Beyond Laveranues Coles: where might Bills turn next?
by Ron From NM on Mar 1, 2009 9:40 PM EST
in Buffalo Bills Opinion
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PrintLaveranues Coles didn't decide to become a Buffalo Bill today. If Brian is right about OBD pulling the offer if Coles doesn't sign in the next day or two then Buffalo will have to decide what is next. The free agent market is relatively thin and the Bills have quite a bit of unused cap space.
The Bills are reportedly trying to extend Jason Peters and still talking to Jabari Greer. Either or both of those contracts would take a serious chunk out of the available cap space. Buffalo obviously thinks there is space available to accommodate Peters, Greer and Coles... and possibly to extend Fred Jackson later in the off-season as well.
Since the Bills have made a serious offer to Coles we can assume that it's at least around $6 million per year and possibly more. If Coles won't commit in the time frame OBD requires, who else does Buffalo try to bring in via free agency?
I checked out Pat Kirwan's column at NFL.com and here is what he had to say about the remaining big names:
"Here are the players I expect to be signed in the next few days to a week: T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Kurt Warner, Ray Lewis, Derrick Ward, Bryant McFadden, Nate Washington, Matt Birk, Khalif Barnes, Jabari Greer, Jermaine Phillips and Leigh Bodden."
The Bills are already budgeting for Greer. Lewis and Birk seem to be headed back to their respective teams. The Bills don't really need to sign Greer due to DB depth which takes out McFadden and Bodden. That leaves Houshmandzadeh, Ward, Washington, Barnes and Phillips. Guys who didn't make Kirwan's list include players like SS Sean Jones and LB Cato June.
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A real FB?
This is from a list from NFL.com
3. Leonard Weaver, FB, Seattle Seahawks: A deceptively good athlete, he has a long list of qualities that would allow him to be an asset to any offense, including one that doesn’t necessary make extensive use of a fullback. He is a solid rusher — especially in short-yardage situations but also as part of a two-man rotation — and receiver out of the backfield. He also does a solid job of blocking on run or pass plays.
Sweet home Orchard Park.
never underestimate fullbacks I always say but we resigned our own and I can’t imagine competing fullbacks, as nowadays they are sort of a one player deal.
Right but we had two in camp last year.
It’s not out of the question to sign or draft someone new to compete with McIntyre in camp.
Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
by MattRichWarren on Mar 3, 2009 10:34 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t think any of these are our next target. I think we’d go after another veteran lineman, and knowing your forte, Ron, I’m shocked it didn’t make the list.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
I didn’t want to muddy things up too much with talk of a possible trade with the Chiefs. I’m also not-so-secretly hoping that Buffalo goes after a lineman early in the draft. By the way, NFL.com doesn’t list Chambers as having re-signed with the Bills.
Nor does BB.com.
Or Chris Brown’s blog. This is the only mention.
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nflnation/0-5-450/Bills-stay-busy-as-free-agency-approaches.html
by twoeightnine on Mar 1, 2009 10:17 PM EST up reply actions
As a matter of fact.
That doesnt even say that it happened, just that they were on the verge of it.
by twoeightnine on Mar 1, 2009 10:29 PM EST up reply actions
Housh is reportedly not going to sign until tomorrow at the earliest
If Coles is waiting for Housh to ‘set the market’ we could be in for a Panda-esque watch.
I don't want a WR like Washington...
he’s like Roscoe Jr. I know that LB needs to be addressed and I would be really upset if we took a guy like Mathews or Cushing in the draft. I’d like to see us fill a void there because there are a couple options in FA.
Don't forget to pay the troll toll...
Maybe a guy like Rashad Jeanty (from Cincy)
I don’t know him as I really do not follow the Bengals but at 6’2" 245lbs, he definitely has the frame to play SLB.
ESPN Insider’s scouting report on him sounds quite good
Jeanty missed significant time in 2007 with a leg injury, but should be considered Cincinati’s starting strongside linebacker. He has some natural pass-rushing skills and excellent size for the strongside linebacker spot. He runs very well and gets off the ball with quickness. He makes plays in pursuit and is a sound tackler when he arrives. Jeanty is strong enough at the point of attack to secure the edge and generally has the advantage against tight ends in the run game. He needs to work on his hand usage, but does show the athletic ability to sink his hips and anchor. He is certainly at his best coming forward rather than backpedaling, but he has worked on his ability to cover the flats and make plays in coverage. Most running backs and tight ends will have their way with Jeanty in coverage. His recognition and agility really need more work. Jeanty is works hard and has shown improvement since joining the league. He can also contribute well on special teams. There is upside here without question and he is very capable of developing into a playmaker.
Your ability to control the LOS is directly linked to your ability to win football games!
FEED the BEAST!
Section 336 Row 13
Would you give up a 2nd round pick for Jeanty? I sure wouldn’t….
