2012 Upcoming Free Agents: Who to consider?

by ALLaBorde on Dec 29, 2011 1:13 PM EST

I'm nothing close to a college scout, or even much of a fan for that matter... so when it comes to draft day scenarios and such I'm pretty much useless. Therefore I leave it to you fine folks to give me the info on prospects and such. One thing I am a fan of is the NFL and of course, our Buffalo Bills. Free agency is fun for me as a fan. I love seeing teams make splashes and just to see some change happen. It's one of the only reasons I purchase Madden every year, for the updated rosters. It goes without saying, I wish our team would make some good signings this off season. In the past we've made some real good signings, like the Takeo Spikes and London Fletcher pickups. I loved those guys. This year there are some free agents who I hope we might take a look at and maybe pursue (that is, if they don't re-sign with their respective teams.) Of course when it comes to personnel moves I'm not much of a pro there either, but I do love to speculate and would like some feedback and your own opinions on what you think we should do as a team in the off season. So here's a list of guys I'd like to see us (possibly) pursue:

1. Vincent Jackson(SD) WR- I'm sure that SD will make him an offer, but I have a feeling there's some bad blood between the player and the front office. I also know he'll get some nice offers from other teams and that he's not getting any younger. But he's a guy who can stretch the field, he has size and speed, and above all he's a red zone threat.

2. Terrell Thomas(NYG) CB- I'm not a fan of Drayton Florence or McKelvin's play this year, it's actually made me a little sick at times. I love what I've seen from Aaron Williams and at times, Justin Rogers. We need a solid veteran to help these young guys out and I'd rather them not have Florence teaching them how to interfere with passes. If I had to keep one of the aforementioned CB's, I'd keep Leodis. I love McGee as well, but injuries speak for themselves.

3. Peyton Hillis(CLE) RB- I know, trust me I know. This isn't something I really think we would consider, but it is an interesting prospect. At first, Cleveland seemed gung-ho to get him signed and now it looks like there's no way he re-signs with the Browns. It would be a crowded backfield and I love Fred Jackson, truly. I just think we don't bring him back once his contract is up even though Buddy Nix "promised" he'd get paid. I could see us trading up to get a QB we like for a 1st and Freddy or something along those lines. Indy could use a Fred Jackson to go with Manning. Hillis and Spiller would be a scary 1-2 punch in the backfield.

4. Matt Flynn(GB) QB- Could be worth a look if we decide we won't be going after one of the top QB prospects in the draft. Learning behind Aaron Rodgers was beneficial to him, no doubt. I just don't know how much money he'll command in free agency. If he plays Week 17, maybe we'll get a glimpse of his talent level.

5. Jermichael Finley/Marcedes Lewis/Visanthe Shiancoe- I highly doubt any of these guys make it to the free agency period, but if one of them did I say we grab one of them. All are playmakers and could be utilized in our system.

I'm almost certain none of these guys will be playing for the Buffalo Bills next year but, like I said, I like to speculate and dream about what could be. Let me know what you guys think!

Just another great fan opinion shared on the pages of BuffaloRumblings.com.

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Nice writeup

Like it all with the exception of Hillis. If we would sign him what would will do with three starting RB’s. We would never be able to give each enough carries to give them the feel of the game.

by Winnie33 on Dec 29, 2011 3:12 PM EST reply actions

Yeah I wouldn’t want to add Hillis with both Jackson and Spiller, but in the hypothetical situation that we trade Jackson and a pick or two to move up and get a QB in the draft. I honestly want us to give Jackson a nice 3 year deal with the money he deserves…but I don’t see it happening, especially with the way Spiller has been playing. Obviously free agency happens before the draft also.

"What it takes to win is simple, it's not easy."

-Marv Levy

by ALLaBorde on Dec 29, 2011 4:03 PM EST up reply actions

Just focus on OUR guys

I kinda like the Terrell Thomas Idea though. I wouldn’t mind Manny Lawson,.

by FKNGVNA on Dec 29, 2011 3:37 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

Agreed

I want to re-sign the guys we have that are significant pieces to our puzzle as well. I’m considering this write up as post-that happening. lol

"What it takes to win is simple, it's not easy."

-Marv Levy

by ALLaBorde on Dec 29, 2011 4:04 PM EST up reply actions

V-Jack would be awesome........

