Donovin Darius Visits the Bills

by Brian Galliford on Jun 26, 2007 5:26 PM EDT in News Comment 4 comments

Darius: the leader we need or not worth the investment?

Per the official site, free agent safety Donovin Darius was in Orchard Park today for a visit with the Bills coaching staff. The 32-year-old Darius was released by the Jaguars after spending the past two seasons riddled with injuries. Jacksonville took two safeties in this past April's draft, making Darius more of a luxury than a necessity on their defense.

While a potential signing of Darius would create a little excitement (or confusion) in these boring off-season months, I'm choosing not to read too much into this for a couple of reasons. First - Darius played under both Dick Jauron and Perry Fewell in his early years in Jacksonville; I see this more as a "gift" visit than a serious play for Darius' services. If other teams (Carolina) think the Bills are interested, it'll drive up his asking price - call it a favor to Darius from his former coaches. (This is all me, by the way - call me crazy or a conspiracy theorist, but I think it has some merit.)

Secondly, I still believe the main focus of the front office right now is the Darwin Walker situation. The team still has over a month to try to get Walker into camp, so there's still time for negotiations to resume. Again, this is just my theory, but I think that the Bills are saying "Hey Darwin, look - we're thinking about signing a safety. We don't even need a safety, really - how does that make you feel?"

None of this means that I wouldn't enjoy seeing Darius sign a deal with the Bills - in fact, I think it could really help our team out a lot. I believe what Chris Brown believes - that a Darius signing would make Ko Simpson a reserve and Donte Whitner our starting free safety (which I vouched for when the Darius rumors first broke). I'm a Ko Simpson fan, but Darius brings an element of big hitting, experience and leadership that Simpson doesn't come close to having. I also think Whitner would bring more athleticism and potential to the free safety position, and give the defensive backfield far more flexibility.

What was I trying to say in all that rambling? Basically this: I'm down for a Darius signing. But I don't think it will happen.

Thoughts on the visit?

Update [2007-6-26 17:35:6 by Brian G]: A tip of the hat to Kurupt, who has some great thoughts about this story in his diary on the subject.

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whoops

I justed posted a new diary on the subject. Oh well

by Kurupt on Jun 26, 2007 5:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

4 minutes

I beat you by 4 minutes... good eye, though. I'll update the post with a link to your diary - you have good thoughts on the subject.

Create a free account to join in the discussion, Bills fans!

by Brian Galliford on Jun 26, 2007 5:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

haha thanks

and I'll add a comment....

I don't think this has anything to do with Darwin Walker. In fact, I think we are basically resigned to the fact that Walker won't be a Bill. There's no discussion of a contract and Marv and co. seem ready to move on. Just my 2 pennies...

by Kurupt on Jun 26, 2007 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Both good points, Brian.

I do think it's a favor - but it's not an impossibility that he'll actually sign - for Donovin.

I also agree that the remaining strategy for DW is to hold their position (with a potential for a slight adjustment), and see if the market doesn't scare DW's agent into making a deal. No skin off our back if no progress occurs - and we can let their camp sweat, and potentially entertain fascinating trade offers, as well.

by Dock Ellis on Jun 27, 2007 11:00 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs