positions on the delpth chart. Let’s spend more of our focus on these players rather than Peters. We know who our starting LT is going to be and what he can do. We’re going to have the same players playing offensive line as last year and they’re going to play just as well(or adequately in the case of Fowler) as they did last year.
by jj24 on Jul 27, 2008 5:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also
Peters is facing a heavy share of criticism, but where are is the criticism for McKelvin. The kid’s contract parameters are set based on the #10 and #12 picks, and yet, he’s still holding out. He needs to get to camp and get the ball rolling if he wants to make an impact come week 1. Why all the vitriol for Peters, but not for the kid who really needs to get to camp and doesn’t really have any basis for holding out at this point???
~K
by Kurupt on Jul 26, 2008 11:37 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Because Peters made his bed
He signed his deal. Now he should honor it until he gets a new one.
by Joe P. on Jul 26, 2008 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm with you on McKelvin, Kurupt
His agent should be doing everything he can to get the deal done. The sooner McKelvin wrests away a starting CB spot the sooner he’ll be in line for a renegotiated deal.
by Ron From NM on Jul 26, 2008 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why should McKelvin be criticized? He’s in contract negotiations! He’ll be on the field soon enough. Sure, he should be on the field now, but he’s ready to report. It’s a completely different situation – McKelvin doesn’t have an NFL contract. Peters does.
by Brian Galliford on Jul 26, 2008 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The question is, “what is there to negotiate?” As K said, the #10 and #12 picks have been signed, along with the second CB taken (DRC) the market value for him should be set. So why no deal?
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on Jul 26, 2008 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Years. As K mentioned somewhere – and I whole-heartedly agree – the holdup is probably the number of years.
by Brian Galliford on Jul 26, 2008 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's gotta be it
but then again, who knows. It’s the only possible reason for the holdup, though I still think it should be done by now. I guess with Lynch getting a 6 year deal, DRC getting a 6 year deal from AZ and Darrelle Revis getting a “6 year” deal from the Jets last year, the Bills must be pushing those contracts on McKelvin. I really, really hope this is the problem, because if it isn’t, there’s no excuse for McKelvin.
~K
by Kurupt on Jul 26, 2008 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but what's the hold up?
EVERYTHING is in place that needs to be for this deal to have been completed yesterday. Yet, he’s still unsigned and still out of camp. This could be considered selfish, stupid, unprofessional, etc. Sure, it’s his first deal and I totally understand that he needs to get the best deal possible, but everything is laid out for him and the Bills to have this done. I can’t imagine the Bills are offering him anything but something between Mayo and Clady’s deal, so this is on McKelvin.
~K
by Kurupt on Jul 26, 2008 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Idk peters has had one great season, one good season, and the rest were ehh whatever hes a young player. I don’t know how many times the bills have gone through players that have one great season and show promise (i.e. Peerless Price or Sam Adams) and yea where are they now? He is a player that i believe will be different from than those. And yea he had a great season when Dockery is added and Walker is added to the picture. Who was he playing with before? Mike williams? Mike Gandy? Seriously, with a pool of guys like this anyone with a hint of talent looks good. I’m not trying to say that Jason Peters is not a good lineman but pro bowl selections are over rated (i.e. Willis McGahee made it.) I think that is is fair to say that part of Peter’s success is due to the addition of Dockery and Walker. I think we should give Peter’s a new contract, but not with him not showing up. If I’m going to invest in something I want to make sure its going to be reliable. I think it would be a bad business move for the bills to just give in. Especially since he is going to demand to be the highest paid lineman. And the comparison of Lee Evans is pretty fair. He had a breakout season and was heralded as a possible pro bowl player but he didn’t demand a new contract. He is still playing wit his rookie contract and no one can argue that our offense would be even okay without him. We should resign him but he needs to get to training camp and show the Bills and the fans that hes hear to play.