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
Marty Jannetty?
w000000……..the rockers lol
A person who performs good Karma (deeds) is always held in high esteem
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Mar 1, 2009 11:17 PM EST up reply actions
No, Washington would be perfect for the Bills
Nate Washington has only one thing in common with Roscoe — they are both lightning fast. Otherwise Washington is taller (6’ 1" to Roscoe’s 5’8"), more elusive and capable of getting separation, and far more versatile in terms of the number of things he can do for you on offense. I know Brian is concerned that Washington has a reputation for dropping easy passes, but he made great strides solving that problem this past season. And since he is almost as good as Roscoe in returning punts (perhaps as good if he was working with the Bills’ return unit) he would allow us to trade Roscoe and gain $3.5 million in cap space. Best of all, he hasn’t turned 26 yet and still has a lot of upside. In my view the Bills have been crazy not to pursue him in preference to Coles, and if Coles falls through and Nate is still available we should surely set our sights on him.
from rotoworld
From the NEWARK STAR LEDGER:
On another front, I talked to the Laveranues Coles camp Sunday and the Bills want him badly. They want to team him with the speedy Lee Evans. Coles would be the intermediate receiver while Evans would be the deep threat. Makes sense.
Coles isn’t in a hurry to make a decision, however, and will see what else develops. Surprisingly, I was told that the Dolphins and Browns are not in the running, as many have speculated. Both teams are pretty much set at receiver.
If Coles ends up with the Bills, the number of ex-Jets in the AFC East with something to prove against their former teams will triple.
In addition to QB Chad Pennington (Dolphins), the Jets would face Baker (Patriots) and (Coles). And all those players are in a position to impact the game.
Meanwhile, the Jets have canceled a noon press conference Monday with Scott because of the snow. We may get him on a conference call.
MARVelous
this simply
tells me Coles, is flattered by the BIlls but
a) wants Housh to set the market with his potential contract
b) wants to see if any other team will “match” the Bills’ offer.
Coles holds all the cards at this point. I hate that the Bills’ are in this position. As Brian stated at some point for negotiation purposes the Bills will have to have a deadline of when they will PULL their offer off the table, cuz otherwise Coles’ is in a ultra-power position in this deal. Something does smell of “PANDA WATCH” on this one however, and I just hope Coles’ camp doesn’t get any more bidders in the sweepstakes before the Bills pull their deal off the table.
MARVelous
How about instead of pulling the offer, make him a bigger one and get this done. This team can’t afford to not give Edwards a chance next year.
I wonder if we couuld swing a trade for Cutler?
As much as I want to believe that Trent will develop into something good, there is no doubt in my mind that Cutler is the real thing. The situation in Denver ain’t pretty, McDaniels was very cavalier in his handling of the potential trade for Cassel and now I’m not sure how he’ll get the Genie back into the bottle.
I’ve heard many people say that our offensive situation was in great part due to our young un-experienced ("fragile") QB, so maybe we could make a play for him?
Trent + our #11 for Cutler ? or our #11 + our 5th and a conditioal 3rd next year (based on performance)
Would that make sense?
Revamped Oline, great duo of RBs, Evans/Coles (assuming he signs), assuming we get a TE in rd2 like Pettigrew or Nelson – Geez no more excuses, we’d have a hell of an offensive team!
Your ability to control the LOS is directly linked to your ability to win football games!
FEED the BEAST!
Section 336 Row 13
To get Cutler we’d have to give up #11 and our 1st next year just to spark some discussion. They wanted Cassel to replace Cutler, not some draftee to replace him. They wouldn’t have a QB now if they were to trade him, so I think it’s out of the question unless they get some Herschel Walker like offer or Cutler continues to refuse to speak to them and it gets a lot worse….
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
Cassel was a seventh round draft pick
And there is no guarantee that he will do well outside of NE. Pound for Pound, Cutler is lightyears ahead of Cassel, so why would they try to trade him? What ever it is, McDaniels doesn’t seem to be a big Cutler fan.
Trent Plus our #1 makes sense because he could possibly get Sanchez and have him fight it out with Trent. Trent has proven that he can get the job done so it makes sense. Especially since McDaniels doesn’t seem to be in love with Cutler
Your ability to control the LOS is directly linked to your ability to win football games!
FEED the BEAST!
Section 336 Row 13
i dont know how you can say that considering Cassel went to USC the ultimate pro-style NCAA team.......
Cassel just got stuck between 2 heisman trophy winners……..
A person who performs good Karma (deeds) is always held in high esteem
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Mar 2, 2009 12:09 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah and he couldn’t beat out Leinart for the starting position… the same Leinart who has done nothing but tear up the NFL record books since being drafted. That ultimate pro-style team also produced JDB who couldn’t beat Tardvarded or Old Man Gus for a position on the Vikings.
by twoeightnine on Mar 2, 2009 12:21 AM EST up reply actions
Ken Whisenhunt doesnt exactly run a Pro-Style offense.......
It is possible that Warner runs Whiz offense better just like the probablilty that Leinart ran USC’s offense better…….
as for JDB you really expected him to get a shot as a rookie drafted in the 5th round when Tavaris Jackson and Gus F had been in the league for a while……..and with Minnesota in the midst of a playoff push……….you’re serious with this argument?
Come on now…..
