Whirlwind visits continue with DE Babin, LB Peterson

by Brian Galliford on Mar 6, 2009 3:57 PM EST in Buffalo Bills News

The Buffalo Bills have announced that free agents LB Mike Peterson and DE Jason Babin are touring the facilities at One Bills Drive today.

Forget about the fact that he'll be 33 over the summer. Forget about his run-in with Jack Del Rio last year. Peterson is an experienced player and a leader. He's a physical player that likes to hit. His biggest selling point to a team like Buffalo, aside from his experience and leadership (which you're free to question) is his attitude. Buffalo had its moments defensively last year, but they still lacked that edgy attitude that defines great defenses. Peterson would give them that, though he'd create the need to move Paul Posluszny to the strong side. He's an interesting name to keep in mind. Don't forget that he's used to playing behind Marcus Stroud as well. Peterson has 19.5 sacks, 15 interceptions and 40 passes defended in his ten-year career.

Babin, a five-year veteran out of Western Michigan, has bounced around the league after not living up to his first-round billing as a top pick of the Houston Texans. He'll turn 29 in May. Babin has never recorded more than five sacks in a single season at the NFL level; he missed the 2007 in its entirety and split the 2008 campaign between the Seattle Seahawks and Kansas City Chiefs. He had two sacks for the Chiefs last season, and he's always been a solid athlete. At this point in his career, he's looking much more like training camp depth than an answer to the Bills' pass rush woes.

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Bring in Peterson!

He probably has 2-3 seasons left and as you said, knows how to play with Marcus and Marcus knows how to play with him. I like it, a lot.

"Gooood…..let the apathy take root…" - Ron from NM

by poz on Mar 6, 2009 4:10 PM EST reply actions

might i add

the Patriots built their defense around aging linebackers who were tough and smart. Peterson fits that mold except he may be more athletic than the Pats LBs ever were.

"Gooood…..let the apathy take root…" - Ron from NM

by poz on Mar 6, 2009 4:11 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

I’m sure Stroud will try to persuade him to come here – this would be a very good signing for us. Move Poz (not you) outside and i’m much more happy with our LB core.

Are there any Paraguayans here? No... Well, of course, their request for subsities wasn't as paraguayanism as it were. The United States Government would never have if the president, Our President had not... and as far as I know that's the way it will always be. Is that Clear?"

by J2 on Mar 6, 2009 4:20 PM EST up reply actions

I don't now, we may want to consider moving poz outside too

Depends on whether or not he is housebroken!

If the Bills were a drug, I could only hope they were like speed so I could lose some weight as well.

by WABillsfan on Mar 6, 2009 4:55 PM EST up reply actions

LOL!!!!

A box of Depends is on the way, poz!!!

The idea of drafting Pettigrew at #11 makes my hemorrhoids flare up!!!!

by Joe P. on Mar 6, 2009 5:04 PM EST up reply actions

hahahaha!

WABillsfan’s method for teaching kids to use the toilet: sit outside until you figure it out! HAHA

"Gooood…..let the apathy take root…" - Ron from NM

by poz on Mar 6, 2009 5:06 PM EST up reply actions

I actually knew some people who basically did just that!

They let their kid run around the backyard with no pants on until nature called.

The idea of drafting Pettigrew at #11 makes my hemorrhoids flare up!!!!

by Joe P. on Mar 6, 2009 5:09 PM EST up reply actions

I actually knew some people who basically did just that!

Was it your parents?

The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.

by sireric on Mar 6, 2009 10:25 PM EST up reply actions

To the best of my knowledge, no.

The idea of drafting Pettigrew at #11 makes my hemorrhoids flare up!!!!

by Joe P. on Mar 7, 2009 1:30 AM EST up reply actions

I don’t like the idea of moving Poz to make way for a 33-year old MLB. If we were to draft someone like Maualuga for the middle then I could see the sense in moving Poz outside so they could grow together. Not for a 33 year old though. I think Poz is ready for a break out year this year and I do not want to mess around with where he plays. I would be much happier with KO or June at OLB or drafting someone like Zach Follet in Round 3 to man that spot.

by bobb498 on Mar 6, 2009 4:23 PM EST reply actions

If we brought in KO he may be moved to MLB...

but he is 26.

Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.

by MattRichWarren on Mar 6, 2009 4:26 PM EST up reply actions

KO? no thank you

June? maybe – but preferably backup

it is thought by some, bobb, that Poz would actually excel on the outside because there is less space to cover on the outside

Peterson might be up there in age – but he can diagnose plays and react as a result. He will bring Poz along so when Poz goes back to the middle he’ll be that much better. Peterson has a great attitude taht is exactly what our team needs – i’m definately o.k. with that signing if it were to happen

by J2 on Mar 6, 2009 4:35 PM EST up reply actions

I agree with not being sure about moving Poz,

but not for the same reason. I am just not sure he has been given enough time at MLB. If the SAM is the best position for him, then just move him. We can draft a replacement in the next 2-3 years for Peterson.

