Losman Headlining Trade Rumors in Buffalo

by Brian Galliford on Feb 25, 2008 6:11 PM EST in News Comment 33 comments

Losman has four potential suitors (BuffaloBills.com)

When it was first reported in early January that Buffalo Bills QB J.P. Losman was seeking a trade, many NFL experts predicted that it would be difficult for the Bills to trade their "disgruntled" quarterback. Now, just before the start of free agency - and the trading period - reports are surfacing that four teams are speaking with the Bills about the young veteran signal-caller.

Mike Florio at Pro Football Talk names the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins as two teams talking to the Bills about Losman. DraftDaddy.com adds the Atlanta Falcons and San Francisco 49ers to that list. Considering the fact that this year's free agent quarterbacks constitute a weak class, coupled with a question mark-laden rookie class, a young vet like Losman - a player who has game experience - has to be tempting to some teams. That's especially true now that Rex Grossman is off the market.

I've mentioned the Falcons as a possible suitor several times. Former Bills head coach Mike Mularkey - part of the Bills regime that drafted Losman - is currently the offensive coordinator in quarterback-depleted Atlanta, so the Falcons seemed like a natural fit. The Chiefs are likely looking for stiffer competition to Brodie Croyle than Damon Huard provides. The Dolphins and 49ers are a bit more curious, however - Miami has the top pick in the draft and a young quarterback in John Beck, while the 49ers have a former top draft pick in Alex Smith and a young vet in Shaun Hill whom they're high on as well. Losman just does not seem like a good fit for either organization - and the likelihood that he's traded within the AFC East to a rebuilding Dolphins club seems remote.

As I've mentioned in the diary discussion on this very subject, I'm all for trading Losman - if the price is right, and if the Bills are certain they can find a competent backup to Trent Edwards. The Bills aren't in a position where they have to trade Losman, and the chances are still good that he's backing up Edwards in red, white and blue in 2008. If a good offer comes along, however, the Bills still have the option of pulling the trigger.

Lions DT Shaun Rogers
The other name making the rounds in Bills-related trade rumors is Shaun Rogers. As author jri111 reported earlier this week, Rogers will be moved as soon as the Lions can find a suitor, and rumor has it that two AFC teams from the same division are the front-runners for his services. It's very possible that those two teams are the New York Jets and our own Bills; the Jets are looking for a nose tackle for their 3-4 base defense, while the Bills are looking for bulk inside for the Cover-2. We're all aware of Rogers' ties to Dick Jauron (Jauron coached Rogers to two Pro Bowls while in Detroit); it seems likely that Rogers could re-gain that Pro Bowl form under his old coach.

To be honest, I've become smitten with the idea of adding Rogers. Sure, he's got a little baggage, but when it comes right down to it, Dick Jauron gets players to perform. Rogers would immediately become the best player on Buffalo's roster and his presence would do wonders along a pretty porous defensive line. Connor Byrne has a good article on Rogers; Sean Yuille of Pride of Detroit thinks that the Jets are the ideal trading partner.

The trading period, just like free agency, opens up at midnight Friday morning. We're getting close to the fun stuff, Bills fans. Hang on tight, and leave your thoughts on the Losman and Rogers trade rumors.

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Trades

I would love to see the Rodgers deal done, even if we have to give up a late 1st day draft choice. He would be a great addition to our tiny D line. His veteran presence would help our very young defense, especially McCargo and Poz. I'm definately all for it! Baggage or not, he's a great player and responds well to Jauron.

As for Losman, I could go either way. If we're going to trade him we need to make sure we're able to get a battle-tested, and smart, veteran to help teach Edwards. If we can't get one, then I say keep him on the roster for healthy competition. We all know he's not good enough to be a starting QB on this team but if Edwards has someone breathing down his neck then it might push him to work harder.

After reading many many articles about the combine, free agency, trades, etc; I'm becoming really excited about WR M. Kelly. Being that Oklahoma games aren't televised much in Pittsburgh I still got to see him once in a while and I was quite impressed. Kelly and Connor would be my 1st and 2nd round draft picks! But I'm a PSU fan so of course I would want Poz and Connor back together...who wouldn't?