A person who performs good Karma (deeds) is always held in high esteem
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Mar 2, 2009 12:30 AM EST up reply actions
I can't believe
you are talking about trading our QB before the season has even started keysh. JP Losman is finally gone, the team is finally Trent Edwards. Let;s give him a chance eh
If we can finagle DE Brian Orakpo and C Alex Mack I will not complain about this team for a whole season. I promise.
We are talking about Cutler man!
I can’t believe how stupid the Broncos were but if we had a chance to get Cutler, I think it would be worth it! Again, I really like Trent and I will be his biggest supporter but we are talking about Jay Cutler man!
Your ability to control the LOS is directly linked to your ability to win football games!
FEED the BEAST!
Section 336 Row 13
The dolphins have closed the door on Coles
Well, ESPN’s Chris Mortensen is reporting the Dolphins have no interest in Coles at $6 million. Or at $5 million. Or at $3 million. Or at $1.85 and a box of popcorn.
Your ability to control the LOS is directly linked to your ability to win football games!
FEED the BEAST!
Section 336 Row 13
...
Pennington feels the Florida sun, thinks to himself,
“This is going to be a good year. My beloved hated Jets are bringin’ in players and watchin’ my target go. Would’ve liked to had a warm blanket right now. Ta, ta Laveranus. See you soon.”
(Parcells didn’t even schedule a visit for Coles. They feel they are fine with their roster + #1 round pick.)
Sweet home Orchard Park.
Coles scares me to death.
I don’t know why…it’s not like he’s obviously in decline (yet), he’s just nearing that age where he should be. He has a reputation as a bit of a moody bastard…and everywhere he’s been he’s pretty much been the #1 option via the air for his team.
All of us Bills fans have had plenty of opportunities to “scout” Coles over the years, and something about him just makes me nervous. As a #1 he was never really a guy that scared you, and he doesn’t come across as a guy that wants to be a #2 and settle into that role.
I would have preferred Reggie Williams, but he’s probably not considerable with his recent legal problems.
I guess if the money is right, and the term relatively short, I could deal with Coles. He’d definitely add a dimension to the team and push Reed into a more favorable role, but again, I just get this nervous feeling about him…whether it’s fair or not.
by Make a play Whitner on Mar 2, 2009 12:32 AM EST reply actions
Is that a haiku?
John Madden told me 90% of the game was half-mental...
by TheK-GunNeedsReloaded on Mar 2, 2009 2:16 AM EST up reply actions
We have to try
Everything says he can still play at a high level. We might not get this kind of chance at this kind of offensive weapon again this offseason.
by Dyl on Mar 2, 2009 8:55 AM EST up reply actions
just baby steps
hello goodbye coles
you make a great receiver corps remember
touchdowns make extensions
Sweet home Orchard Park.
Pulling the deal?
Why on earth would OBD pull the deal just after a couple of days? Like Ron keeps saying, there’s plenty of time to operate right now – This is a player the likes of which we don’t have the inside track on picking up very often.
They would pull it so Coles can't just use them to negotiate with other teams.
Then they could move on and sign some other free agent with the money they had allotted for Coles.
Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
by MattRichWarren on Mar 2, 2009 4:14 PM EST up reply actions
No other remaining WR is as good as Coles (Housh not witstanding)
And even Housh doesn’t fit as well for us as Coles does. This time limite makes no sence for me… or at least the shortness of the time limit.
by CanadianBillsFan on Mar 2, 2009 5:01 PM EST up reply actions
Don't worry
Even if the Bills withdraw the offer today, they can put it back on the table after a day or two. This is just a game Coles is playing to try to get more money. If he signs for less than the 6M the Jets offered him, he looks like a dumbass!
Bad boys, bad boys whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do
when they come for you?
I didn't say go after a WR.
I said go after someone else. Maybe they make the trade for the KC OG. Maybe they sign Sean Jones or Jermaine Phillips or Cato June or another vet. I’m saying that they can’t just dangle it out there forever and not move on. They may have other guys targeted.
Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
by MattRichWarren on Mar 2, 2009 5:07 PM EST up reply actions
I agree....I am just saying that if the Coles' offer is withdrawn, it doesn't mean they can't offer him a contract later on
Bad boys, bad boys whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do
when they come for you?
True...
Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
by MattRichWarren on Mar 2, 2009 9:08 PM EST up reply actions
Exactly. He wants to get as close if not more then the 6million a year he turned down from the Jets. I’m guessing the Bills offer was less then that, and since it is his only offer right now, he’s dragging his feet to see what happens.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
If the report are right the the Bills hve been very serious about him
then I don’t see how OBD would not have offered him 6M. He’s probably just waiting for Housh to sign and set the market to see if the 6M mark is a good one or not. But that could also backfire if Housh settles for a smaller figure (which i doubt he will) then the 6M could drop, but if Housh set the market high, which i expect he will, then the M could go up, and he’d be perfectly justified to ask for more. And when he does I actually expect the bills to raise their offer, not by much, but by enough to still make it atractive for Coles to sign here.
by CanadianBillsFan on Mar 2, 2009 5:46 PM EST up reply actions
Welcome to Yahoo?
Before partnering with Yahoo the polls used to get, what, 150ish responses at the most? We’ve had 500 just on my rinky dink poll!
Viva Yahoo!
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