…….. but he’ll want too much money, plus will want to go to a team that is a large market to boost his endorsements.
This is his one chance at a huge payday.
Maybe he’ll bring his essence to NY and play for the Jets. Ha!

"My new cat just farted on my lap. Smells like Bills football." BG.

by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Dec 29, 2011 5:16 PM EST reply actions

You know what, we have the money!

So if we’re going to break the bank on anyone we could do it for V Jack!

Think about it, he’s got a connection with Nix, and if the we go after Norv Turner as an OC (far fetched but still) then that would be a farther link. All a bit far fetched, but there is always the possibility.

So If Jackson does make it to free agency I see us making a very hard pitch for him.

WE NEED RG3!!!!!

by CanadianBillsFan on Dec 29, 2011 6:11 PM EST up reply actions

That would be cool to get the V-Jax and Norv combo. I don’t think Chan would hand over his play calling duties though.

"What it takes to win is simple, it's not easy."

-Marv Levy

by ALLaBorde on Dec 29, 2011 6:28 PM EST up reply actions

Not unless it was to the right person.

But your right, it’s very hard to see happen. If he did though he’d still have final word on the play calling and would mostly be responsible for the creation of the play book itself.

WE NEED RG3!!!!!

by CanadianBillsFan on Dec 29, 2011 8:19 PM EST up reply actions

I jus t don’t think Norv Turner answers to Chan Gailey.

"Go check on the ribs!"

by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 30, 2011 11:57 AM EST up reply actions

I don’t think he could handle the cold, either. He seems to be a warm weather coach.

"What it takes to win is simple, it's not easy."

-Marv Levy

by ALLaBorde on Dec 30, 2011 1:09 PM EST up reply actions

Not so sure about that. His neck appears to be made of leather.

"Go check on the ribs!"

by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 30, 2011 1:36 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

Terrell Thomas!

Would be an outstanding, under the radar pickup in my opinion. He is big, strong, and experienced and I think that he could really be what we are missing at the cornerback position. I think that we would have to pay a decent penny for him but we wouldn’t have to go wild. I honestly think that signing him would allow us to settle at the cornerback position for the rest of the offseason. Terrel, Williams, Flo, Rogers, Mckelvin, Corner. Not bad at all

by jdol1568 on Dec 29, 2011 5:24 PM EST reply actions

I wluldnt be

adverse to making a run at Robert Meachem,and Martellus Bennett.

flayed ones stealth mode

"Fleshling! Do not shoot! For I am one of you fleshy things. It is I. Your Uncle Stan. Can't you tell by the long strips of fleshy substances covered in bodily fluids? Trust me! I have fleeeeeeeeesh."

by mob16151 on Dec 29, 2011 5:28 PM EST via Android app reply actions 1 recs

Those are 2 names i would be very interested in myself. Under-utilized but still young enough to have great upside. REC.

Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67

by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Dec 30, 2011 7:48 AM EST up reply actions

thumbs up on all but hillis.

personally, i expect us to pursue a CB or two via the draft.

I believe we will get a second chance at Harrell- for the following reason:

If you are GB, do you want to resign Flynn, a proven veteran, who has been capable in your system, in a league where most teams have to field a 2nd QB at some point in the year… and Flynn has proven capable, and even above average so far in his appearances. You can’t franchise him- he isn’t worth that kind of money, and it would provide any other team with some leverage if you want to move him. Otherwise, you are wagering that Harrell is a suitable backup, even though he has only been on your practice squad, and is a single snap from running the show? I think I would re-sing Flynn, unless I was considering selecting another one to ride the pine and develop, which is dumb, because you can keep Flynn to fill that role, or why did you sign Harrell to the active roster then, in the first place?

Ultimately, their best move is to have 2 guys who are capable, and as Flynn, Grant and Finley are the only key free agents, they can likely re-sign any or all three.

ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE

by ThaRealTruth on Dec 29, 2011 7:59 PM EST reply actions

I think it is more likely we sign Hillis than Jackson

The Bills need a third down back. Corey Mac is getting old and isn’t used much anyway. Spiller and Jackson’s skills sets are too similar. Sure Jackson runs with more power than Spiller, but that isn’t saying much. Hillis is much more of a bruiser than Jackson and still has pass catching ability. As much as I love Jackson, the smart move would be to sign Hillis and use Jackson to trade up to grab a QB.

"Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." - John Wooden

"Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances." - Sun Tzu

by Joe P. on Dec 29, 2011 8:13 PM EST up reply actions

Tashard Choice?

I am not the Hillis fan you are. Never thought he was much of anything, and now, he is even less. He was the product of being behind a good line, and getting ample opportunity.

ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE

by ThaRealTruth on Dec 29, 2011 8:37 PM EST up reply actions

Depends on the money....

but HIllis is a much better back than Choice. Hillis had a down year due to injury and bad feelings between him and the FO. I wouldn’t pay him top 10 money, but I would pay him somewhere in the top 10 – 15 range.

"Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." - John Wooden

"Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances." - Sun Tzu

by Joe P. on Dec 29, 2011 8:59 PM EST up reply actions

wow....

glad you have that kind of cash….

but I would pay him somewhere in the top 10 – 15 range.

:-)

can I borrow a couple million??? I’ll give it right back after I’m done with it…. really I will!!!

Optimistic??? Of course I am!! I'm a Bills fan, and as of right now, we are undefeated on the regular season!!!
Things are truly looking up!!!

by Cinga on Dec 29, 2011 9:09 PM EST up reply actions

wow….glad you have that kind of cash….

TWSS :-)

"Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." - John Wooden

"Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances." - Sun Tzu

by Joe P. on Dec 29, 2011 9:15 PM EST up reply actions

while your writing a check to Cinga, can you write one to me? Just do it as a gift and write it off on taxes. :)

Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67

by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Dec 30, 2011 7:55 AM EST up reply actions

I can’t endorse this TWSS

"Go check on the ribs!"

by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 30, 2011 12:00 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

I can’t endorse this TWSS

TWSS

Da'Jon McKnight - WR (Minnesota) - 6'3'' 211Lbs. (5th Round)

1st Round Targets: Courtney Upshaw 3-4 OLB, Alshon Jeffery WR, David DeCastro OG, Justin Blackmon WR, Ryan Tannehill QB, Sam Montgomery 3-4 OLB
2nd Round Targets: Jared Crick (3-4DE & 4-3LDE), Melvin Ingram 3-4OLB, Kirk Cousins QB

by NordicBillsfan on Dec 30, 2011 2:42 PM EST up reply actions

She probably says that a lot.

"Go check on the ribs!"

by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 30, 2011 2:45 PM EST up reply actions

That’s true but Flynn knows he doesn’t ever really have a shot at becoming the starting QB in Green Bay. He’s going to see what offers come and pick a place where he has a legitimate opportunity to become the starter.

"What it takes to win is simple, it's not easy."

-Marv Levy

by ALLaBorde on Dec 30, 2011 11:07 AM EST up reply actions

I’m not disagreeing with you, but i’m pretty sure Brady didn’t think he would become the starter forever when Bledsoe went down.

"Go check on the ribs!"

by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 30, 2011 2:46 PM EST up reply actions

Good point

However, Bledsoe was at least on the downside of his career, whereas Rodgers is really just beginning his. Unless a major injury were to happen to him, I think Flynn’s chances of taking over in the near future are around the 0.01%

"What it takes to win is simple, it's not easy."

-Marv Levy

by ALLaBorde on Dec 30, 2011 3:55 PM EST up reply actions

Vincent Jackson might cost a good chunk of cap space, but he would put this offense on another level. He’s big, fast, and has good hands; I think he could make up from some of Fitzy’s throwing deficiencies.

We run a spread heavy offense, so having two great WRs in addition to the two fantastic backs we have right now should help our consistency and prevent teams from shutting us down as easily.

I also think resigning Johnson and signing V-Jack will allow us to focus on defense once again in the upcoming draft.

Da'Jon McKnight - WR (Minnesota) - 6'3'' 211Lbs. (5th Round)

by NordicBillsfan on Dec 29, 2011 9:39 PM EST reply actions

I still don't see why this board is so in love in with V Jack

You get a similar size speed ratio in Meachem, and he should be cheaper. And he’s a year younger. Plus he seems more realistic to me as a FA target.

flayed ones stealth mode

by mob16151 on Dec 29, 2011 11:08 PM EST reply actions 2 recs

I’m definitely not against Meachem. In fact, the age factor would make me lean more towards him. I do think he’s looked better than he is because of Drew Brees though. Now Philip Rivers is a top ten QB also.. but V-Jax can definitely get it done. But I would be more than OK getting Meachem instead.

"What it takes to win is simple, it's not easy."

-Marv Levy

by ALLaBorde on Dec 30, 2011 11:10 AM EST up reply actions

Are you kidding me?

V Jack is 6’5’ 235, and Meachem 6’2’ 210, that is a HUGE difference in a physical deep threat. Plus V Jack kept on producing at a high level when Rivers went down to injury, meaning he’s the real deal. Meachem on the other hand is very much the product of a fantastic system in New Orleans and I’m not even the slightest convinced that he could produce anywhere near the numbers he has now if anyone else than Drew Brees throws to him.

V Jack is in a whole different league than Meachem, and that’s why so many of us here love the idea of signing him.

by CanadianBillsFan on Dec 31, 2011 12:39 PM EST up reply actions

Don’t get me wrong, I would much rather us sign V-Jack than Meachem. I also agree Meachem had the benefit of Brees and that system, which I posted either in this thread or another, but if we don’t land Jackson I can’t argue with landing Meach. He’s still an upgrade over Donald Jones.

"What it takes to win is simple, it's not easy."

-Marv Levy

by ALLaBorde on Dec 31, 2011 2:09 PM EST up reply actions

Agreed on both counts.

But personally I’d rather have Micheal Floyd over V Jack or Meachem.

by CanadianBillsFan on Dec 31, 2011 2:42 PM EST up reply actions

I like Floyd as well… but I’d rather get a vet free agent WR and use the 1st rd pick on QB or OLB. Or vise versa, getting vet OLB than I’d be fine with drafting WR

"What it takes to win is simple, it's not easy."

-Marv Levy

by ALLaBorde on Dec 31, 2011 5:15 PM EST up reply actions

Its 2 inches and 20 pounds

DeSean Jackson, and Lee Evans, are guys that V-Jack has a huge physical advantage over.

flayed ones stealth mode

by mob16151 on Jan 1, 2012 1:30 AM EST up reply actions

I wouldn't touch Vincent Jackson

I’ve never been overly impressed by him. For a guy so big and strong, I rarely see him fight through defenders for the ball or really go up and get it. He should be utilizing that size to his advantage week in, week out. He doesn’t do that and has been inconsistent most of his career. If he beats a defender deep, Rivers drops it in the bucket and it’s a huge completion. It’s tough to defend that if Jackson beats his defender off the line. I don’t think he’s a great fit here, a good fit yes, but not as good as he is with a very accurate passer.

If Nix were serious about spending $8-10M on him, I hope he’d spend that money in a much wiser way. I’d happily go after Fred Davis or John Carlson to add more talent and receiving ability at TE, as well as go after one of the many FA WR’s available. Pierre Garcon and Robert Meachem would be nice addition that would add speed and big play ability and not cost an arm and a leg. If they were to go after a bigger name WR (in addition to re-signing Stevie Johnson), I’d much rather see them go after Dwayne Bowe, or the dependable Marques Colston.

~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 Dec 29, 2011 11:57 PM EST reply actions 3 recs

Amen…….. REC

Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67

by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Dec 30, 2011 7:58 AM EST up reply actions

I hear what you’re saying and pretty much agree… although the reason I put V-Jax on the list over a Bowe or Colston is I believe they have a much higher probability of signing with their current teams than Jackson is with the Chargers. The love lost in San Diego was the difference for me. I like Garcon too but I also think the Colts will re-sign him and let Reggie Wayne walk. I don’t want us to sign Wayne at this point in his career either.

"What it takes to win is simple, it's not easy."

-Marv Levy

by ALLaBorde on Dec 30, 2011 11:18 AM EST up reply actions

I’m worried that Jackson will be Nix’s priority due to the San Diego connection. I don’t see him as really being the answer for the Bills at WR—and am even more worried that signing Jackson would mean releasing Johnson.

Isn’t Fred Davis one failed drug test away from being suspended for the season? I thought I had read that he’d failed multiple drug tests before getting suspended for 4 games this year….

I’d be on board with Garcon, and he might be available particularly if the Colts part ways with Manning and basically start over with Luck.

I wasn't sure I was going to like the white helmets but seeing them in the practice footage, I've got to say that I love the look.

by Ron From NM on Dec 30, 2011 2:07 PM EST up reply actions

signing Jackson would mean releasing Johnson

Be careful with that thing, good sir!

