Buffalo Bills Release TE David Martin, Add CB Terrence Wheatley

by Brian Galliford on Sep 27, 2011 3:56 PM EDT in Buffalo Bills News

With injuries thinning out the cornerback position, the Buffalo Bills needed to make a roster move to boost their numbers at that position. They've done just that Tuesday afternoon, announcing that practice squad cornerback Terrence Wheatley has been added to the active roster.

Wheatley was a second-round draft choice of the New England Patriots in 2008 out of Colorado. After spending two years there and playing in just 11 games, the 5'10", 187-pound corner spent 2010 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but only appeared in one game. Wheatley was added to Buffalo's practice squad earlier this season. He's now the fifth healthy corner on Buffalo's roster, and may get consideration to play in Week 4 over seventh-round rookie Justin Rogers.

To make room for Wheatley, the Bills released veteran tight end David Martin. Now merely a bit player in Buffalo's wide-open offense, Martin's departure leaves the Bills with just two tight ends - and rookie Lee Smith of Marshall is just as capable in blocking situations as Martin was.

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i figured they would add a corner but to cut nelson as well double bonus

not knocking him he was just hindering development of the younger tight ends

. Nobody and I mean Nobody circles the Wagon Blasters like our Buffalo Bills. The Wagon is coming to collect your soul.-abayarde

by Gpluehri on Sep 27, 2011 3:58 PM EDT reply actions

*martin sorry i have a nelson on my mind

. Nobody and I mean Nobody circles the Wagon Blasters like our Buffalo Bills. The Wagon is coming to collect your soul.-abayarde

by Gpluehri on Sep 27, 2011 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions

haha, let’s hold off on cutting David Nelson…..

by PineWoodsBillsFan on Sep 27, 2011 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions

I think he was flashing back to Shawn Nelson.

by Chernesky on Sep 27, 2011 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions

ah, you’re are likely right, had already forgetton about that Nelson

by PineWoodsBillsFan on Sep 27, 2011 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions

was adding david nelson to all my fantasy leagues on one screen and typing on the other

. Nobody and I mean Nobody circles the Wagon Blasters like our Buffalo Bills. The Wagon is coming to collect your soul.-abayarde

by Gpluehri on Sep 27, 2011 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Good thing you didn’t accidentally type David Martin on that screen

by paxon on Sep 27, 2011 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions

I guess if they feel good enough about Smith that they prefer to release Martin, thats a positive. Could it be? We have the TE’s we need for the foreseeable future?

I’m not sure I wanna see Wheatley…

I have low expectations. But high hopes.

by greysquirrel on Sep 27, 2011 4:00 PM EDT reply actions

That picture doesn’t stir warm fuzzies. You can’t even see Chris Henry’s head…

What are you doing? It's a game of touch football, every time I look over you're on your ass again.

by cujo217 on Sep 27, 2011 4:03 PM EDT reply actions

I thought for sure we would cut the OTHER Martin

Sigh!

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

by Montel on Sep 27, 2011 4:07 PM EDT reply actions

Dang

had David martin on my fantasy team. I really thought he was going to do good.

by RabidBuffalo on Sep 27, 2011 4:12 PM EDT reply actions

youre joking right? this is the TE not WR

. Nobody and I mean Nobody circles the Wagon Blasters like our Buffalo Bills. The Wagon is coming to collect your soul.-abayarde

by Gpluehri on Sep 27, 2011 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah

I am joking.

by RabidBuffalo on Sep 27, 2011 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Like having the WR Martin would make this OK?

Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz

by bluecollarbuffalo on Sep 27, 2011 9:57 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Haha, rec’d

by paxon on Sep 28, 2011 2:26 AM EDT up reply actions

Didn't know anything about Wheatley

but after reading this article, he looks like the type of player Gailey likes. Higher draft pick that may have been on the Bills board who didn’t make it on another team for whatever reason. But with proper teaching he could end up as another diamond in the rough who wants to prove himself. These waiver wire, low draft picks and the undrafted must worship the ground Gailey walks on.

http://www.patriotsdaily.com/2010/05/terrence-wheatley-lost-in-the-mix/

by telka on Sep 27, 2011 4:20 PM EDT reply actions

In that report he sounds alright...

seems like a good addition

by AussieBill on Sep 28, 2011 1:50 AM EDT up reply actions

yeah, sounds good, but seems injury -prone

by dgrid on Sep 28, 2011 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions

Well if the Bills had to cut someone, Martin (or the other Martin) was the right move to make. Gailey doesn’t really use the tight end much to begin with and with an established starter in Scott Chandler, Martin’s blocking only skill set was not going to prevail. Plus rookie Lee Smith is an interesting prospect as a blocking TE with good hands, and Mike Caussin is still on the practice squad. As for corner, I guess Rogers is not as developed as hoped.

by DynamicHero22 on Sep 27, 2011 4:38 PM EDT reply actions

Even if Rogers did seem highly ready and capable, why take the chance. They’re down two CBs already.

by paxon on Sep 27, 2011 6:17 PM EDT up reply actions

i hope

our team won’t have more injuries at the DB and WR positions.we don’t deserve it

proud to be a die hard bills fan from france

Prediction for 2011; 9-7 and a wild card ticket

by le f07 on Sep 27, 2011 5:13 PM EDT reply actions

I like the move, bringing in guys with potential won’t hurt us, and allowing guys with potential(Smith) a few weeks to aclimate to the playbook before playing them seems like a great idea. Time to see if Chix has hit another homerun on a waiver/UDFA type player that was cut because of overpopulation or just being overlooked and unwanted. I’d like to see the other Martin gone sone as well. Wheatley still has potential I think, but maybe not at this point, who knows but not a bad idea to take a chance.

We have an elite pass rushing LB who likes to conserve electrcity-Munchausen

by cencalclassics on Sep 27, 2011 5:15 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

I bet Martin clears waivers and goes to the Jets.

- Jeff Cumberland is hurt if I recall
- Rex Ryan is slimy enough to do it

by Khegobier on Sep 27, 2011 5:16 PM EDT reply actions

Not that it means much

But I’d rather have Wheatley on the field in a pinch than Rogers. Wheatley has some experience and I think I remember him getting some major time in the Pats’ D-backfield before injuries hit (or was that the other CB they picked that year?). Rogers just isn’t physically or mentally ready yet.

With that said, watch Wheatley be inactive Sunday instead of Rogers.

Time for McKelvin to really build off that INT (and Ocho’s drop haha) and become a more reliable player.

~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 Sep 27, 2011 5:29 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

He's going to have to

He has a good challenge this week in AJ Green.

"I promise you, ... When I come back, I'm going to be like a mad dog in a meat house." -Takeo Spikes

by panekattack on Sep 27, 2011 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions

I think you will see Drayton on AJ Green much more. Drayton can be physical at the line and try to disrupt the timing of the routes, especially with a rookie back there.

I also see the Bills using very few pass rushers and baiting Dalton into making dumb throws into flooded passing lanes.

"That's why you keep playing, gentlemen"

-Chan Gailey-

by Eric Murawski on Sep 27, 2011 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions

We'll see

but it seems more like this team likes to have McKelvin play on the outside and Florence as a nickel corner, however due to the injury to McGee, Florence had to play as the #2 CB. This week we will see if they trust McKelvin to take on AJ Green or have Florence cover him all game.

"I promise you, ... When I come back, I'm going to be like a mad dog in a meat house." -Takeo Spikes

by panekattack on Sep 27, 2011 9:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Only time he was ever getting serious reps

was back in 2008. His wrist injury forever changed him back in 2008.

by Revenge of the Fallen on Sep 27, 2011 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Martin to Pats

Martin will land with the Pats by the end of the week. They are extremely thin at the position with Gronkowski being the lone active TE vs Bills, and Hernandez still on the shelf. His insight to Bills offense alone will make him beneficial to Belihick.

by SeanKav9 on Sep 27, 2011 5:32 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Not necessarily. We don’t play them again until week 17…don’t think he’ll be much good by then.

"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.

by stetzwebs on Sep 27, 2011 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions

More likely to the Jets

Jets have been using a lot of 3 TE sets lately, and just put Jeff Cumberland on IR. As I said above, that’s the excuse for Rex Ryan to be slimy enough to pick up Martin.

by Khegobier on Sep 27, 2011 9:46 PM EDT up reply actions

way off topic but Ryan Fitzpatrick was just on Pardon the Interruption for a five minute segment

and he was wearing a Marvel Comics t-shirt with the Thing, Wolverine and Spider-Man on it. As someone who grew up as a kid reading a ton of comics, that made me chuckle and like our QB that much more. Fitzpatrick is the man.

This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill

by poz on Sep 27, 2011 5:48 PM EDT reply actions

yup watching it too

thought it was hilarious when he told Cornheiser that people wanted him to donate the beard to him to put on his head haha

"I promise you, ... When I come back, I'm going to be like a mad dog in a meat house." -Takeo Spikes

by panekattack on Sep 27, 2011 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions

hahaha

that was great! Also liked how he said he was going to let it grow out as gnarly as it was last year haha. Notice he not only talked about what beating the Patriots meant to the team but also about what it meant to the fans. The guy is a leader not just in a lockerroom but for the fanbase.

I saw Fred Jackson on another ESPN show earlier in the week (forget which one?) and he was outstanding too. You throw in how Stevie Johnson has handled himself in nationally televised interviews and press conferences and I couldnt be more proud of how those three are representing the team and the fans.

This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill

by poz on Sep 27, 2011 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

yup

I believe Freddy and Stevie were both on the Jim Rome show. Freddy with an interview and Stevie as a correspondent (still might be in the fanshot section). All these guys have been awesome and showed that they aren’t Bills because they have to be but because they WANT to be here and play for the Bills. They love the team, the fans, and the city and after having to deal with McGahee and all his crap and the media ripping us it’s nice to see guys who love the city and want to be here!

I was very skeptical of Fitz going into this season and felt he was not the answer or franchise QB material but I really think I’m coming around to Fitz Magic and hope we keep him as our QB for a long time.

"I promise you, ... When I come back, I'm going to be like a mad dog in a meat house." -Takeo Spikes

by panekattack on Sep 27, 2011 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions

heck yea

What I like about Fitz is that his best quality is still the same one that was his best in his first start for us – MOXIE. Dude is all heart. Having a Harvard brain to match is just that much better haha

This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill

by poz on Sep 27, 2011 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

Agree 100%

I really love this team. That’s why I’m so nervous about them, I want them to do good for me but I want them to do good for themselves too. I usually look at players as just parts of a machine, but these guys are people, real people.

by RabidBuffalo on Sep 27, 2011 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions

there are a lot of characters on this team

thats for sure!

This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill

by poz on Sep 27, 2011 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Thought the same thing, Poz!

Love his T’s. Had on a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle T on another show the other day as well. “Hero in a Half Beard”! Gnarly!

"Fred Jackson has the power to run over linebackers and the agility to dance on their pancaked corpses." ...Munchausen

by brownbag11 on Sep 27, 2011 7:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Also, during the commercial break

PTI shows Fitz and Tony talking for a brief moment, as they often do recently on the show, off camara. Tony is telling Fitz that “Jaws” is always telling him that no fan base is as “sauced” as the Bills fans at the Ralph for home games. Paraphrasing here, but I rewound the DVR a couple of times to view it, and Fitz was nodding in either acknowledgement, or as I like to think, approvement!

"Fred Jackson has the power to run over linebackers and the agility to dance on their pancaked corpses." ...Munchausen

by brownbag11 on Sep 27, 2011 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions

hahahahah thats hilarious

and anyone who wears a Turtles t is alright in my book

This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill

by poz on Sep 27, 2011 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions

I saw it too

gold. I am over seeing footballers in suits. You are not a CEO. T shirts and jeans are ok. If I was earning their money I would only wear jocks all day.

The Amish Rifle is your god now!

THE +++++BUFFALO CRUSHERS ++++++. WHAGON BLASTERS ++++ ARE THE REAL DEAL WE ARE THE YING AND THE YANG . SO GET READY CAUSE NO ONE I MEAN NO ONE IS STOPIN THE WHAGON BLASTER BUYAAAAAAA - Abayarde

by muzza34 on Sep 27, 2011 11:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Awesome!

J ocks and T’s…all day! Only thing missing is a “Cobra” or “Transformer” T…

"Fred Jackson has the power to run over linebackers and the agility to dance on their pancaked corpses." ...Munchausen

by brownbag11 on Sep 28, 2011 4:01 AM EDT up reply actions

Remember the pictures from the summer camp Fitz ran with the offensive skill players?

He had on an Autobots t-shirt.

by cmeid on Sep 28, 2011 11:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Martin seemed like a solid depth vet but obviously Lee Smith should be able to do whatever he has been doing (though he’s probably not ready to be as productive in the pass game as Martin would have been if called on). It sucks to see a guy let go when things are going like this, though.

by paxon on Sep 27, 2011 6:15 PM EDT reply actions

It sucks to ~~see a~~ be the guy let go when things are going like this, though.

Corrected it for ya!

Give a monkey a typewriter and infinite time, and he’ll eventually release Maybin. -- stetzwebs
No one circles the waiver wire like the Buffalo Bills!

by thefourwinds on Sep 27, 2011 7:34 PM EDT up reply actions

“He’s [Wheatley] now the fifth healthy corner on Buffalo’s roster, and may get consideration to play in Week 4 over seventh-round rookie Justin Rogers.

“Now merely a bit player in Buffalo’s wide-open offense, Martin’s departure leaves the Bills with just two tight ends – and rookie Lee Smith of Marshall is just as capable in blocking situations as Martin was.”

Funny how we think one rookie we didn’t draft [Martin] is ready to plug-and-play, and another one we did [Rogers], isn’t . . .

I don’t completely disagree with this move — it was obviously more important to have numbers at the CB position {"you can never have too many CB’s"}; it just seems that we aren’t going to find out what Rogers is or isn’t capable of unless he gets snaps . . .

"If You Ain't a Bill I Don't Give a Fxck Bout Ya!! Most Disrespected Team in NFL! I Always feel Disrespected! I'm All In!" -- Steve Johnson

by go_buff on Sep 27, 2011 8:46 PM EDT reply actions

Martin has had an extremely minor role so far this year. Asking Smith to fill in for him is nothing like asking Rogers to fill in for Williams.

Give a monkey a typewriter and infinite time, and he’ll eventually release Maybin. -- stetzwebs
No one circles the waiver wire like the Buffalo Bills!

by thefourwinds on Sep 27, 2011 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions

I meant to say Smith instead of Martin in brackets above

Like I said, I don’t completely disagree with bringing in Wheatley; when you need a healthy body for depth, even if it’s just for the short term, it’s usually preferable to have that body be a vet rather than a rookie.

BUT . . . while Martin may have had a minor role and can be considered expendable, that’s only until — heaven forbid — something happens to Chandler. If something like that happens {I hope it doesn’t}, watch Shawn Nelson make a reappearance.

Don’t think that can’t happen: after all, Nelson – like Wheatley – is a 2-year vet, and he knows the Bills playbook . . . if Chandler were to miss any time, I’ll bet the coaching staff would be willing to give the veteran Nelson the nod over the rookie Smith at TE, just as they are the vet Wheatley over the rookie Rogers at CB . . .

"If You Ain't a Bill I Don't Give a Fxck Bout Ya!! Most Disrespected Team in NFL! I Always feel Disrespected! I'm All In!" -- Steve Johnson

by go_buff on Sep 28, 2011 2:17 AM EDT up reply actions

I doubt it

Nelson is a bum, he won’t be back.

by fanick82 on Sep 28, 2011 6:34 AM EDT up reply actions

I’m really liking Scott Chandler so far. It’s hard to believe that he had one career catch coming into this season. I’m also glad that we have a coaching staff that understands that the tight end is an eligible receiver. That knowledge seemed to have been lost for the past decade.

by SiriusRed on Sep 27, 2011 9:47 PM EDT reply actions

I think it was King over at SI who said Chandler wouldn't reach 5 TDs

He’s got 4. The best offenses in the league utilize their tight ends, especially in the end zone. Buffalo is proving to have one of the best offenses in the league. I wouldn’t be shocked if Chandler had 10 by the seasons end.

by heff17 on Sep 28, 2011 6:14 AM EDT up reply actions

we needed to add a corner

we are scary thin, one more injury and we are in trouble at corner. We might already be in todays wide open passing attack. Get more corners on this roster. Do we still have Ashton Youboty on speed dial?

This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill

by poz on Sep 27, 2011 10:18 PM EDT reply actions