by billsstein on Jul 26, 2008 12:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It wasn’t just a Pro-Bowl selection, (I agre they are a little overrated) but he was also 2nd team All-Pro. That is a better barometer of how good of a year he had.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on Jul 26, 2008 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also
his 2006 season wasn’t getting plenty of kudos from sports writers as well. It’s not like he burst on the scene last year and came out of nowhere to have a great year. He had a good 2005 as he stepped into the starting lineup halfway through the year, had a very good 2006 season and a great 2007 season. This isn’t a one year wonder, IMO…
~K
by Kurupt on Jul 26, 2008 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don’t forget, though (and I’m not claiming you did) that Peters started at right tackle for the first half of the 2006 season. He’s literally only played the left side for a year and a half. Has he been good? Yes. Does he deserve his money? Yes. But that doesn’t excuse what he and his agent have pulled this off-season.
by Brian Galliford on Jul 26, 2008 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wait
if he deserves it, then why is he so wrong?
~K
by Kurupt on Jul 26, 2008 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the way he handles the situation just tells every bills player that if they hold out they can get more money. whats to say that edwards wont say hey they need me but i want to make more money. so im not going to pay until i get it
by billsstein on Jul 26, 2008 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes
but has that happened to other franchises? There have been a bunch of holdouts in recent years, which ended up with the player getting a new deal, but I don’t think that caused teammates to start holding out and demanding new deals.
~K
by Kurupt on Jul 26, 2008 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's not a problem.
Especially when it’s arguably the best player on your team and they’re not getting paid like it.
by jj24 on Jul 27, 2008 5:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
K
Do you get everything you deserve when you think you deserve to get it? Lets say your wife feels she deserves a new car. She has earned it, but you need to pay off the big screen TV first. So, she decides to “hold out” (you know what I mean) until she gets one. How happy is that going to make you?
by Joe P. on Jul 26, 2008 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't like these comparisons
they don’t work for me. The guy is just trying to get his worth based on the market and in comparison to what teammates he is better than have gotten. He deserves to be our highest paid OL, whether that’s now, last year or 2 years from now. Heck, if Jake Long can get $10M a year having never played a down in the NFL, don’t you think Peters “deserves” that kind of deal for what he’s accomplished?
I don’t like these type of comparisons because they may seem comparable in thought, they aren’t in reality. If I’m going to ‘go there’, I’d say….”well if my neighbor’s wife, who is useless and doesn’t deserve a new car, just got a new car, and I have more than enough money to get my wife a new car and she deserves it, maybe I should look into it. If I have more than enough under the salary cap (ie in my giant bank account) to pay off that flat screen and get the wife the new car she deserves/needs, then maybe it’s worth considering before that car price skyrockets after a successful new campaign”....hmmm I’m not sure that worked….haha
~K
by Kurupt on Jul 26, 2008 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh and for me
I never really feel I deserve anything other than a “good job” or fist bump here and there. If I feel I deserve a new TV and can buy one, I just might do so. (I’m not careless with my money though so that won’t happen, ha)
~K
by Kurupt on Jul 26, 2008 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The only thing I ever said was wrong was the holdout. He can request a new deal all he wants, and I’ll agree with him. My issue is that he’s not in Pittsford.
by Brian Galliford on Jul 26, 2008 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
sorry I may not have been clear about this. I think that he does deserve more money but he has a contract and i dont like the way hes handled it. and that if he were on a team that had a terrible oline he wouldnt have been in the same position as he is. I think that dockery and walker have done a lot to take the pressure off of him. Like if Hardy turns out to be a threat then yeah Evans will get more balls thrown to him and will truly be the wr every bills fan knows he is
by billsstein on Jul 26, 2008 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think
Peters takes the pressure off those guys. I thought Dockery played nowhere near his contract last year and Walker plays on the other side, so I’m not sure how much that helps Peters. Peters played on a terrible OL in ‘06 and was still very, very good.
~K
by Kurupt on Jul 26, 2008 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gee, Brian
you’d think you hit a sore spot with Bills fans or something…LOL!
Get the Bills back to the big game!
by Blitz on Jul 28, 2008 10:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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