The idea of drafting Pettigrew at #11 makes my hemorrhoids flare up!!!!

by Joe P. on Mar 6, 2009 5:07 PM EST up reply actions

Poz played Strong LB in College

He was great at that position, his style of play and his physical attributes are best suited for OLB. And it almost doesn’t matter who we get as a FA LB, the chances are that Poz will be moved on the outside. So I’d actually rather it be with a vet that can take him under his wing, someone like Peterson, than another rookie. Let’s us our picks on the lines, that where we should really be drafting.

by CanadianBillsFan on Mar 6, 2009 10:31 PM EST up reply actions

how

many friggn visits can this office handle? Again what this signifies to me is the FO sensing it has to do something, but I don’t feel they have conviction in any player right now to pull the trigger. I am glad they aren’t throwing money around foolishly though. I’d love to see some veteran depth added here. I feel that Jauron and company realize jobs are on the line, but sometimes the way people react to pressure is to overanalyze ever situation and that is never a good thing. Let’s hope Plan B starts taking shape so these guys can pin point what to do in the DRAFT which is only 7 weeks from this Sunday

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Mar 6, 2009 5:12 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

Marv,

They have to have a lot of visits. Not everyone is susceptible to hypnosis.

The idea of drafting Pettigrew at #11 makes my hemorrhoids flare up!!!!

by Joe P. on Mar 6, 2009 5:15 PM EST up reply actions

You raise a good point

I’ve also been looking for some conviction. It’s not like we need to sign 10 free agents. We could use 5 at the most, and 1 or 2 good ones would go a long way. Decisive action.

by Dyl on Mar 6, 2009 5:19 PM EST up reply actions

many friggn visits can this office handle?

No kidding. Props to the logistical team there I guess…

Is it fair to say they won’t sign a RB until after they hear from Goodell? For that matter, doesn’t his decison on Lynch affect any and all FA signings moving forward?

by krytime on Mar 6, 2009 7:05 PM EST up reply actions

I don't think they'll wait for Goodell...

They apparently offered Kevin Jones two contracts before he signed with Chicago (per Rotoworld). They know Lynch will get 2 or four games.

Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.

by MattRichWarren on Mar 6, 2009 9:49 PM EST up reply actions

Whats the rush

They have not lost one of these guys yet that they have not made an offer to. They have had 2 guys in here that signed with other teams and they made offers to both. The market is very slow right now and they can afford to take their time.

by billsfan69 on Mar 6, 2009 5:14 PM EST reply actions

Coles?

The idea of drafting Pettigrew at #11 makes my hemorrhoids flare up!!!!

by Joe P. on Mar 6, 2009 5:15 PM EST up reply actions

Taylor?

The idea of drafting Pettigrew at #11 makes my hemorrhoids flare up!!!!

by Joe P. on Mar 6, 2009 5:16 PM EST up reply actions

yes and yes

by billsfan69 on Mar 6, 2009 5:17 PM EST up reply actions

Kevin Jones

He just re upped with the Bears, so he is the first one we lost.

by billsfan69 on Mar 6, 2009 6:12 PM EST up reply actions

The FO is Bargain Shopping

They have all the cap room in the world to sign any of these guys including Coles and Taylor, plus do deals with Jason Peters, however they choose not too for whatever reasons. This only leads me (and many other fans) to believe they are being cheap. What were they at the start of last season $20 million under the cap? To me, we can count on that same level of spending or less this year.

We’ve probably had more players visiting OBD than any other team so far this year. What for? My guess is that they are bargain shopping and kicking the tires of these players to see if they will in fact give Buffalo a “discount” to sign with them. Taylor and Coles didn’t budge, Greer didn’t give either. Our only hope is that no other team steps up and draws interest in these players so that they have no other choice but sign with us for a discount.

At least Marv and the inner circle can say that they “tried” to sign players or bring in talent when we are faced with answering questions why our team can’t score or stop the scoring next year.

Who ever believed that the Bills were going to make a “splash” this year with FA because of what transpired last year and how much the fanbase was disgruntled, is sorely being taken advantage of. The draft is another story you say and we’ll make a splash there… well so does every other team! Everybody gets better because of the draft.