"Go check on the ribs!"

by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 30, 2011 2:47 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

I'm all for big name signings

others than DeSean Jackson. I can’t stand the guy, I don’t care how much of a playmaker he is (or was in 2010.)

"What it takes to win is simple, it's not easy."

-Marv Levy

by ALLaBorde on Dec 30, 2011 3:56 PM EST up reply actions

while i don't really agree

it is in general only. I do want to add though, that I like that you want to find guys similar to the Saints, because it seems like that is what we want our offensive identity to be. Can’t say I agree personally… as most know… but if that IS your plan… seems like getting their guys, or guys like them, would probably prove fruitful.

ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE

by ThaRealTruth on Jan 1, 2012 12:08 AM EST up reply actions

Take any of the tight ends.

Otherwise, Jackson would take Stevie Johnson type money

by BuffaloWhiner on Dec 30, 2011 6:56 PM EST reply actions

Robert Meachem...

…is a guy I would really like to see the Bills pursue. He’s 6’ 2" and 215 lbs, so he has pretty good size and a lot of speed. Stats aren’t going to blow your mind, but he has a lot of skill and plays in the NO offense and Bress is known for be a wiz at spreading the ball out and exploiting matchups. 38 catches, 590 yds (15.5 average) and 6 TDs are number the Bills could definitely use. Any thoughts?

by Cholas on Dec 31, 2011 10:27 AM EST reply actions

I’d be perfectly fine with Meachem, or any quality free agents at positions we need help at for that matter. I can’t wait to see what we do… except I have the dreaded feeling that we may pursue no quality players.

"What it takes to win is simple, it's not easy."

-Marv Levy

by ALLaBorde on Dec 31, 2011 11:15 AM EST up reply actions

You left off some good FA

Robert Mathis-DE-Indy Terrell Thomas-CB-NYG Andre Carter-DE-Pats and Cliff Avril-DE-Det, but I believe Avril is RFA

by Winnie33 on Dec 31, 2011 1:53 PM EST reply actions

I’d love to see Mathis in a Bills uni but isn’t he a 4-3 DE? I’m not sure how willing he’d be to switch to OLB.

"What it takes to win is simple, it's not easy."

-Marv Levy

by ALLaBorde on Dec 31, 2011 2:04 PM EST reply actions

I don't think that he'd need to switch though.

We’re essentially running a modified 3-4/elephant/46 hybrid. Basically he’d just jump in front of Kelsay on the depth chart and keep his hand on the ground anyways.

by CanadianBillsFan on Dec 31, 2011 2:43 PM EST up reply actions

Hillis wouldn't be a good fit here. They already have Fred Jackson and Spiller.

That’s a pretty good 1-2 punch when it comes to thunder and lightning.
I’d like to see Owen Schmitt from Philly come to Buffalo. Corey is ok, but Schmitt is just a reckless, punishing blocker who also is a dangerous pass receiver and was one of the best and most feared RB’s in college ball during his time at West Virginia.

by NigerianNightmare on Dec 31, 2011 4:38 PM EST reply actions

Tempting, however..........

We should draft and develop our own talent. Enough of the gambling with free agents. I’ll admit we got good value out of Barnett, other than him, and Chandler we haven’t got much to show for our money. For those of you thinking about Pears, we got him at the end of last season.

"Being a Bills Fan is a Tough Job for Tough People…" – Luther6

by Montel on Dec 31, 2011 9:52 PM EST reply actions

Also don't sleep on Martellus Bennet

I feel like he’s a guy who’s been hugely under utilized in Dallas. I did mention him early in the thread.

flayed ones stealth mode

by mob16151 on Jan 1, 2012 1:31 AM EST reply actions

I think he would be easy signing. Instant upgrade at TE, dominant blocker and can catch the ball. And here he would start and not be under the shadow of Whitten anylonger. Plus at the start of the season, when we were reasonabley healthy, we were 5-2, so he might view us as an up and coming team that is only a few pieces away from a possible playoff run.

Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67

by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Jan 1, 2012 9:59 AM EST up reply actions

I imagine their will be a few teams bidding on him

Atlanta, because Gonzalez can’t play forever,Tampa Bay needs weapons,Arizona could conceivably use him, and I could see St. Louis, and Chicago making a run for him as well.

flayed ones stealth mode

by mob16151 on Jan 1, 2012 11:23 AM EST up reply actions