Bills, RB Dominic Rhodes agree to terms

by Brian Galliford on Apr 17, 2009 9:08 PM EDT in Buffalo Bills News

The Buffalo Bills have agreed to a two-year deal with free agent RB Dominic Rhodes, according to an NFL.com report.

Terms of the deal have not been disclosed beyond the two-year commitment; Steve Wyche is reporting, however, that the deal is heavily incentive-laden.

The Bills have been searching for a veteran running back since prior to the start of the free agent signing period. With starting RB Marshawn Lynch suspended for the first three games of the season and his backup, Fred Jackson, the only proven runner on the team, the Bills needed a veteran back to help share the load in the early portions of the season. Rhodes has big-game experience and has enjoyed a productive career.

Rhodes, an eight-year veteran out of Midwestern State, spent the 2008 season with the Indianapolis Colts. He rushed for 538 yards and six touchdowns last season - one year after a disastrous 2007 season with the Oakland Raiders. Rhodes has spent seven of his eight seasons with the Colts, rushing for 3,114 yards and 26 touchdowns throughout his career. The 30-year-old tailback does not have a lot of wear on his tires, having registered roughly 130 touches per season as a pro. He is best known for his 21 carry, 113-yard performance (with a touchdown) in the Colts' Super Bowl XLI victory over the Chicago Bears - a strong performance that led to his big free agent deal with Oakland.

His one season in Oakland included a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. He was also arrested in February of 2007 for drunk driving, eventually pleading guilty. His license was suspended for 180 days and he was fined $2,000 as a result of the incident.

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Comments

I posted that several minutes ago

Rhodes runs hard, a la Lynch.

by ccthemovieman on Apr 17, 2009 9:10 PM EDT reply actions

A very good signing

We now have a run ning game that can compare to the Giants’ in quality and depth. I’m just wondering what the terms are.

by CanadianBillsFan on Apr 17, 2009 9:13 PM EDT reply actions

Correction.

We now have running backs that can compare to the Giants’ in quality and depth. Their offensive lines and running games may not even be a close comparison. In particular, while going unnoticed by some fans, Jason Peters was a devastating run blocker. Running backs need blocking to make the running game go.

Great plays don't make great players; great players make great plays.

by Fort Worth on Apr 17, 2009 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Jason Peters was not a good run blocker

by freddyjj on Apr 17, 2009 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions

… no, he really was. Borderline dominant run blocker.

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by Brian Galliford on Apr 17, 2009 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions

When I watched him play, I honestly believed that Peters was one of, if not the best run blocking LT in the league. He will be hard to replace in that sence.

So FW, still think that we shouldn’t draft an LT with pick 11?

by CanadianBillsFan on Apr 17, 2009 11:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Don't draft one at 11...I agree with that

Its a deep year, and Peters was developed, he never came here what he became, and even though we are in win-now mode, until I am proven wrong, I am truting that OBD know what their doing letting him go…uness of course he didn;t want to be here

The Bills CAN win every game

by killascript on Apr 17, 2009 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions

So you think the Bills should pass up Smith or Oher if their available at 11? I think that would be a mistake.

by CanadianBillsFan on Apr 17, 2009 11:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Would you rather have a later round

Would you rather have a later round LB? or DE, or a LT?

To me, there are good players later in the draft…from what I’ve read, and seen in the past. Now maybe in today’s NFL, lineman, especially tackles are valued more highly in the draft, but I still think there might be prospects in the 2nd through 4th rounds to go after. I’d like to a detailed post on that…I want to know ALL the tackles in the draft. Anyone know where we can find that? IS there more than were invited to the combine?
I guess I could find this out myself, but whatever. I am not completely decided either way, and I’ll have my opinion after the Bills do what they do, but I can see them drafting nearly anything, besides a QB, DB, WR (have to think about Crabtree if for some reason he’s there) at 11

The Bills CAN win every game

by killascript on Apr 18, 2009 12:46 AM EDT up reply actions

Much like sireric's problem with Miley Cyrus,

the Bills don’t have time to wait for an LT to develop.

"Get ready for the pain women…the pain train is coming Whooo Whooooo !!!!!" – Terry Tate Office Linebacker

by Joe P. on Apr 18, 2009 12:15 AM EDT up reply actions

LMAO!!!! thanks Joe, I needed a good joke.

by CanadianBillsFan on Apr 18, 2009 12:19 AM EDT up reply actions

You're welcome :-)

"Get ready for the pain women…the pain train is coming Whooo Whooooo !!!!!" – Terry Tate Office Linebacker

by Joe P. on Apr 18, 2009 12:24 AM EDT up reply actions

That’s hilarious…

by krytime on Apr 18, 2009 8:30 AM EDT up reply actions

I can wait.

I am waiting for her to come of age before professing my love.

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

by sireric on Apr 18, 2009 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions

Then we are going to head over to Brian’s place and watch the Hills.

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

by sireric on Apr 18, 2009 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions

zomg

Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more

by Brian Galliford on Apr 18, 2009 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions

and play Barbies

~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."

by Kurupt on Apr 19, 2009 1:15 AM EDT up reply actions

Oh! Oh! Oh! Can we do each others nails too? Cause that would be, like, so fabulous.

by CanadianBillsFan on Apr 19, 2009 1:31 AM EDT up reply actions

Ha ha ha. Awesome. Never gonna live that Hills comment down.

"I guarantee you don't wanna tase me, bro" - Donte Whitner

by thatguy34 on Apr 19, 2009 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions

"So FW, still think that we shouldn’t draft an LT with pick 11?"

I never said that the Bills shouldn’t draft a LT with pick 11. It seems like you don’t understand what I was saying in my comments in the other post. In general regarding how to draft, I think we agree more than you think.

Great plays don't make great players; great players make great plays.

by Fort Worth on Apr 17, 2009 11:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Your probably right. I did probably miss something along the way. Personally, the only reason why I would see OBD not drafting a LT in the first round of the draft is if they think that they can do the same thing with Bell that they did with Peters in 2005. Even then, I wouldn’t mind some insurance.

by CanadianBillsFan on Apr 17, 2009 11:51 PM EDT up reply actions

run blocking

I agree with frddyjj.

Why not Bobby April?

by nickdaniels on Apr 18, 2009 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions

too bad he cant play tackle.

by big john on Apr 17, 2009 9:15 PM EDT reply actions

Knew someone would say that.

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by Brian Galliford on Apr 17, 2009 9:18 PM EDT up reply actions

i knew too

so i figured i might as well be the one.

by big john on Apr 17, 2009 11:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Why is this a 2-yr deal when...

we only need Rhodes for 3 games? I mean we are giving a third string RB money who might not even be dressing later in the season.

We should be giving the extension money to Fred Jackson. In theory, this tells me that the Bills are not completely comfortable that Marshawn might not be able to keep himself out of trouble where he could be suspended for 1/2 a season if he messes up again.

Signing Rhodes is probably better than most of the other players that we had in to OBD other than Fred Taylor.

I get the feeling that the Bills don’t want to extend Jackson this off-season and will do something during the year, when Jackson proves once again that he is worth the money. We will either see a “very motivated” Jackson trying to get paid and play well this year, or a “pissed off Jackson” causing more headaches for fans and OBD. We’ve already seen one “shot” fired by Jackson and his agent this week that points toward the later.

Finally, I am still trying to figure out why they decided to give Stroud that extension money when they could have used it toward Jackson or to be paying a veteran OL in FA?

by dabillsr1 on Apr 17, 2009 9:34 PM EDT reply actions

I mean we are giving a third string RB money who might not even be dressing later in the season.

It’s an incentive-laden deal. Meaning that if he doesn’t play, he doesn’t get money. Good deal for both sides; great insurance for the Bills.

Finally, I am still trying to figure out why they decided to give Stroud that extension money when they could have used it toward Jackson or to be paying a veteran OL in FA?

A journeyman OL isn’t as much of a priority as locking up a solid DT. Not by a LONG shot. As for Jackson, they’ve still got the money to tie him up long-term, particularly since they’ve traded Peters.

Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more

by Brian Galliford on Apr 17, 2009 9:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Finally decided to create an account...

Does this mean we should be expecting an extension for Jackson before the draft?

by NolaBillsFan on Apr 17, 2009 9:53 PM EDT up reply actions

I think Jackson gets paid before OTAs at least

He is in Buffalo working out with the team, so they’ll reward him, perhaps with a deal like Rhodes rewarding good play heavily, but with a higher base salary.

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 Apr 17, 2009 9:54 PM EDT up reply actions

While we could see a Jackson signing before the draft,

I’m not expecting it. I am waiting until after the draft if I am OBD.

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

by MattRichWarren on Apr 18, 2009 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Great signing. Much better RB depth than last year.

by thefourwinds on Apr 17, 2009 9:49 PM EDT reply actions

I think this is a solid move, though Omon better not be betting on being on the team past week 3 now

Once Lynch is back on the field, we will see a logjam at the position, though I like the incentive laden deal for Rhodes. I think we are going to see alot of Jumbo style running packages if we somehow land Pettigrew AND a new LT.

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 Apr 17, 2009 9:53 PM EDT reply actions

3 rbs deep is great

any team looking to pound the rock needs 3 solid rbs they can turn to . the bills made a great signing here in my opinion. solidify the OL and the bills have a legit offense that most can’t stack up to on paper. turning it into points on the field is one thing, but its obvious Russ and those at OBD are taking a proactive approach to turning this ship around. 9 solid draft picks and i can’t wait to see the product on the field. even if only 25% of the games happen at RW stadium. by the way i am a canadian, born and bred, and there is nothing i want to see more than 8 regular season games at ralph wilson stadium. been to the venue at rogers centre( as i refer to it skydome) and despite our passion for the game, we cant host like our friends in western new york. despite the crappy beer theres nothing i look forward to more than bonfire and tailgating in WNY!

Later Losman!

by rockybillboa on Apr 17, 2009 10:02 PM EDT reply actions

"solidify the OL..."?

Much easier said than done. I would say the OL needs more than just solidifying. I would say the OL nearly needs an overhaul. The entire left side is non-existent.

Great plays don't make great players; great players make great plays.

by Fort Worth on Apr 17, 2009 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions

rhodes on ST?

does anyone know if rhodes can contribute on special teams? (kick off coverage/ a blocker on KO return?)

by tripl21 on Apr 17, 2009 11:13 PM EDT reply actions

I think he was used as a kickoff returner in his days with the Colts, when he was backing up Edgerin James.

by CanadianBillsFan on Apr 17, 2009 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions

UGH...........

didnt want this guy………..

bleh.

Whatever

Godspeed Nick - RIP - 1986-2009

by norcaliangelsfan on Apr 18, 2009 1:37 AM EDT reply actions

Dude......

You’ve been a great participant to this blog. You still are. I need the optismistic and humorous cali back. I know the sports world hasn’t been great to your teams recently, but, c’mon brother, snap out of it. : )

by jj24 on Apr 18, 2009 3:20 AM EDT up reply actions

Correction:

The world in general hasn’t been good to your teams. Still, I need your fun lovin’ness.

by jj24 on Apr 18, 2009 3:23 AM EDT up reply actions

Sorry hard for me to get behind signing a guy who has twice been in trouble for drinking and driving.....

when another player on one my teams lost his life to someone who did the exact same thing…….

Godspeed Nick - RIP - 1986-2009

by norcaliangelsfan on Apr 18, 2009 5:59 AM EDT up reply actions

Good deal provided the numbers are reasonable

by Posluszny Pollocks on Apr 18, 2009 1:41 AM EDT reply actions

Dont be mad, this is a quality back that will be an asset to the team especially when Marshawn is out

by billsct11 on Apr 18, 2009 1:43 AM EDT reply actions

I think this signing

is a message to Jackson’s agent that we will sign players that were in trouble with the law!!! Jackson may immediately go out and get a DWI and should then be signed w/in 2 days or whenever he posts bond.

by gatornation on Apr 18, 2009 10:18 AM EDT reply actions