Our only chance to make a “splash” is through FA or trades. So far, all we have been doing is spinning our wheels, kicking tires, and bargain shopping so Ralph can keep $20 – $25 million more in his pocket compared to those other teams that actually “spend to the cap”.

by dabillsr1 on Mar 6, 2009 6:11 PM EST up reply actions

At least "Ralph" not Marv. Sorry

by dabillsr1 on Mar 6, 2009 6:13 PM EST up reply actions

Cap room is not how the Bills operate...

How many teams operate snuggly up against the cap? Not a whole lot. The Bills are more concerned about salary and cash flowing out of the organization. Cheap may be your opinion but mine is financially viable. If they overspend, they go broke. If they underspend they piss some fans off. They are trying to walk a fine line.

We offered Coles as much as all but one team in this league were offering him. Were we supposed to bankrupt the team over Laverneous Coles? Seriously. Laverneous Coles. Fred Taylor took less money somewhere else. When it’s your money to spend, go ahead and call the Bills or Ralph cheap.

Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.

by MattRichWarren on Mar 6, 2009 9:54 PM EST up reply actions

overstating

I think you’re overstating it. Offering Coles $1-2 million more a season would not bankrupt the Bills. The Bills could have easily supplemented his salary in other areas. Rosoe Parrish comes to mind. Drayton Florence comes to mind (a starting WR compared to a nickel back…hmmm, what going to help the team more?). The Bills had the finances to make the move. The have finances to be competitive. All this talk about staying financial viable is completely overstated. Can they spend like Skins, Cowboys, or Jets? Of course, not. But they can spend more than they have. It’s just another excuse. I’m tired of excuses.

John I.

by jri111 on Mar 6, 2009 10:03 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

I tend to agree

This franchise is full of excuses and spins.

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

by Kurupt on Mar 7, 2009 2:08 AM EST up reply actions

yep

they don’t have enough money
they’re not financially viable
Coles wasn’t worth the money
Jones would just rather play for the Bears
The free agent market stink
Consistency is the coaching staff is most important

excuse, after excuse, after excuse.

John I.

by jri111 on Mar 7, 2009 7:39 AM EST up reply actions

So wait, because you don't agree with some of those statements they are excuses?

First off, offering Coles that much more would not have bankrupted the Bills. But were we supposed to get in a bidding war over an aging possession receiver? They put a limit on how much they would spend. When you go buy a car you have a limit in your head that you can’t spend more than this particular amount. They didn’t budge because it would have messed with their bottom line.

Your use of Drayton Florence puzzles me. If you think McGee and Youboty are going to be healthy for 16 games, yeah it probably makes little sense. But you know that Florence is going to see significant playing time. Josh Reed and Lee Evans did a very serviceable job last year at WR. Coles would have improved it but by 7M he would have improved it? I don’t buy that. You can say that “Coles wasn’t worth the money” is an excuse but the fact that only one other team was in the bidding tells you it’s true and a valid point.

We offered Jones the same amount of money as the Bears did. He wanted more carries. I don’t know why this is the Bills fault.

What free agents out there did you want the Bills to spend huge money on? None of them were that great this year. Is that an excuse or reality? Who was worth huge money? Is Jason Brown going to be 4M better than Hangartner?

Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.

by MattRichWarren on Mar 7, 2009 9:30 AM EST up reply actions

We will see every free agent and we will sign the chipest one that simple it does not matter -———— How good is he how old is HE -——- IF IS NOT in the money price thank you go somewere else. IF T. OWENS decides to come to buffalo and play for 1 mil a year the BILLS will sign him in a blink Dont let them full you with that crap of we only get player with caracters will quees what. -——- WE been doing that grap for how long and were does it take us MMMMMMM -— Let me see ahhhhhh -—- No where exactly I DONT CARE how bad the guy is if he is going to meke us winn bring santa claus——— thats all plain and simple we are cheep VERY CHEEP——- SO WE are going tobe a ok team not great yust ok . not been negative yust want to WINN BABY WINN

by abayarde on Mar 6, 2009 6:31 PM EST reply actions

so much

for a 3RB. Kevin Jones just re-upped with the Bears. Taylor is with the Pats. I don’t want DeShaun Foster. Who knows…..just bring Mike Peterson in here and let’s see if he can for 1 season add the leadership, work ethic and charisma to a defense that lacks tenacity, playmakers and most of all passion

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Mar 6, 2009 6:58 PM EST reply actions

Again, they'll say... we tried but we're not successful. We like the guys we have on our roster and

believe that Xavier Omon will do a fine job for us.

I like Brian G a lot on this site… He says the Bills on onto Plan B…. I say it is more like Plan C,D,E,F & G. Tough to understand any plan they have other than… Who’s willing to play for cheap?

by dabillsr1 on Mar 6, 2009 7:32 PM EST up reply actions