Our last 2 offseasons have been decently productive...I'm hoping Jauron has learned something from Levy and we make a huge splash this year! GO BILLS!

by Teaters33 on Feb 25, 2008 6:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Check this out

Hey guys I posted this earlier on the previous diary about rogers. I found it very interesting and covers what we've been talking about
http://www.realfootball365.com/nfl/articles/21394.html

wouldn't it be nice!

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP on Feb 25, 2008 6:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Got it

Saw that earlier, SP. It's linked in the article.

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

by Brian Galliford on Feb 25, 2008 6:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Just saw that

Nice article as usual.

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP on Feb 25, 2008 6:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

uh oh... not good news...

From the rocky mountain news (http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/25/broncos-closing-in-on-lions-rogers/)

The Broncos are in aggressive discussions to trade for Detroit Lions defensive tackle Shaun Rogers.

If no hitches develop, the trade is expected to be done as early as tonight or early Tuesday.

It's unclear what the Broncos would give the Lions for Rogers, 28, a University of Texas product.

The 6-foot-4, 340-pounder has drawn the ire of Lions general manager Matt Millen because of weight problems. Millen has said the former Pro Bowl selection could be fined if the issue isn't resolved.

The Broncos' biggest trade last offseason came with the Lions, who sent defensive back Dre' Bly to Denver for offensive tackle George Foster and running back Tatum Bell.

John I.

by jri111 on Feb 25, 2008 6:34 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Hitch!

Come on, hitch!

What's funny is that the Broncos fans who commented on that article were pretty outspoken against bringing in Rogers. Very odd...

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

by Brian Galliford on Feb 25, 2008 6:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hitch hitch.....

AAAHHHHHH!!!! I hate the Broncos soooooo much! Please fall through....Please please

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP on Feb 25, 2008 6:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Second That

Denver gets enough good players as it is. Snag that hook!

I'm completely estatic about the possibility of Shaun Rogers being a Bill.

One thing:

As special a talent as Rogers is, I think Jason Peters would have something to say about Rogers being the best player on Buffalo's roster.

In terms of talent and production, it's close.

Peters wins due to Rogers' inconsistent effort, motivation, and dedication.

Rogers and Peters are both human freaks of nature.

How good do you want the Bills to be?

by Fort Worth on Feb 25, 2008 7:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That stinks

He would have been a relatively cheap addition, and easily the best vet available.

I really don't want us to have to rely on a rookie DT. We need a veteran presence in there...

by Kurupt on Feb 25, 2008 6:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Possible trade options

This is my first post so go easy on me.

A solution to the bills woes from last season could, I believe, be solved in Free Agency. This is how I think the Bills would best add to their depth chart this off season.

Trade J.P. Losman and either a 3rd or 5th round pick to Atlanta for Deangelo Hall.
Trade a 3rd or a 5th and 7th round pick(s) to Detroit for Shaun Rogers.
Sign WR Ernest Wilford to a contract.
This would leave the Bills with a pick in at least the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th and possibly a 3rd or another 5th (depending on the trades). With the 1st and 2nd round picks They could easily take impact players and add depth with the rest of the picks. This would take care of any "Big need" positions. This may not be the easiest way but I believe it would surely be a great way. Just my thoughts, what do you think.

GregO

Being a Bills fan in MA, My new favorite saying is "18-1"!!!

by grego32 on Feb 25, 2008 6:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Big NO on Hall

Hall is a big problem child, I wouldn't touch him with a goal post.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Feb 25, 2008 8:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm with you

Hall is a cancer and a me player he could care less about being a good teammate!

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP on Feb 25, 2008 9:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

well

the Bills will never trade for Deangelo because he is a lockerroom cancer which is the same reason why if the Bills don't acquire Rogers, is because Jauron thought his character was flawed, cuz why else wouldn't the Bills? They have a need at DT, they have money and they have ample draft picks.

I'll admit if the Broncos get him I'll be torked. he would fit in nicely in Buffalo.

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Feb 25, 2008 7:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

The Question is

Are you willing to part with Losman for a 4th?

Personally, I'm not. Trent Edwards needs to prove he can stick for 16 games, and I also still think the JP didn't get a fair shake in 07'. I'm even willing to say that we should have a open comp in the summer. Let Edwards earn the position in camp and preseason and THEN let him keep it. We all think he's the better of the two, he shouldn't have too much of a problem outdoing JP, and if it doesn't happen, don't we want the better player on the field?

