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Bills won't aim too high in free agency


RB Taylor to visit Bills, Pats (Associated Press)

Entering its most important off-season in recent memory, the Buffalo Bills were expected by many - including yours truly - to aggressively pursue free agents beginning next Friday at midnight, when the NFL's free agent signing period begins.  With a weak free agent class growing thinner almost daily, however, rumors are beginning to circulate that the Bills may be ready to scale back spending over the next few weeks.

Considering the current state of economy and the lack of real difference-makers at several positions of need, this development isn't surprising.  The team has shown a willingness to spend money freely in the past; this year, however, the team isn't expected to hand out any Derrick Dockery-type deals.  Even with tempered expectations, however, the Bills already have several players on their radar, and more are expected to follow.

If you're looking for an early theme to Buffalo's free agency plans, call the theme "leadership".  Buffalo is expected to target their offensive needs as best as they can starting next week, but their real goal is to provide a young roster some serious veteran leadership.  That theory helps to explain one free agent visit that is reportedly already planned.

Former Jags RB Taylor to visit Buffalo; Edwards to follow?
Recently released by the Jaguars, running back Fred Taylor is being courted heavily by the Bills as well as the New England Patriots.  Taylor, an 11-year veteran who has rushed for 11,271 yards in his illustrious career, began his career in 1998 when Dick Jauron was Jacksonville's defensive coordinator.  The two men reportedly have a mutual respect for each other, but this is far from courtesy interest on Buffalo's part.

Buffalo is looking for an offensive mentor, as the unit on the whole lacks leadership.  Taylor would provide that veteran leadership, and he'd undoubtedly be a positive influence on troubled starter Marshawn Lynch.  The problem, however, is finding the ultra-competitive Taylor enough touches in an already-crowded backfield to keep the veteran satisfied.  If the Bills can sell Taylor on a significant role in this team's offense, don't be shocked if Taylor eventually inks a deal with Buffalo.  Obviously at this point, it's far from certain.

Speaking of veterans with ties to Jauron, recently released Raiders DE Kalimba Edwards spent two seasons under Jauron's tutelage in Detroit in 2004 and 2005.  Edwards, a one-dimensional edge rusher throughout most of his career, picked up 11.5 sacks in those two seasons, including a career-best seven in '05.  Buffalo is believed to favor adding a veteran pass rusher to their defensive end mix, and Edwards - at least at this point - seems like the most likely option.

Texans TE Daniels leads offensive charge
It was reported on Saturday that the Bills are possibly interested in pursuing Texans restricted free agent tight end Owen Daniels.  Actually acquiring Daniels is unlikely at this point, given the fact that Daniels has developed into a Pro Bowl talent on an explosive Texans offense, and any deal involving Daniels will likely require a first-round draft pick as compensation.  Still, Daniels is the only viable tight end option through free agency, and early interest in him on Buffalo's part (as well as their interest in Taylor) may indicate an offensive-based strategy to free agency.

It's a common belief (and there's plenty of evidence to back the claim) that offensive players generally have a tougher time adjusting to the NFL game than defensive players as rookies.  With critical needs at tight end, center and backup quarterback, the Bills are expected to pursue these needs first and foremost at the expense of defensive needs for this very reason.  That's not to say that defensive needs will be ignored, but the common belief is that those needs can be more easily addressed than the offensive needs via the draft.  Again, however, these plans aren't set in stone, as one unanticipated setback can re-adjust the entire scheme.

(For the record, there are several free agent quarterbacks with direct ties to Jauron, including Rex Grossman, Jeff Garcia and Joey Harrington.  It is not anticipated that these ties will do these players any favors, however.)

Bills want, but likely won't get, CB Greer
ESPN.com's Tim Graham reported yesterday that the Bills and free agent CB Jabari Greer were far apart monetarily in regards to a possible re-signing.  The Bills have reportedly offered Greer a 5-year, $20 million deal, but Greer is seeking close to double the annual pay of that type of an offer.  It's hard to blame either party here for the lack of a resolution; Buffalo won't overpay for an average cornerback, and Greer deserves to test the market after years of making peanuts here in Buffalo.

However, Greer may not get what he wants on the open market.  He'll certainly generate interest, but the longer Greer stays unsigned, the better the chances are of Greer re-upping with the Bills.  It is believed that Greer is Buffalo's top priority, and he'll remain there until the ink dries on a new Greer deal in any locale.

UPDATE:    Tim Graham over at ESPN is reporting that Buffalo has extended another offer to Greer. From Graham's blog:

Bills chief operating office Russ Brandon and football administration chief Jim Overdorf met here with Greer's agent, Mark Bloom, on Saturday and are expected this week to make another proposal, an NFL source informed me.

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Problem solved?

Acquiring Daniels means we don’t need to add another TE.
Acquiring Taylor means we don’t have to add another RB.
Re-signing GReer means we don’t have to add another CB.
Does acquiring Edwards mean we don’t need to address DE?

If the Bills see/saw progress in Chris Ellis and sign Edwards it probably doesn’t. You can renegotiate or cut Kelsay and have Schobel on one side and Denney/Edwards on the other side with Ellis rotating in as well. It’s an improved pass rush but still not a good pass rush. It gets better just by subtracting Kelsay in my book.

I know that it’s not legal right now but I wish I was hearing buzz about bringing in a vet Center. The guys you mention are all cut or RFAs so it makes sense that we are hearing about them. Even with the deep draft class I think in a win-now mentality like DJ surely has that a vet Center will be calling the line plays this year.

Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.

by MattRichWarren on Feb 22, 2009 9:23 AM EST reply actions  

I think a guy like Mack or Wood could step in, start, and represent an immediate improvement over Preston…and get better with experience. I’d rather see Buffalo draft a C than go after and older guy like Birk (possibly stayingin Minny) or Saturday (reportedly going to hit the market). The stability (at least 4 years) of a stud draft choice outweighs—to my mind anyway—the short term (4-8 games) growing pains of breaking in a rookie.

by Ron From NM on Feb 22, 2009 10:55 AM EST up reply actions  

Well we know they were interviewing centers at the combine

And the buzz is they will draft a center in some round. I wouldn’t be shocked if they start a second rounder at Center but they must address either TE, DE, or OLB in free agency to do that.

Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.

by MattRichWarren on Feb 22, 2009 11:15 AM EST up reply actions  

OLB is the most likely to be patched in free agency

I don’t see Buffalo signing a Bart Scott or Ray Lewis type guy. I can see Buffalo signing a Crowell type (maybe not Crowell considering the history….but then look at the sudden change of heart with McCargo) and calling it good. I’d guess that C is the second most likely just because some Cs will be hitting the market….though I’m hoping for a draft pick.

Man, I’m pulling for a trade with the Eagles. Buffalo would come away with a starting C and starting TE. Unfortunately, the DE option in the second (Barwin) wouldn’t be the impact guy the Bills badly need.

by Ron From NM on Feb 22, 2009 11:28 AM EST up reply actions  

I also think OLB will be a top priority in FA this year. Don’t be surprised to see them rush to sign Channing Crowder, who is only 25 and would be a step up from Crowell. However, I’m sure the main target will be Jason Brown if he is available (a big “if” since I can’t imagine the Ravens not finding some way to resign him).

by Macktruck on Feb 22, 2009 11:57 AM EST up reply actions  

There’s not a lot of motivation for Brown to sign unless the Ravens make a really good offer. Otherwise, he’s like Greer and Haynesworth—test the market and likely get more.

by Ron From NM on Feb 22, 2009 12:43 PM EST up reply actions  

Brown is gonna get 8M per from someone.

I don’t see the Bills doing that. They are looking for leadership and I see them going with Birk if they sign a Center.

I, too, think OLB is most likely to be addressed. That let’s them do DE, C, TE in the first three rounds.

Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.

by MattRichWarren on Feb 22, 2009 9:13 PM EST up reply actions  

"Bills Big Splash will not happen as the Bills are content to play in the kiddie pool"

Why are the impact players always to expensive for the Bills? We are in good shape cap wise, and still can’t afford them. So after an epic collapse, no new coaches, no big free agent signings, and no reason to hope next season will be any better.

Bad boys, bad boys whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do
when they come for you?

by Joe P. on Feb 22, 2009 9:26 AM EST reply actions   1 recs

How many true impact players are there this year, Joe? Maybe 3? It’s a weak year for free agency.

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by Brian Galliford on Feb 22, 2009 9:35 AM EST up reply actions  

For us,

Birk or Brown, Big Albert, TJ Hoooz……that would be a good start. And, don’t tell me they won’t play here. Drive a truck load of money up to their door and make them say NO!

Bad boys, bad boys whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do
when they come for you?

by Joe P. on Feb 22, 2009 9:48 AM EST up reply actions  

I’ll re-iterate that a center isn’t an impact player. Haynesworth and Houshmandzadeh makes two impact players. I never said that they wouldn’t play here, but our signing them is unlikely considering they’re the biggest names on the market.

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by Brian Galliford on Feb 22, 2009 9:51 AM EST up reply actions  

I disagree....FOR US....

a ProBowl center would make a huge impact. As for the rest, are we even trying? Have the Bills talked to Big AL or TJ?

Bad boys, bad boys whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do
when they come for you?

by Joe P. on Feb 22, 2009 9:59 AM EST up reply actions  

There are whispers that they plan on at least contacting TJ’s agent, but obviously I’m going to have a hard time confirming that.

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by Brian Galliford on Feb 22, 2009 10:22 AM EST up reply actions  

Haynesworth wants better than $12 million per year with something like $35 million guaranteed. Something to keep in mind is that he was just ‘a guy’ until he hit his contract year. He then played like a beast, was tagged, and played like a beast again. What’s going to happen once he’s got the guaranteed money? Will he still be a beast or will he just be ‘a guy’ who occasionally uses the face of a helmetless offensive lineman to clean off his cleats?

I’m with you on the center inasmuch as Buffalo really needs one. I’m just not convinced that a 33+ year old guy is the answer. I’d rather see Buffalo draft a stud.

by Ron From NM on Feb 22, 2009 11:00 AM EST up reply actions  

I like it – we’ve all been down on McCargo and I have too – but sometimes all you need is a change in life or a different motivation. If he wants to secure his financial future he better step up his game and I think if its giong to happen it would more than likely be this year.

i’ve seen flashes of good things out of him – he’s not a bust yet

Oh. Uh, will you hold my wallet for me while I take the test, please? There's a thousand dollars in there... or maybe there isn't. Know what I mean?

by J2 on Feb 22, 2009 11:35 AM EST up reply actions  

Yeah, he’s a bust. A 3rd year first round DT should have done far, far more than McCargo has. I’m not saying that he can’t change that status.

by Ron From NM on Feb 22, 2009 12:44 PM EST up reply actions  

by far, far more

do you mean things like:
-playing in games
-starting over the 5th round pick from the same year
- not failing a physical after the team trades you for no one
- not forcing your team to go out and make a big splash (stroud) to play DT 2 years after they draft you

Besides those things, I can’t imagine what more he could have done.

doesn't buy posluzny.

by JPH on Feb 23, 2009 10:22 PM EST up reply actions  

Totally Agree.

Its really kinda sad that even in the “escape from reality” that sports provides, we as Bills fans can’t even wholeheartly root for our team to pursue a top player in the league. Why can’t the Bills get a star player for once? Why should we temper our expectations in a sport where there is a salary cap?

Now, if it was a real life situation, like “how much money is Buffalo going to receive from the newly signed economic stimulus bill”, then yes, I agree Buffalo people would have to temper their expectations since we are a small market city.

But the “made-up” world of sports too? Come on!!! We can’t even dream about getting stars like the rest of the teams in the league. Someone will always be there to say “yeah right, we aren’t going to sign that person.” It’s really depressing to think about.

Sometimes I’d almost rather not have a team if we can’t have the same right to get excited about free agency and the draft as other teams do. Almost.

by StroudFanClub on Feb 22, 2009 1:01 PM EST up reply actions  

Feel free to get excited about a Haynesworth type player. Just be ready for disappointment.

by Ron From NM on Feb 22, 2009 1:21 PM EST up reply actions  

Draft well and you don't have to

The Bills don’t do either things well.

Bad boys, bad boys whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do
when they come for you?

by Joe P. on Feb 22, 2009 9:58 PM EST up reply actions  

Well they also have good coaching and do a great job drafting. Plus, they have an attitude year in, year out, something our franchise never has.

~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"

by Kurupt on Feb 23, 2009 12:22 AM EST up reply actions  

I was just saying they don't sign big name free agents guys.

I wasn’t saying we are like them in any other regard. Well, we are a small market and have cold winters.

Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.

by MattRichWarren on Feb 23, 2009 9:44 AM EST up reply actions  

1st for Daniels

I’d surely give up our 1st round pick (11th overall) for a Pro Bowl TE. It’s a sure thing vs. Pettigrew, or any other pick, which may not be that much, or may not turn out to be good for a few years.

by Dyl on Feb 22, 2009 9:28 AM EST reply actions  

I’d rather have the Bills drop back and get Pettigrew plus a starting center.

by Ron From NM on Feb 22, 2009 11:01 AM EST up reply actions  

I'd rather they do that too.

But it’s so hard to speculate on that.

Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.

by MattRichWarren on Feb 22, 2009 11:16 AM EST up reply actions  

But it's so risky, even to drop back to spot 20.

At that point, nine other teams could take him, to say nothing of other teams who might be willing to trade up for spot 16 or 17 if Pettigrew fell that far. In that case we would have to take Mack, which wouldn’t be a bad idea. But it leaves our offense still sputtering around lacking many receiving options.

Then again, we could always grab TE in the second or third round. Daniels was a 3rd round pick himself, I believe. But it’s so, so risky.

by Dyl on Feb 22, 2009 12:06 PM EST up reply actions  

Daniels was actually a fourth round pick.

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by Brian Galliford on Feb 22, 2009 12:20 PM EST up reply actions  

Or a starting Center (i.e., Mack) and then Shawn Nelson.

by Macktruck on Feb 22, 2009 11:52 AM EST up reply actions  

I'm not married to any particular C or TE

Pettigrew is just the ‘name’ du jour, like Mack was earlier in the offseason. I will be thrilled if Buffalo comes out of the draft with their top rated C and top rated TE….which pretty much means Buffalo taking the first TE and first C off the board. Otherwise we won’t know if those guys were the ones the Bills really wanted.

by Ron From NM on Feb 22, 2009 12:47 PM EST up reply actions  

I will be thrilled if Buffalo comes out of the draft with their top rated C and top rated TE….which pretty much means Buffalo taking the first TE and first C off the board.

I wouldn’t bet on it. For all we know, the Bills have Chase Coffman and AQ Shipley as the top players at each position….

~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"

by Kurupt on Feb 22, 2009 4:37 PM EST up reply actions  

True enough

I didn’t say I’d bet on the Bills getting the first TE and C off the board, just that I’d be thrilled.

by Ron From NM on Feb 22, 2009 8:37 PM EST up reply actions  

Well...

Chase Coffman and AQ Shipley aren’t the worst names out there…… :-)

Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.

by MattRichWarren on Feb 22, 2009 9:16 PM EST up reply actions  

Well I don’t expect them to have UDFA’s at the top of their boards.

~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"

by Kurupt on Feb 23, 2009 12:22 AM EST up reply actions  

Why does Jason B from Bleeding Green Nation say Daniels was tendered at the highest level?

I thought we didn’t know that yet.

http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2009/2/19/764384/top-7-eagles-targets-dwind

Even with that he crossed Daniels off his list of targets. The Eagles have two first rounders. Why won’t they trade for him? Whatever. Not my team.

Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.

by MattRichWarren on Feb 22, 2009 9:45 AM EST reply actions  

I can’t find anything to confirm that.

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by Brian Galliford on Feb 22, 2009 9:51 AM EST up reply actions  

I looked around last night and couldn't find anything on Daniel's being tendered

The Texans have until the close of business this Thursday to tender him so it’s not like they’re in a hurry. Plus, if they get credible info that Buffalo (or anyone else) is going to sign him to an offer sheet then I can see them adjusting their tender accordingly. After all, if they think the Eagles (or anyone else) is willing to cough up a 1st for him why not up the price to a 1st and 3rd?

by Ron From NM on Feb 22, 2009 11:03 AM EST up reply actions  

Plus he doesn't have to sign that tender right away.

April 17: Signing period ends for restricted free agents.
April 24: Deadline for old club to exercise right of first refusal to restricted free agents.

It does, however, need to be done before the draft.

April 25: NFL Draft

Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.

by MattRichWarren on Feb 22, 2009 11:18 AM EST up reply actions  

I'm sorry but...

Why give up what it will take to land Daniels when they’ve got the coin (most likely) to land Boldin? The team is anything but set at WR and Boldin would make this team more explosive than Daniels would.

"Buffalo Bills Football 2009 (sponsored by Labatt): A Future as Uncertain as the Beer You’re Drinking"

"It's not delivery, it's DiGiorgio!"

by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 22, 2009 10:27 AM EST reply actions  

make that “trade” for Boldin.

"Buffalo Bills Football 2009 (sponsored by Labatt): A Future as Uncertain as the Beer You’re Drinking"

"It's not delivery, it's DiGiorgio!"

by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 22, 2009 10:28 AM EST up reply actions  

Because it’s unlikely Boldin will be traded now that he and the Cardinals are working on a contract extension.

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by Brian Galliford on Feb 22, 2009 10:36 AM EST up reply actions  

The Bills can’t afford to part with the draft picks it will take to get Boldin.

by Ron From NM on Feb 22, 2009 11:04 AM EST up reply actions  

this

whole daniels thing I can’t even really grasp. We can’t give up valuable draft picks for a daniels even though he is a stud. But I guess if he isn’t highly tendered maybe…..But maybe the Bills think so highly of him they think he is worth it.

The WR’s burned up the combine today with several running sub 4.35. I think a WR in the 2nd round would be a risk on a player I’m worth taking. As far as #11, maybe LB is the way they are leaning. You could grab either of the 3 USC LB’s most likely…However, I want Maybin, Brown, Raji if any of the 3 are available

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Feb 22, 2009 12:27 PM EST reply actions  

A WR (or S, G, OT, DT, LB) in the second means Buffalo will have a hard time getting a C, DE and TE who can each contribute meaningfully.

by Ron From NM on Feb 22, 2009 12:49 PM EST up reply actions  

So you assume we do absolutely nothing in FA then, I’m guessing? It wouldn’t surprise me, but I think something gets done to add a starter or two to one of those positions.

~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"

by Kurupt on Feb 22, 2009 4:45 PM EST up reply actions  

That’s pretty much my assumption, yes. There are no DEs in free agency who will be a big upgrade over what Buffalo has and TE is thin as well. There are some Cs, but I’d really rather not see an older guy like Birk or Saturday. 2009 won’t be a Super Bowl run year anyway so I’d rather see a rookie C take his lumps and develop into the long term solution.

by Ron From NM on Feb 22, 2009 8:39 PM EST up reply actions  

Just a quick couple of thoughts...

I vote no on Fred Taylor, unless he knows he’s the third dog. I’d look at him like more of a coach on and off of the field. And, he’d have to sign a contract for the vet minimun.

I always say this, but this year I really mean it. It is imperative they get out of that #11 spot. They have to trade down. No one is there that is worthy of the pick, or fits into their needs. Acquiring an extra pick while moving down is in their best interests, even if it doesn’t fit in the “draft chart” math.

Now if they did do that, I could see a scenario where they could trade for Daniels, as long as the 1st round pick is in the low 20’s. Otherwise, it’s foolish to trade for him.

Kalimba Edwards? My God…if you guys had fun bashing Kelsay this year, you’d have a field day with that clown.

As far as Big John goes, I do say give him another chance. It seems a final chance may have paid off for Youboty; maybe it can happen for this guy too. It wouldn’t hurt at all to give him a look in camp at least. Releasing him barely does anything. Trading him will get you nothing. One of the best comments/thoughts I’ve read here in a long time comes courtesy of Macktruck :

I’m increasingly wondering if the real problem on the d-line has been Kollar, not the players. I’m also wondering if Kollar was pushed out. Jauron never likes to humiliate members of his staff by firing them outright (see Fairchild, Steve), so he makes it clear that they need to seek jobs elsewhere. That seems to be what happened with Kollar. The big question now is how much improvement Sanders will make. It could be a lot.”

I really think Mack might be onto something here. Kollar was a screamer; some guys don’t respond to that. Maybe Sanders can figure out how to motivate Big John & Co.

[Note – I am prepared for any onslaught of comments that say players must motivate themselves. It’s a nice thought, but’s it’s Utopian, and not realistic.]

Anyone have a pic of this supposed new logo for tomorrow?

Greer and the Bills are way off. Not surprising to me at all. I am surprised however, by how little their offer to him was. Come on – 4 million a year? After Asgfhg Nq ugrfigdfig got 15? Ridiculous. Hoping for a hometown discount is one thing, but that is just silly.

by krytime on Feb 22, 2009 2:52 PM EST reply actions  

I think the offer was solid to Greer, he IS worth just a bit more than what McGee got

The fact that Asmougah got so much, well he is 10 times better than any other CB out there right now. He is the last TRUE shut down CB and of course he is worth more. Greer is not the same caliber player, so he shouldn’t be paid as such. I like Greer, and I am fine with him holding out for as much as the market will bear, but I don’t think he is worth more than 25mil over 4-5 seasons.

I told the witch doctor that I was in love with the Buffalo Bills, and instead of telling me to say "Oh eeh oh oh ah, ting tang walla walla wing bang" in order to make me feel better he told me to buy a gun and end it.

by WABillsfan on Feb 22, 2009 3:31 PM EST up reply actions  

After Asgfhg Nq ugrfigdfig got 15?

Nice.

The Bills have since offered Greer a different contract. It probably isn’t much better than the first, but the Bills still have a week to sign their guys and that offer was just step one in negotiations. personally, I hope he walks and gets a monster contract and has a nice career.

I really want to make sure that everybody realizes that Steve Fairchild was not quietly fired. He went from being a coordinator to the guy who runs the entire show. He went back to his alma mater where he played quaterback and also coached the quaterbacks and was the offensive coordinator. All in all Fairchild won 5 conference titles at CSU and spent about 10 years living in the Fort Collins area. I would bet that Fairchild also got a raise from CSU and makes more now than he did in Buffalo and probably by a decent amount. He took the HC job about 3/4s of the way through the NFL season and Dick Jauron just doesn’t seem like the kind of guy who fires coaches midway through a season. Steve Fairchild was not fired.

As I’ve pointed out before, Bill Kollar has improved defensive line play everywhere he has gone. If people want to claim that he had a hand in the failures of McCargo, then that’s fine. Kollar is an intense guy and that probably isn’t what McCargo needed, but I don’t think its fair to turn that into Kollar is the reason why the Bills’ DL hasn’t been productive. Schobel has continued to be a good player under Kollar and actually had the highest sack total of his career during Kollar’s first year. Can anyone really look at Chris Kelsay or Ryan Denney and think they would be more productive with a different DL coach? Kyle Williams was a nice late round find who has developed into an average starter. Has Kollar really been that bad, or are Buffalo’s DL players just that bad?

by kaisertown on Feb 22, 2009 3:39 PM EST up reply actions  

It seems a final chance may have paid off for Youboty; maybe it can happen for this guy too.

Youboty never really had a first chance. I never understood why so many fans wanted him gone before he had really even gotten the chance to prove himself after missing that time from his mother’s death and injuries. Everyone forgets that he was super young when he came in. At least now we’ve seen glimpses of big plays out of him, now he justneeds to stay healthy.

~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"

by Kurupt on Feb 22, 2009 4:49 PM EST up reply actions  

DL

Probably should have kept these posts all together, oh well….

Anyhow, I agree with the Kollar thing. Our DL, other than maybe Williams, has really underperformed. I know a lot of that is talent (Kelsay, Schobel, Johnson), but coaching/motivation could be part of it as well. I don’t know if Sanders will be an improvement, but I like the idea of someone new trying to get the most out of McCargo, Ellis and the other underachievers. It can’t be any worse.

Kalimba Edwards is a scrub. I totally agree with your thoughts on him, though nobody is taking Kelsay’s Clown Title from him. I can’t just picture the Bills signing Edwards and saying they really look to have an improved pass rush this year, or some other typical spin than the astute fans will see right through. The position needs to be blown up, not saddled with another (likely) overpaid veteran underachiever that doesn’t produce.

~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"

by Kurupt on Feb 22, 2009 4:58 PM EST up reply actions  

Kalimba Edwards? My God…if you guys had fun bashing Kelsay this year, you’d have a field day with that clown.

Would love to hear your rationale on this one. He has 31 career sacks to Kelsay’s 17. So, I guess I’m just not following. He’d be a cheap #4 DE… so why the “clown” label?

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by Brian Galliford on Feb 22, 2009 5:03 PM EST up reply actions  

I agree on Kalimba Edwards. I think the best thing Buffalo can do with its DEs is to cut Kelsay, sign a cheap vet who isn’t terrible at getting to the passer and draft a DE very early. Then go into the season with Schobel, Denney, rookie, Ellis and vet. Kalimba Edwards would be fine for that role. My personal favorite would actually be Jason Babin because I think you could get him really cheap.

by kaisertown on Feb 22, 2009 5:22 PM EST up reply actions  

Really? Are we really touting Edwards as the savior of the pass rush now?

Cutting Kelsay and signing Kalimba would not do much at all. Kalimba might come cheap(er) than Kelsay, but by the time you figure in the cap hit to cut Kelsay, it’s a wash.

I really think BRs is too hard on Kelsay.

I’d rather have Chidi Ahanotu from sireric’s Tuesday Trivia then Kalimba.

by krytime on Feb 22, 2009 7:02 PM EST up reply actions  

kry, I asked you why you labeled Kalimba a “clown”. How you equated that to me labeling him the “savior of the pass rush” is beyond me.

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by Brian Galliford on Feb 22, 2009 9:17 PM EST up reply actions  

My bad BG.

Definitely didn’t mean to insinuate you had him as a savior. As far as “clown” goes, I just meant to offer an opinion that I think he’s not very good.

Let me ask you this – Do you think he’d be an imrovement over the much maligned Kelsay?

by krytime on Feb 22, 2009 9:29 PM EST up reply actions  

Do you think he’d be an imrovement over the much maligned Kelsay?

No, because one doesn’t replace the other. I highly doubt Kelsay is released, but he might not play as much next season. Edwards is simply an edge rushing option if the Bills don’t like any of the ends or don’t believe they’ll be available come April.

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by Brian Galliford on Feb 22, 2009 9:47 PM EST up reply actions  

Wilson doesn't care about the cap hit.

We have plenty of cap room. Cash is number one.

Kelsay’s cap hit is only 4M but we have already paid that money. It’s not that big of a deal.

Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.

by MattRichWarren on Feb 22, 2009 9:30 PM EST up reply actions  

Are you saying 15 Million per year? I would agree if was for 3 years and that is pushing it. He is average.

by tomsbills on Feb 22, 2009 8:49 PM EST up reply actions  

Another FA to think about:

How come no one says anything about Antonio Smith DE from Arizona. This guy rocked during the Super Bowl. I think he would be a good FA to sign w/o big pay

by copperbillzfn on Feb 23, 2009 1:02 AM EST reply actions  

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