J.P. Losman, two other ex-Bills moving on to UFL
by Brian Galliford on Jun 20, 2009 6:00 AM EDT
in Buffalo Bills News
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In April of 2004, the Buffalo Bills traded their second-round pick in the NFL Draft - as well as a first-round pick in the following year's selection meeting - to the Dallas Cowboys for the right to select Tulane QB J.P. Losman in the first round.
Flash forward 62 months. His flash-in-the-pan career with the Bills is over, and Losman - unable to land a roster spot with another NFL team, even as a third-stringer - is moving on to the nascent United Football League.
According to UFL Access - which reported the news on Tuesday, two days prior to the UFL's premiere season draft - Losman is set to take the reigns of the league's Las Vegas franchise, head coached by former Giants coach and Ravens offensive coordinator Jim Fassel. The UFL - which has not even provided nicknames for its four franchises at this point - is expected to announce starting quarterbacks for the four teams on July 1.
If this isn't the low point of Losman's disappointing professional career, I don't know what is. It's not terribly uncommon to see first-round draft picks out of the league, but folks are quick to forget that as recently as 2006, Losman had the Bills fighting for playoff contention as late in the season as Week 16 while rating out as the eleventh-best quarterback in the NFL. Since that point, he has been injured, lost his starting job to a rookie, and flamed out as a backup, checking out mentally for his final season in Buffalo.
Still, this move makes a degree of sense for Losman.
He'll play six games (that's the length of the UFL's regular season) under an established offensive mind in Fassel. To say he'll be playing against lesser competition is an understatement. No one has ever questioned Losman's raw talent, which allowed him to make some truly outstanding plays at the NFL level - even if his wild inconsistency and maddening ability to play terribly are his current calling cards. Losman has a chance to put up excellent numbers in the UFL - and doing so under Fassel could earn him another shot at the NFL in 2010. Let's not forget that Losman is still in the prime of his career at just 28 years of age.
I know one thing: I'm curious to see how this unfolds.
DT Tripplett, DE Powell get "drafted" to UFL, too
Losman isn't the only ex-Bill to get a look in the UFL. Two more former Bills defensive linemen were drafted by the UFL Orlando franchise.
When Dick Jauron brought the Cover 2 defensive scheme to Buffalo in 2006, then-GM Marv Levy quickly went out and signed DT Larry Tripplett of the Colts - a player with experience in said scheme. Tripplett spent two years in Buffalo, picking up 68 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception in 32 games. He was released prior to the 2008 season and eventually replaced by Marcus Stroud; he was signed by the Seattle Seahawks prior to the 2008 season, but did not make it out of training camp. He was drafted by the UFL's Orlando franchise.
Joining Tripplett at UFL Orlando is DE Eric Powell, who played exactly one game in Bills career - the 2007 season-opening loss to the Denver Broncos, a game known in Bills lore as the final game of TE Kevin Everett's career. Powell has not played in any NFL games since. The Orlando native will play for his hometown UFL franchise, coached by another man with ties to the Bills organization - former linebacker and Saints and Rams head coach Jim Haslett.
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I don’t know that Losman couldn’t get on a roster in the NFL. It may have been that he couldn’t have gotten a roster spot where he was going to be anything other than the designated back-up. The Bears, for example, might have been interested in Losman as they have similar playing styles—but there’s no question that Cutler will be the starter no matter how poorly he does or how well his backup does in training camp.
Regardless of how Losman does in the UFL he’ll be in the same position next season as well. Even if he’s clearly the best guy in the UFL and leads the Vegas team to 6 wins (in 6 games) NFL GMs and coaches will point to two things. First, the level of competition won’t stack up to the NFL. Second, and perhaps more damning, Losman was capable of stringing together several good games in the NFL so what does it matter if played well for about a month in the UFL?
As for Tripplett, it looks like he’s strictly in it for the check. He’s got to know that there’s no way he’s getting another shot in the NFL. He—and to a somewhat lesser extent Losman—typifies the reason that I see the UFL failing. Why pay for an inferior product when a superior one is readily available?
I guess that depends on your definition of talented. The UFL seems to have picked up (1) no-name guys and (2) guys who have been booted from the NFL as well as (3) guys who have proven they can’t cut it in the NFL. An optimist might see a guy in the UFL trying to prove himself in order to get back to the NFL. Who knows? Maybe towards the end of the season—when the UFL is done for the year—-we could see a couple of guys signed by NFL teams who have had injury issues. I don’t know that I’d call that talent so much as desperation.
The fear in his EYES !!!
I remember watching a game a couple years back and just before the commericial break it showed Losman walking off the field after another three and out. The man had fear in his eyes. Something told me then, that he was done.
Brian,
Did you have to point out what we gave up for him? : )
Your recounting of the events that led to the drafting of Losman is correct but I think it would be described more aptly as: “In 2004 the Bills gave up their second round pick to the Dallas Cowboys, as well a first rounder the following year, for the right to puch themselves in the groin.”
It's just a game.
The Bills traded their 5th round pick as well
~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."
Loserman - finally gone
and hopefully never to be seen around these parts again. Every time that guy was in a critical situation he failed miserably. Good riddance, you only ruined our franchise for what 3 year JP? OUCH!
Tripplett really does suck, I am surprised he is still in professional sports, let alone football.
The time to deliver is now and if you fail to do so you will no doubt witness the consequences first hand.
How?! How is it hilarious that a former Bills first-round quarterback is out of the league in five years? I don’t find that funny on any level.
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by Brian Galliford on Jun 20, 2009 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I see the humor.
He’s a millionaire who got to live the dream of being an NFL QB….now he’s playing in a subpar league after many are still convinced he should be our starting QB. I don’t feel bad for him, he had his chances to be the man here and was given an opportunity most on this blog would kill for. I don’t find it hilarious, but I don’t find it to be unfunny.
Only time he wasn’t given a chance is when Mularkey tried to save his job by starting Holcomb in that final game against the Jets (I was at the game) instead of letting Losman play and giving him more experience.
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I don’t think that ‘many’ people think Losman should be the starting QB of the Bills or any other NFL franchise. As I recall Mularkey had a yo-you QB thing going—a huge mistake that cost the Bills dearly. After all, going into Jauron’s first season Buffalo didn’t know what they had at QB. That year should have been his make-or-break year. Instead, it wound up being 2007, a year in which Edwards began to emerge.
I agree with Brian. There’s nothing even remotely funny (for Bills fans at any rate) that Losman flamed out. It cost the Bills time and draft picks.
I’d rather laugh than cry, and those are the only two options.
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let the grey side take hold?
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Jun 22, 2009 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions
If you don’t think that being pulled early on by Mularkey was a foreshadow to the damage he’d endure development-wise, I think you’re not looking at the full picture. Mularkey still has an opportunity to ruin Matt Ryan too.
"It's not delivery, it's DiGiorgio!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jun 20, 2009 8:32 PM EDT up reply actions
He took every snap for the entire 2006 season and couldn’t build off of that and even forced the Bills hand in drafting Edwards.
He had his chance, and blew it.
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lighten up brian.
If you cant laugh about past mistakes( no matter how huge or obvious) life is gonna be pretty dull.
His name’s not Brian…
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Jun 22, 2009 7:53 AM EDT up reply actions
its a microcosm of the entire organization the last 10 years.....
IMO
Godspeed Nick - RIP - 1986-2009
by norcaliangelsfan on Jun 21, 2009 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions
You have to laugh....
otherwise, its just too terrible to think that we might have had the biggest QB bust in this decade, because of what was given up for him…at least the Texans only gave up the contract to David Carr….we gave up alot more than just money
The Bills CAN win any game
HUH????
This makes no sense. I’ll assume you meant since 2000 and not 1998. Here are the guys pick in the first half of the decade in the first round:
1st round QBs I consider busts:
Patrick Ramsey – 2002, 32nd pick
Joey Harrington – 2002, 3rd pick
David Carr – 2002, 1st pick
Rex Grossman – 2003, 22nd pick
Kyle Boller – 2003, 19th pick
Losman – 2004, 22nd pick
Alex Smith – 2005, 1st pick
Borderline Successful picks:
Mike Vick – 2001, 1st pick
Byron Leftwich – 2003, 7th pick
Jason Campbell – 2005, 25th pick
Aarton Rodgers – 2005, 24th pick
Successful picks:
Chad Pennington – 2000, 18th pick
Carson Palmer – 2003, 1st pick
Roethlisberger – 2004, 11th pick
Phillip Rivers – 2004, 4th pick
Eli Manning – 2004, 1st pick
That list doesn’t even include Matt Leinart and Vince Young not Jamarcus Russell. You want to talk about the biggest bust in the decade Losman isn’t even top three behind Smith, Harrington, and Carr. IMO he’s even further down than Leinart and Young making him outside the top five. Lots of teams miss on first round QBs, guys. It’s a crapshoot.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Jun 22, 2009 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions
And I get your point...
that we essentially spent two draft picks on him… What did the Falcons spend on Vick? Didn’t the Ravens trade up for Boller?
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Jun 22, 2009 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions
I think Boller was just their pick..not sure
I also think..again with Vick, that the Falcons drafted the most physically talented player of that draft, and one of the most in the decade, but he was more focused on outside football activities than what was going on between the hashes. I am still a fan of his play, and his ability to take over a game…and if he could have matured and focused on football (which I thin might happen because of this incident) then he might live up to his potential.
Just for fun, what if Vick is suspended this year, and he plays for the UFL, goes to Vegas and starts, is phenomenal, and then JP has to sit behind someone again. Losman will be playing the bongos for life!
The Bills CAN win any game
I did mean since 2000
I don’t agree with your Vick assessment…but given what happened I guess you have to put him in that group.
However, while Alex Smith, Carr, and Harrington are all just as bad as Losman…we actually spent 3 picks on Losman….so it is because of that, that I think he was the worst.
The Bills CAN win any game
I understand that at least
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Jun 22, 2009 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions
That picture perfectly captures Losman’s Bills career.
~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."
especially since its the Steelers
the place where Donahoe and Mularkey came from…even “better”, was when Cowher stuck it to us with second stringers, when all we needed to do was win to make the playoffs. Terrible, and maybe one of my most deflating moments as a bills fan
The Bills CAN win any game
Welp its only matter of time before the last - pro JP homer realizes that the man just isnt that good....
and when he flames out in the UFL……….hopefully they will see the light.
Godspeed Nick - RIP - 1986-2009
by norcaliangelsfan on Jun 20, 2009 1:46 PM EDT reply actions
I now live in Las Vegas, so I will follow him, even though he never panned out I never dislike Losman, I hope Jim can turn Losman around and that he fares well in the future, Good luck Losman!
by Hassanali181 on Jun 20, 2009 3:28 PM EDT reply actions
I'm not sure if I'll follow him or not.
I’ve never disliked JP (for all his faults) and put more blame on his utter failure on the coaches that did put up a scheme where he could be succesful around him. That being said, he is a disapointement. I do wish him the best in the UFL because I want Buffalo to eventually play against him in the NFL. It would be nice to be able to rack up a few extra sacks and INT’s.
by CanadianBillsFan on Jun 20, 2009 7:32 PM EDT reply actions
Actually, depending on ticket prices I just might head on over to Citi Field, a mere 25 minutes on the subway for me, to check out the game when NY hosts the Las Vegas team. I don’t really care to watch the equivalent of 4th Quarter preseason football, but I might have to check out the Losman trainwreck in person.
~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."
I wouldn’t be too surprised if Losman does well. After all, we’re talking a substantially lower level of competition and defenses that won’t be anywhere near as complex.
Las Vegas was smart to pair up Losman with David Kircus too. I thought he was the best receiver who got picked in the UFL draft and he’s a great deep threat. Losman should really be able to throw some long bombs against crappy defenses.
I have to say I will watch UFL simply because I am a football junkie and they will be playing games on nights I work
So I will be bored to tears anyhow. If nothing else it will be fun to see Losman make that face each time he takes a blind side shot to the kidneys….
(443): My mom came into my room and told me to flip off the tv. I gave it the middle finger. Note to self: STOP SMOKING THIS S#!T
-textsfromlastnight.com
What kind of work do you do that puts you in that position?
When I was in college I had this sweet job that was essentially just me sitting around waiting for someone to have locked themselves out and I would let them sign out a key. I did that job for 4 years, and I always chose Monday night, because at least I could watch MNF.
"I know I'm a true receiver..." Roscoe Parrish, Buffalo Bills - May 2009
"In my heart, I know I'm funny." Lt Steven Hauk, Good Morning Vietnam - 1987
by thefourwinds on Jun 21, 2009 7:40 PM EDT up reply actions
What I neglected to say is that the reason it was so sweet was that the job didn’t pay me $$, but I received a free room in university housing for 4 of the 5 years I spent at that university.
"I know I'm a true receiver..." Roscoe Parrish, Buffalo Bills - May 2009
"In my heart, I know I'm funny." Lt Steven Hauk, Good Morning Vietnam - 1987
by thefourwinds on Jun 21, 2009 7:41 PM EDT up reply actions
I work in IT as a support engineer and the job is thankfully home based
So yeah it can be hectic and crazy and other nights its so dead you want to cry. So if I can get some football in waiting for things to go wrong, I do.
(443): My mom came into my room and told me to flip off the tv. I gave it the middle finger. Note to self: STOP SMOKING THIS S#!T
-textsfromlastnight.com
nascent
Sheesh Brian. Making us think a little too hard aren’t ya? :-)
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
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