If a 3rd is offered, I'm down. :D

by Kumario! on Feb 25, 2008 10:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Do open QB competitions work?

Seriously, I can't remember an open QB competition for a team close to playoff contention. If I'm wrong on that, please let me know...

The best thing for this organization right now is stability at QB. They like Edwards. So do I, and so do a lot of people. With a whole offseason as the starter, he should make improvements by leaps and bounds. Having Losman around will not help.

As to Rogers, well, I think we have to assume that Jauron is making the call, and that he thinks Rogers just isn't meant to be the guy here. Seems he's on his way to Denver, which makes sense then in a way, as they seem to be really lacking in the "big guy analysis department" over the last few years.

by krytime on Feb 26, 2008 12:35 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Enough!

No more offseason quarterback competitions! That's what killed JP and I would be enraged if the Bills did it to Edwards. He's got the job, that's it, trade JP IMO. Don't you remember all the interviews when JP said it was hard for him to focus and play having to constantly look over his shoulder? This is a young offense that is meshing well and will become great the more they play together and the more they believe the team is commited to keeping them on the field together. At some point the Bills have to take that step forward into the future and it should be now. With Rex Grossman off the market and numerous teams who seriously need a QB we can get better value for JP than we ever could have hoped considering he'll likely be gone after next year anyway. Kumario you are absolutely right, JP didn't get a fair shake in '07 but that's exactly what could make his trade value even higher! I wouldn't settle for a 4th either but I would be all for packaging JP and a pick for a higher draft spot. I'm just really afraid of ruining Edwards the way we ruined JP. The sooner we ship JP out and get a veteran QB who is no threat for the future of the position, the better off the whole offense will be. I think Edwards is the kind of player who will work his ass off no matter if he has someone breathing down his neck or not. We have our QB, lets trade JP and get some of the other starters we really need.

CB, DLine in FA WR, WLB in Draft

by poz on Feb 26, 2008 12:50 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

What killed JP

Actually, it was Donahoe and Mularkey's bizarre release of Drew Bledsoe after the 2004 season, which subsequently handed the job to JP Losman and his 3 career pass attempts, that killed Buffalo's considerable momentum following the 2004 season, stunted JP Losman's growth by causing a locker room divide, and led to the demise of the previous regime, leaving us with this unfortunate Dick Jauron outfit that leaves so much to be desired in way of imagination, fortitude, and defiance to the established NFL powers. Was Bledsoe's play in 2003 and 2004 anything special? No. But to cut him after 2004 and to hand the job to Losman did both QBs and the team an incredible disservice. Edwards' poor play in 2007 makes it very questionable that he's starting QB material in the NFL. If you think he's going to be any good, you're basing it on gut feelings, intuition and subjective immeasurables which may lead to the truth, but I argue are too vague to act on without covering yourself at the the game's most important position. I personally believe it's management's responsibility to cover their bases in the event that the optimists' intuition about Trent Edwards proves to be a mirage. Could Edwards turn into a very good NFL QB by the opener in 2008? Sure. Was he even close to good enough in 2007? No. Why leave this position up to chance? If the reason you're afraid of a competition stems from the star-struck career of JP Losman in Buffalo, you're taking too many liberties with history. Losman was handed the job without competition and that made him a weak leader of the team, almost immediately open to finger pointing from the fans, media, coaching staff, and his teammates after every bad game. As the roster is currently constructed, Edwards appears to be headed for the same undesirable situation.

Nick (Bensalem, PA)

by Nick BensalemPA on Feb 26, 2008 8:08 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll save Edwards for another day, but....

You're right about the way Losman's career was bungled. It got off on a bad foor right away wen Troy Vincent didn't know the difference between a red "don't touch the QB" jersey, and a normal one. JP lost a good chunk of that training camp, which put him behind from the get go.

Still, there's no going back now. What's done is done, and the team needs to move forward. Hopefully, Edwards does turn out to be the real deal...

by krytime on Feb 26, 2008 10:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

the present

You give a great historical recollection of the mismanagement of JP Losman and what is done is done. But let's look at now. What is the purpose of keeping JP Losman around? Let us say that Edwards does go down and JP steps in and leads us to the playoffs. If he does that well then he's hitting the market and taking a big contract from a team in need of a starter and flipping the bird to a Buffalo team that has let him down one time too many. Let's say that he only plays in two or three games but plays well, he's still leaving next season anyway. If either one of these situations occurs, JP is still leaving and then Edwards gets subjected to second-guessing, fans calling for a QB switch, and teammates who may believe more in the other guy than him. JP will not be here in two years so why let Edwards run the risk of losing confidence, or his teammates losing confidence in him? And then let's take the third scenario, Edwards plays well and never gets hurt, at the end of the year JP leaves and we get nothing for him. All three scenarios lead me to the conclusion that it is better to trade JP now, get compensation (we are a team on the rise after all, we need more help), and avoid any potential mental setbacks for Edwards. But even if we want to think of this from another angle, let's not look at whats best for Edwards but also what's best for JP. If we trade him now, everyone wins. The team wins because it gets a draft pick, and we've proven that we're a pretty good draft team over the last couple years. Edwards wins because he can focus on leading this team and growing as a player. The fans win because we can finally move away from the era of QB controversy (all the way back to Flutie/Johnson) which is a sure sign the club is moving towards the playoffs. And of course, JP Losman wins, because he will not be spending another year of his youth wasting away on a Bills team that has never demonstrated any real trust in him as a starter. I believe that no matter what happens next year JP is getting out of Buffalo, and I don't blame him. So let's end this charade and get something in return, if not for the sole reason that the QB market is hot right now.

CB, DLine in FA WR, WLB in Draft

by poz on Feb 26, 2008 10:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Trading Losman

I'm all for trading Losman. By my count, he's now been benched by the Bills four times (twice in 2005, twice in 2007). Last year, he openly questioned whether the front office was calling the shots as to why he's been yanked around so much in Buffalo. While I agree with JP that "someone" upstairs has been meddling with his career (and by "someone", I'm picturing a shrewd 90 year old man business man with an uncanny likeness to Mr. Burns and an unquenchable distrust of all things Donahoe), once that thought creeps into your head, I don't think you can be useful to the team any longer. At this point, Losman's far too paranoid to ever succeed in Buffalo...What I'm questioning about your post is your opinion that quarterback competitions are what killed Losman here and that Edwards shouldn't be made to compete for the starting job based on his play last season. Like I've said before, it sounds like Jauron, in his infinite wisdom, has closed the door on this possibility, but I'll continue to argue that it's completely illogical to just hand the most important position on the team over to Edwards based on nothing more than unseen potential when contrasted to how poorly he actually produced last season. Let him win the job against a veteran (not Losman) and the team will be better for it assuming he's good enough to do it. If he's not, then at least we're improved at the most important position on the team. The idea is to protect the Bills, not to protect a 3rd round quarterback who's afraid of snow flakes. I realize it's not a pleasant thought that we may not have an NFL starting QB on the roster, but it's the job of our front office in the offseason to proactively confront all worst case scenarios before they materialize during the season when the games count.

Nick (Bensalem, PA)

by Nick BensalemPA on Feb 26, 2008 11:18 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Losman

Yes J.P. was benched a second time in 2007, but that was because he wasn't getting the job done. The first time he lost it to injury (not his fault) the second time was due to his poor play. You can say that shows a lack of trust on Jauron's part and I wont disagree, after the 2006 he put up J.P. should have had a longer leash. But that doesn't change the fact that when he did lose his job (the second time) he wasn't playing well enough.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Feb 26, 2008 11:25 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Poor play

I don't disagree that he was playing poorly upon his last benching. In fact at this point, it doesn't matter. What matters is that Losman has been healthy and sitting on the bench at least four times since being named the starter prior to the 2005 season. At this point, I believe Losman is understandably far too paranoid to ever be of any use to the Buffalo Bills again...and as far as poor plays goes and getting benched, that's exactly why I believe Edwards needs to be made to win his job in 2008 whereas Jauron seems completely oblivious to how poorly he played in 2007. Exhibit A would be Jauron's quote after the Giants game when Edwards completed 2 of his last 18 passes and threw 3 interceptions, two of which went for New York scores, when Jauron told the media that he was "pleased" with the way his QB played because of the fierce weather. Category 5 hurricane or not, it's this type of wishy washy, oblivious, pot-of-gold-at-the-end-of the-rainbow-someday, attitude in Jauron that drives me utterly insane. If you expect to go 7-9, 7-9 is the best you'll do.

Nick (Bensalem, PA)

by Nick BensalemPA on Feb 26, 2008 12:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

agreed

I believe you're right about Edwards having to compete for the starting job with a vet. And maybe you're on to something that it's nicer to believe that Edwards is a starting caliber QB than to accept that he still has much to prove. Therefore, I agree that he should compete but I really hope its not with Losman. He's gone anyway, so I'd rather get something for him, seeing as how we traded up to get him. Now the next question is who can we bring in to compete from FA?

CB, DLine in FA WR, WLB in Draft

by poz on Feb 26, 2008 1:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

ouch

"Rogers would immediately become the best player on Buffalo's roster "

Ouch! Marshawn and Jason Peters would like you to take the knife out of their backs now...

And yes, Rogers was once a pro-bowler. Peters IS a pro-bowler.

I [heart] Marshawn Lynch.

by Krukow on Feb 26, 2008 2:18 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Heh...

Second time I've taken flak for that. The Peters point is a good one, but Marshawn ain't there yet. Plus, what I really meant was "most talented"... :)

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

by Brian Galliford on Feb 26, 2008 7:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

MORE RUMORS!!!!!

The Jets are said to be willing to part with Dewayne Robertson, the big DT who they traded up to get and now doesn't fit into their 3-4 defense. He's been considered a bit of a bust in N.Y., but at 6-1, 317 he has the size to be effective. He has put up some good numbers too, last year he had 57 tackles and 4 sacks, and in '06 he had 62 tackles and 3 sacks.

if the Bills lose out on Rogers, than Robertson might be a solid option for them.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Feb 26, 2008 11:53 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I saw that too

And wondered the same thing. Is he due a roster bonus in the next few days? I thought I read he might be flat out released. If anything, he's definitely someone to look at.

by krytime on Feb 26, 2008 12:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

IDK

I thought he was pretty much a complete and total bust, until I looked up his numbers, which honestly, aren't all that bad. I know that he is considered a poor match to the 3-4, but his numbers are still pretty solid. So with that said, I have no idea why the Jets want to part ways with him.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Feb 26, 2008 12:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

As you said...

...it's because he doesn't fit into the 3-4 defense that Mangini is so hung up on installing. I'm glad we don't have a coach that insists on installing his preferred scheme on the team at the expense of utilizing the players we actually have...I personally love 225 pound linebackers, "high motor" defensive tackles that get pushed around on running plays, ends who are taught to rush the passer from angles 10 yards outside the pocket, and defensive backs who let receivers run by freely because, as we all know, it's more important to cover your predetermined area of the field rather than actual opposing players...I love the Cover 2!

Nick (Bensalem, PA)

by Nick BensalemPA on Feb 26, 2008 12:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The problem with DR...

... is that he's a former top pick that's due to make $11.2 million against the Jets' cap this year. Any team that makes a move for Robertson will have to cut that number into about a third...

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

by Brian Galliford on Feb 26, 2008 12:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thank you.

I knew there was a reason, and that it had to do with money somehow, someway.

Now, sireric, I think you're right - he is considered a poor match for the 3-4. But this begs the question - is he better suited for the 4-3? He seems to have the size for it.

Would we have to acquire him through a trade (and if so, what's he worth tradewise?), or just outbid others if he's let go (and again, if so, what's he worth financially?)

by krytime on Feb 26, 2008 12:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Lets say this

If Robertson isn't a fit in the 3-4 (which is now a given) he had better hope he can play in the 4-3 because there is no other style defense in which he could play. So if he want to stay in the NFL, he had better fit into the 4-3.

given the size of his contract, I wouldn't give up much more than the extra 5th and maybe a conditional pick next year, but thats a big maybe remember what the Bills got for Darwin Walker.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Feb 26, 2008 12:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sounds about right.

I read some Jets posts, and man, they kill the guy. But they kill everyone, so I guess you need to keep that in mind.

It sounds to me like this is the player most in need of a change in scenery. What kind of defense did he play in college? Is he a special athlete? Does he have a bad attitude?

I just don't know how good he really is. I guess that's John Guy's department, correct?

I'll bet the Jets get more than a 5th plus a conditional, just because the FA market was/is so weak. And in the same way I think there is a stubborn and egotistical offensive coach out there who thinks he can turn around Losman, I think there is probably the same situation regarding Robertson somewhere.

by krytime on Feb 26, 2008 1:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs