Bills Free Agent To Do List: Open Thread

by Brian Galliford on Feb 28, 2008 10:43 AM EST in Opinion Comment 54 comments

Bills need to aim for a wideout, like Wilford, first (WireImage)

With the free agency period set to begin in less than 14 hours (!!!), it's time for us to make known our final predictions/free agency game plans for the Buffalo Bills. I know y'all have opinions on how we should approach this off-season; now is the time to make those opinions known. We've looked at several free agents up close, we're aware of the depth of several key positions in this year's draft thanks to the Combine, and we know exactly what the Bills need. I encourage all of you to both critique my predictions/plans as well as leave your own. Here's how I'd approach the next month if I were GM (er... COO) of the Bills.

1. Sign Ernest Wilford. Clearly, Buffalo's biggest (offensive) need is at wide receiver, and clearly, the team can't take the risk of expecting a rookie to fill those needs. A veteran is needed, and in your humble narrator's opinion, Wilford is easily the best option. At this point, he's the surest option at wide receiver - he stays healthy, he's consistent, he's a legitimate red zone threat, he's an excellent run blocker, and he's a hard worker. Get him into town, and make sure your offer prevents him from leaving.

Alternative Options: Seattle's D.J. Hackett (a close second to Wilford in my book), Miami's Marty Booker, New York's Justin McCareins

2. (Try to) Find a DT. Shaun Rogers is the popular option. Booger McFarland is an experienced option. Tommy Kelly may be an underrated option. With Rogers seemingly out of the picture, the Bills may have to force the issue with one of the other options. The tackle class in this year's draft is deep, and we've already got an experienced tackle in Larry Tripplett, so don't overpay for help. Make a serious plug for Rogers, and if that fails, look into signing McFarland or Kelly. If nothing materializes with those three players specifically, leave it for April.

3. Re-Sign Your Own. There are several tenured Bills whose re-signings would bolster team depth and greatly enhance the team's special teams units. Expect the team to, at a minimum, entertain the idea of re-signing the following players: TE Michael Gaines, OL Jason Whittle, DE Al Wallace, LB Mario Haggan, CB Jason Webster and S Bryan Scott. Gaines, Whittle, Webster and Scott have all been rumored to be on the Bills' re-signing wish list this off-season. Others not mentioned here may be considered as well.

4. Look For a Few More Impact Veterans. Don't make the mistake of thinking "big-name" signings here. The team has a number of holes to fill, but they don't have to fill them all during free agency. There are several mid-tier free agent options that could fill holes at TE (Ben Troupe), OL (Adrien Clarke, Mike Rosenthal, Nat Dorsey), LB (Brandon Chillar, Landon Johnson, Chaun Thompson) or cornerback (Drayton Florence) that bring youth and experience without breaking the bank. Troupe, Clark, Dorsey, Chillar and Florence are particularly intriguing options.

5. Work on Contract Extensions. We've discussed it before, and it definitely bears mentioning now: the Bills need to work on contract extensions for WR Lee Evans and LB Angelo Crowell at a minimum. I would also consider giving an upgraded contract to RB Fred Jackson, who is still making practice squad money. Jason Peters and Terrence McGee have been mentioned as possible options as well. These signings are just as, if not more, important than bringing in free agents.

Flame on, or suggest on. It's conservative, yes, but so are the Bills. I expect them to make a splash at wideout as soon as they can, as well as make serious plugs to bring Rogers or maybe McFarland on board. After that, I truly believe that the team will concentrate just as hard on taking care of their own players as they will on bringing in new free agents. The theory is this: take care of the role positions through free agency, and add your future stars through the draft. Bringing in players like Wilford, Rogers/McFarland, Troupe, or the others listed above fits that bill. It may not make everyone happy - in fact, I'm one hundred percent certain it won't - but it's the type of plan that the Bills have followed in the past.

Again, this thread is as much yours as it is mine. Critique my plan, posit your own, and let's get this thread going. It's time to get excited, Bills fans - free agency is about to start!

0 recs | Comment 54 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

My Offseason Wishes (No, This Won't Happen)

Here are the highlights of my offseason wishes:

1. Pro Free Agents/Trades

-Shaun Rogers
-Lance Briggs
-Ernest Wilford

2. College Draft

-Leodis McKelvin, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Derrick Harvey, or Kenny Phillips
-Fred Davis or Jordy Nelson
-Devin Thomas

3. Current Roster

-Extend Lee Evans
-Extend Angelo Crowell
-Retain J.P. Losman

My general thoughts:

I know I have emphasized acquiring an elite playmaker in the passing game. The chances at Roy Williams are pretty much zilch right now. Alternatively, I was hoping for Michael Clayton or Troy Williamson via trade, who both have elite potential. I must give credit to those who have pegged Devin Thomas for a while now. Thomas looks/sounds like he could be the real deal (highlights, combine, and scouting reports). Just what the Bills need: red zone threat and YAC. Shame on me for not knowing about him sooner. Sireric has had it right all along: If Trent Edwards pans out, between Wilford, Davis/Nelson, and Thomas, that should be enough additions to help the offense improve significantly. Yes, the potential to fulfill my vision of a dominant Bills offense. As I mentioned, all of my offseason wishes above will not be met. Well, never say never. How many fans would exist without hope? Go Bills!

How good do you want the Bills to be?

by Fort Worth on Feb 28, 2008 11:16 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

No, it won't

But a fan can dream.

I don't see the Bills going after Briggs in any way. I believe they still have faith in Keith Ellison and can address the position simply by adding a lower-level free agent (Brandon Chillar) or a rookie for competition.

I tried to keep this strictly a free agency thread, but since you brought it up, I am falling in love with the idea of the Bills adding Rodgers-Cromartie at 11. You don't find corners with the athleticism and ball skills that he possesses anymore; he could excel in any scheme. The Bills need playmakers in the secondary, and DR-C fits that bill. McKelvin could too.

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

by Brian Galliford on Feb 28, 2008 1:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

DRC

his lean frame and lack of physicality concern me. In the cover 2 you have to be able to tackle and that is a skill he is still learning. Despite being one of the couple tallest CBs at the combine, DRC weighed in as one of the lightest. That said, he might be the best player available when the Bills pick and I would be happy with DRC at 11.

by kaisertown on Feb 28, 2008 2:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Those are valid concerns

But tackling isn't everything, and weight can be added. DR-C wouldn't even need to start immediately, as the team is expected to re-sign Jason Webster and still has McGee and Greer to work with; the rook could work his way into the starting lineup when ready. We just need playmakers (especially since Donte Whitner doesn't seem to be that type of safety), and DR-C seems to be the closest to being an elite playmaker in this draft.

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

by Brian Galliford on Feb 28, 2008 2:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

a skill he is still learning...

Exactly.

In the draft you look for raw talent (things that can't be learned) with the idea that you can coach up the skills (things that can be learned), combined with the intangibles, and then you may eventually have the total package. As you probably already know, doing the exact opposite is not the way to go.

DRC has elite closing speed, height, flexibility, and ball skills that can't be learned. You can always learn how to tackle.

Bottom line: we all seem to agree that he would be one of the best available players, and thus a great pick, at #11.

How good do you want the Bills to be?

by Fort Worth on Feb 28, 2008 2:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

How do you figure

Yes he has a lean frame, but he is looked at as being a very solid tackler and one of the better tackling corners in this years draft. Just because someone is small or light doesn't mean they can't be physical...ie. Antoine Winfield?

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP on Feb 28, 2008 2:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

DRC

He had a lot of tackles in college against inferior competition. He tries to play physical and is a solid open field tackler. Maybe I came off sounding too harsh.

He played off the line on almost every play in college and has no idea how to shed a block. 184 pounds for a 6'1'' guy is very skinny. That lack of upper body strength might make it difficult for him to tackle bigger, stronger and faster wide recievers then he ever played against in college.

That isn't too big of a deal and it is something that 15 pounds of bulk and some coaching can fix. I guess he isn't any more flawed than the other players the Bills will be considering with the 11th pick.

by kaisertown on Feb 28, 2008 6:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Less than thirteen hours now..

I can see them making a run at Hackett or Wilford right out of the gate (maybe in thirteen hours to be exact.) Either would be a very nice addition. But I think both will come at a hefty price. I can see a lot of guaranteed money, and something along the lines of five million a year.

Hopefully, we'll see some of our own free agents signed today as well. I think it'd be very prudent by the Bills to lock up the guys they have and want to keep, before they get a sniff at midnight.

I think finding a DT is now mission impossible. Rogers seems to be out of the Bills equation, and I'm not crazy about Booger at all (by the way sireric - that was a great title). The only one I'd really make a move for is Kelly, and I don't think it's gonna happen.

How come no one has mentioned Brandon Chillar at length? Or did I just miss it? I keep reading decent things about him, but have never heard him linked to the Bills in any way.

I think Florence is growing on me, if only for the reason you know what you are getting. I think quality CBs will be readily available where the Bills draft. But I think you also have to weigh your needs against what the draft and free agency can give you. Free agency won't give us a DT, or a LB. So we need them both via the draft. CBs & WRs can be had from both the draft and free agency this year. We should get one of each from both.

Also, I feel the Bills would have been better had they extended the contracts of some of the guys Brian mentioned, plus a few more (Greer and Butler). Had they done this before today, they might have been able to get better value before midnight, when the price of everyone goes up.

by krytime on Feb 28, 2008 11:31 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Disagree

about wideout money. Berrian and Bryant Johnson are the big-money guys this year; I think Wilford can be had for 5 years and around $18-20 million.

I'm cooling on Booger quickly as well, as he has an injury that could keep him out of training camp, according to Stampede Blue.

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

by Brian Galliford on Feb 28, 2008 1:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Wilford contract

that contract looks right. Anything over 4 a year is overpaying, even in this market. He is solid, but offers no upside whatsoever.

by kaisertown on Feb 28, 2008 1:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I've been saying all along

That FAs will get over paid beyond belief this year. Just look at Tommy Kelly's contract. Why would you think it won't happen to WRs?

by krytime on Feb 28, 2008 3:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

if we can't get a DT

through trade or FA anymore why don't the Bills try a different approach. I know its been the Bills philosophy to be conservative but with all due respect to the Bills management, that hasn't really worked out well for us now has it? So if we can't have Rogers maybe its time to trade (as krytime suggested) our #11, JP, and a 3rd to KC to grab DT Ellis or Dorsey at #5 and then open the bank to Lance Briggs in FA? If we did that we could still afford Wilford or Hackett and draft a CB in the 2nd round.

CB, DLine in FA WR, WLB in Draft

by poz on Feb 28, 2008 12:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

suggestion

when i said that krytime suggested that trade it was from a different thread not above. Just to clarify.

CB, DLine in FA WR, WLB in Draft

by poz on Feb 28, 2008 12:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd love to take credit for that.

But is wasn't my suggestion. Not a bad idea though. Not a bad idea at all...

by krytime on Feb 28, 2008 12:18 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

whoops

my apologies to Nick B., that was his comment. But don't worry I still like what you have to say too krytime.

CB, DLine in FA WR, WLB in Draft

by poz on Feb 28, 2008 12:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Draft vs Free Agency

If it is a question of overpaying for a Free Agent, I would much rather wait until the draft. Most other years, I mught think otherwise, but this years draft class is really deep. You can get guys this year in the 3rd round that have 2nd round potential.

by hilliarddavid on Feb 28, 2008 12:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Javon Walker

Every indication is that Walker will be released soon, if no trade proposal is made. He is exactly the kind of WR we are looking for and we should pick him up. Walker is fairly young, very tall and big (remember that his catch was the play that led to the Broncos winning FG against us), and has star athletic abilities. Of course, he does have a lot of bagage (attitude, $$$s, injuries), but that is why he is available, and when assessing the bagage, they don't seem too bad in reality. I think the Bills should pursue him -- he'd really be a No. 1B receiver to Evans 1A option. He's a true star WR (I am tired of always "hoping" for the Bills to get scrubs who somehow rocket up to superstar status because he is a Free Agent (Wilford, in a team with a dud group of receivers, had fewer catches than Josh Reed (and I Reed was out a few games for us)!).

by labill on Feb 28, 2008 12:53 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Walker's baggage

Walker has great talent, no question about it. Having Evans and Walker and then Parrish and Reed in the slot would give us an amazing 4 WR set. But Walkers baggage is mainly due to him going from 1A to 1B when Marshall moved into the #1 spot. I just don't see him coming to Buffalo and being happy. We have a young QB and having a WR that will put presure on him to get him the ball is not a good idea. If somehow he came to Buffalo and knew he was the #2 and LEE EVAN is the #1, then that would be amazing. I just don't see that happening.

by hilliarddavid on Feb 28, 2008 1:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

No thanks

Not interested in the baggage, but really not interested in the creaky knees. We can do better.

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

by Brian Galliford on Feb 28, 2008 1:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Walker

Baggage doesn't bother me, injuries do. His knee will never be anywhere near 100 percent ever again. I doubt he plays 10 games or more in any season for the rest of his career.

by kaisertown on Feb 28, 2008 1:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Question

Who of you all will stay up late tonight for the start of free agency and be blogging here?

How good do you want the Bills to be?

by Fort Worth on Feb 28, 2008 2:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Without a doubt i will be here...

unless i'm still at the bars. I plan on going out for a few cocktails, so that's always a concern. Otherwise thought i'll be here watching/waiting...

John I.

by jri111 on Feb 28, 2008 2:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I won't

I'm only 22, but I have the sleeping habits of, well, my father. Bed at 11, rise at 6:30. I'll update the site ASAP as soon as I get up tomorrow morning, but feel free to post a diary with news while I'm snoozing! Any exemplary diaries will go to the front page; otherwise, they'll be referenced in our articles. :)

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

by Brian Galliford on Feb 28, 2008 2:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

we are opposties then...

i'm a 'stay up 'til 3:00 AM, sleep in until 11:00 kind of guy.'

That doesn't make be a very good "real world" person, let me tell you!

i've cut it back where i go to bed around midnight/1 AM now, so i'm getting better!

John I.

by jri111 on Feb 28, 2008 2:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hah, my job has me up till 6am

My job keeps me up till 6am EST, thank heavens I work on the West Coast. I'll post what I can to a diary depending on how busy work is, thank heavens as well for Telecommuting these days!

So how done was Pat Williams when we let him go Tommie boy??? Stick a fork in him level right?

by WABillsfan on Feb 28, 2008 5:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I will

I'm too excited. Work is going to be miserable tomorrow. Might as well grab some beer if i'm going to be feeling terrible the next day anyway

CB, DLine in FA WR, WLB in Draft

by poz on Feb 28, 2008 2:16 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I'll be up

Checking it out....I get off work at 11:45 pm mountain time, so who knows what kind of news will be there when I get off....Hopefully I'll be writing a diary about our the Newest Bill after work!

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP on Feb 28, 2008 2:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Oh, my head

Geez, Brian. If the Bills free agency plans end up being to sign a big veteran possession receiver with no upside like Ernest Wilford, TRYING to find a DT, re-signing the Haggans and Stamers of the world, and sifting through the garbage bin for a couple of veterans, I give up. "Conservative" is not the word for your plan considering the cap room, holes on the roster, quantity of draft picks at our disposal, timing of the Dick Jauron era, and the volume of younger players who have gained ample playing time the last two season at the expense of pricier veterans from the previous regime's roster. In other words, it's time to make a move. I'm a proponent of fiscal responsibility in both personal finance and government spending, but how could a team that's missed the playoffs this entire decade, whose lease runs up in 2012 and is already playing games in (ugh) Toronto justify the type of inaction you laid out. The sad thing is your plan is probably painfully similar to what Wilson and our marketing guru GM have laid out on the marble table as they sip brandy by the fire place at Wilson's plush corporate offices in Detroit as we speak...it sucks to strike out, but it sucks a hundred times worse to strike out looking.

Nick (Bensalem, PA)

by Nick BensalemPA on Feb 28, 2008 3:04 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I hope I'm wrong

I'm not going to lie and say I wouldn't like to see the Bills trade for Rogers, sign Wilford (rumored to Miami) or Hackett and continue to make signings left and right, but that rarely builds winners, and it's not the Bills' strategy. Like I said, the Bills will look to make a splash, and if they can't, they'll swim (make smart decisions) rather than sink (reach for boom-or-bust free agents).

And hey - if they do make a splash, I'll gladly admit I was wrong. :)

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

by Brian Galliford on Feb 28, 2008 3:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

No, you're right...

...and that's what's so depressing about the direction of this team- perpetually reactive to the market, floundering- going nowhere. I bought into rebuilding the last two seasons, but at some point, you need to make your move. I agree that teams are best built through the draft, but since 2003, we've lost many more quality veterans in free agency than we've signed. I think the ratio needs to equal out over a five year period or so or else the draft becomes nothing but a constant spinning of the wheels. I feel like this needs to be the season that the ratio swings back towards equalibrium since we have no quality free agents to lose. 2-3 impact players is what Wilson owes us BEFORE the draft.

Nick (Bensalem, PA)

by Nick BensalemPA on Feb 28, 2008 3:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

to be fair..

that "style" that the Bills don't have has gotten 29 other teams in the playoffs while the Bills enjoy 7-9 seasons with their "just wait 'til next year" appraoch.

All last season EVERYONE was saying "look out for 2008!" Now, i've already seen some, "wait for 2009" comments and its making me sick.

Eventually you have to make a move, and YES, that involves making moves in free agency.

The Bills did not draft James Lofton or cornelius Bennett, but both were big parts of the super bowl teams.

For as much as we hate the Pats, everyone looks at their blueprint to success, and you know what, it involved bringing in big time free agents like Adalius Thomas and Donte Stallworth as well as making big time trades to improve their team (Randy Moss).

The problem with the Bills is that they aren't "proactive." They go after free agents that not many other teams are intersted in and never seem to make an assertive effort to get the guys they want/need.

Be aggressive, offer trades, make competitive offers, do what needs to be done to make the team better. This is my biggest problem with Dick Jauron on the field and it's my biggest problem with the organization off of it. I'm all for building a team through the draft, but that doesn't mean don't use free agency or trades to their full advantage.

My biggest fear is that their biggest move sometime tommorrow is offering a guy like Ernest Wilford or Bryant Johnson a contract that would put Bernard Berrian and TJ Houshmanzada to shame.

Just to put that into perspective, TJ Houshmandzadeh, the league best #2 WR and pro bowler is looking for a 5 year, $25 million extension (http://rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=NFL&id=2552).

Meanwhile the bears offered Berrian a very similar deal (http://rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=NFL&id=36).

None of the other free agent WRs are worth this type of money. However, i have a feeling that this time tomorrow were going to be talking about signing one of these guys to a big contract Buffalo's "big" move of the off-season.

That's not acceptable and we should demand more from a team that is in a near decade long playoff drought.

(both are looking for 5 years, $25 million contracts - one via free agency, the other as an extension)

John I.

by jri111 on Feb 28, 2008 4:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

AMEN TO THAT!

that's the damn truth.

CB, DLine in FA WR, WLB in Draft

by poz on Feb 28, 2008 4:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Please show them how then.

The Bills did not draft James Lofton or cornelius Bennett, but both were big parts of the super bowl teams.

Lofton was given up for dead when they picked him up. Anyone could have had them. It wasn't some bold, aggressive move - just luck. Bennett was a hold out acquired in a trade before he ever played a down for Indy. That's pretty much the same thing as trading up in the draft to get someone you want, like they've done the last two years with McCargo and Poz.

What did Stallworth really due for them? He's free last time I saw. As for Moss, we all know that the Pats were probably one of the few places he'd excel, if he even would at all. No way he would have been a good fit for Buffalo last year.

Be aggressive, offer trades, make competitive offers, do what needs to be done to make the team better

Ok, how then? You really want to just go out and spend money for the sake of spending money? Who would you sign this year that's out there right now? I have to be honest, for the money some FA is going to get, I really don't see anyone out there who would be a huge difference for this team, considering their needs. Moss won't be a good fit here. Samuel is too much money for a Tampa 2 CB. Briggs is the only guy I can think of, and to be honest, I think he's somewhat overrated.

The "go ahead and make a trade" statement is so cliche. Someone usually says that when they don't have an answer, and just wants some kind of change. I ask, trade for who, and give up what?

Is Buffalo suffering from a playoff drought? Certainly so. But look where they came from. When Donahoe came in, he had the uneviable task of rebuilding the team. However, isntead of breaking it down and building it back up, he just tried to tweak it here and there in order to give the illusion they were playoff contenders. When Marv and Company took over, they did break it down, and are still building it back up. It may take longer this way, but it's what you do when you want to be competitve for years and years, and not just make the playoffs once and bounce out early.

by krytime on Feb 28, 2008 4:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

trade for who and give up what?

trade for who: Shaun Rogers

give up what?: loaded with draft picks and a young, former starting QB

Seems simple enough to me.

CB, DLine in FA WR, WLB in Draft

by poz on Feb 28, 2008 5:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The only way Roger's sees Rich Stadium

Is if he plays for the visiting team. Buffalo hasn't been linked to him once, except here.

I've been bagged for over-inflating JP's worth here. So in this case I agree; he is an asset to the extent he has talent. No question there.

I am sick of hearing the "we have so many picks" statement. I think it's great, but it's not a cure all. The only valuable extra pick is the third. The fifth is nice, but really, you don't build your roster with guys picked in the latter stages of the draft - you do it in the first four rounds.

by krytime on Feb 28, 2008 6:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

NO

We are not going to be conservative this offseason, we simply won't. This team is "THIS" close to becoming a playoff contender for the next 7 years. We have the youthful play makers on both sides of the ball. This offseason is the reason we were so conservative in previous years, you have to wait for the right year to strike or you end up losing out. Well this is the right year. We know it, the Bills know it, how can they no make major moves?

CB, DLine in FA WR, WLB in Draft

by poz on Feb 28, 2008 3:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Wide receivers

What about Donte Stallworth? He's the same age/experience as Josh Reed, with 50% more yards and four times as many TDs... I'd certainly rather have him than Booker. Though he might have a bigger salary than Wilford; more in the Bryant Johnson range.

by Krenn on Feb 28, 2008 3:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Size > Speed

Stallworth is a deep threat. Notice that he was virtually absent in New England's offense last season; the Pats had a deep threat and a couple of underneath guys (or more... Welker, Faulk, Watson, Gaffney) to move the chains. The Bills have their deep threat, now they need their chain-mover. Stallworth would probably be just as effective as Peerless Price was in Buffalo.

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

by Brian Galliford on Feb 28, 2008 3:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

He is also

Going onto his fourth team in what...5 years? He ended up below Jabbar Gaffney on the Pats depth chart this year. No way I would take Stallworth!

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP on Feb 28, 2008 3:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, after signing a 1-year deal.

Doesn't really count; the Saints traded him for Simoneau and a draft pick, and the Patriots really signed him to a 1-year deal with a strange option clause. So he's never actually been cut from a team.

Thing is, in 04-05, he averaged 13.2 and 13.5 yards per reception with 35 and 50 first downs. So I'd say he can be a chain-mover; Philly didn't use him that way, and New England didn't either. But he still had more receptions last year than any Jags player. Ouch.

by Krenn on Feb 28, 2008 4:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Crazy thought

What about Brandon Lloyd? I've been here in DC for 2 years now and I must be honest, I really can't stand the Skins, so I don't bother following them much. As such, I don't have any great insight. I do know that Lloyd didn't do a thing while here. However, its a well known fact that when Gibbs makes up his mind not to like you, you don't play. That clearly happened with Lloyd.

So, I think that he wouldn't be a bad, "all else failed" pick up. He's a young, fairly big guy. I just hope the Bills don't get into the "all else failed" part of their offseason plans. Actually, as I type this, what little part of this prospect I liked I hate more and more, but I'd like to hear from the rest of you.

by DCRumbler on Feb 28, 2008 4:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

no way

doesn't lloyd only have something like 14 catches in two years with the Skins? That's more than Gibbs not liking you, that is being terrible.

CB, DLine in FA WR, WLB in Draft

by poz on Feb 28, 2008 4:34 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

What about Ben Troupe?

What about Ben Troupe here, I have been reading about how the Bills need a Tight End but I am not comfortable about putting a rookie or another stop-gap player in there. I bet Ben Troupe would be an affordable pick-up with a ton of upside. I remember when he came out of college he was looked at as a real physical player that could make plays in the passing game. Looking at his numbers in the passing game he did (for the first two years), however it appears that after Vince Young took over that those numbers dropped, do you think that Vince Young like J.P Losman just ignore his TE? With Trent Edwards ability to get the ball to the check-down guy I really like the possibility of getting Ben Troupe

by applet68 on Feb 28, 2008 5:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Troupe

I wouldn't oppose signing him, though he wouldn't be high on my list of priorities.

I still hope we bring in a draft pick as our "new" TE. I could live with a Royal, Gaines, top 3 round draftee as our TE's next year...

by Kurupt on Feb 28, 2008 11:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Just

a gut feeling---I think that we are going to make a BIG splash for at least one big time FA signing this year. Can't tell you why just a feeling, hope I right.

Bills fan in PA

by Bills fan in PA on Feb 28, 2008 5:41 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

define big time

I am of the opinion that the only big names out there are Moss, Briggs and Samuel. I don't think The Bills will sign any of those three. So who do you have in mind?

by kaisertown on Feb 28, 2008 6:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

wow

I missed all this rumbling today as I was out of town working, but here is what I got.

A) saying we have picks and how its great is not garbage. It is a huge asset. You BUILD through the draft. Its obvious. Especially in todays NFL landscape. Overpaying for high-priced FA's is never a good thing. It handicaps you and you don't know how well they will ever fit. in. But having 10 draft picks is always a great thing.

b) I feel like Rogers or Briggs becomes a Bill. Jauron needs to pull the trigger on one of those guys

c) Stacking productive drafts on top of another is how you get good. Secondly, improving from within. Whitner, Evans, Parrish, Pos, Simpson, McCargo, etc all have to get better, take leadership roles. But obviously it will mostly come down to how Edwards handles being "the guy."

c) with Jenkins, MARCUS STROUD, Rogers all available for a trade. Get one of em and sign em up.

Thats all I got. I want to see ESPN bottom line:

Bills sign FA LB LANCE BRIGGS TO 6 years $61 million dollar contract

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Feb 28, 2008 6:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Silliest thing I've seen all day.

Bills sign FA LB LANCE BRIGGS TO 6 years $61 million dollar contract

If the Bills really would have wanted him, they would have made a trade for him last year before he was franchised. Also, they would've gotten him cheaper, and younger. Why would they sign him to that now? They had the same LB need after losing Spikes and Fletcher. This would just be an example of getting a name player so your franchise can make a "splash," and sell jerseys and tickets.

by krytime on Feb 28, 2008 6:55 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

a joke man

It a word you probably don't know...facetious.

Briggs fits the cover 2 100x better than Spikes and Fletcher so don't give me that comparison. I would love to have him but obviously its wishful thinking. If I have to see Keith Ellison play another year I'll puke. No team on the NFL would ever have him starting.

I agree we shouldn't spend money just to spend money. But you have to pick your places. With 10 draft picks, maybe comp pick coming, and maybe another coming in a Losman trade, the arsenal is there for a big off-season.

I agree its a long run process. Regardless of people hating on Dick Jauron and the staff, they are building something. 3 years is not enough to get results. Especially when you had to blow up the circuz Donahoe had running

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Feb 28, 2008 7:14 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Smartest thing I have heard since I've been here

"3 years is not enough to get results"

For a small market team to get results, it takes more than three years. When you don't have the money to flip your roster, you need to do it via the draft. We started this two years ago with the guys we have drafted and with 10 and possibly more picks, we have some wiggle room. Obviously we will not have 10 or more rookies on the roster next year, so this allows us the ability to trade up, trade down and even a little of both including getting picks in upcoming drafts.

Remember: The Raven thought giving up a 2008 3rd round pick would be a late 3rd rounder. The Ravens thought they were a contender, but now look at the value we got for Willis (It is funny that we are playing games in Toronto now that he is gone... maybe he had some insider information).

Anyway, MARVelous has great points. Whether or not we break the bank in free agency and/or pull off a monster trade, I have FULL confidence we will have another great draft. That will allow us to get to 9-7 or 10-6 and make a run at the playoffs (we were really close at 9-7 last year).

This is looking at it from a logical sense and what will probably happen. I think we will sign a few guys, but we are not there yet... very close. I could see us being conservative this year via free agency, having a great draft class, then next year going for it all.

JUST WAIT!!!

by hilliarddavid on Feb 28, 2008 7:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

some big names cut today

do we go after ne of these guys?

Javon Kearse
Lorenzo Neal
Isaac Bruce
David Givens

by jwest529 on Feb 28, 2008 7:35 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I don't see it happening

All have pretty serious question marks.

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

by Brian Galliford on Feb 28, 2008 7:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Too bad

Too bad Kearse isn't what he used to be. And Isaac Bruce was cut? He must be the last player left that played for the L.A. Rams.

I'd take Kearse in place of Jefferson, though.

by Krenn on Feb 28, 2008 8:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

critizque

not meant to say that 3 years is not enough to get results. 5 years of building will set a foundation for the future. There are too many variables to just axe coaches and regimes after 3 years. So everyone says this is a "make or break year" for Jauron, and I don't agree as long as we continue to see progress in the direction of building a team by increasing talent, managing the cap, and improving schemes.

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Feb 28, 2008 7:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs