Report: Bills sign Giants LB Kawika Mitchell

by Brian Galliford on Feb 29, 2008 11:39 AM EST in Buffalo Bills News

Update [2008-2-29 13:23:1 by Brian Galliford]: Per KFFL, Adam Schefter is reporting that Mitchell's deal is a 5-year contract worth $17.5 million. End Update

Update [2008-2-29 12:9:14 by Brian Galliford]: The Mitchell signing is official, as it's being reported on the official site. End Update

Following the news that Jaguars DT Marcus Stroud will visit the Buffalo Bills today comes a Buffalo News report that the Bills have agreed to terms with Giants LB Kawika Mitchell. The 28-year old Mitchell started all 16 games for the Super Bowl champion New York Giants and is expected, according to the report, to assume strong-side linebacker responsibilities in Buffalo.

The report indicates that Mitchell will be in Buffalo later today to sign his deal. If the suggestion that he'll play strong side is true, it likely means that Angelo Crowell will shift back to the weak side, a position he manned while Takeo Spikes still donned a Bills uniform.

Troupe, Wilford in Buffalo?
Adam Schefter of the NFL Network is also reporting that Titans free agent tight end Ben Troupe will visit Buffalo this weekend. That follows rumors, which we've reported on earlier, that Stroud's Jaguars teammate, WR Ernest Wilford, is expected to be in Buffalo over the weekend as well - we're still working on confirming that rumor.

Stay tuned for more Bills news throughout the day; please feel free to use this thread to post more rumors as they come along. If not here, use Kurupt's rumor thread - I'd like to try to keep this site as organized as possible today. :)

Update [2008-2-29 11:42:47 by Brian Galliford]: The Bills are now linked to Chargers CB Drayton Florence, who we've talked about for a few weeks now as a potentially excellent signing.

Update [2008-2-29 14:20:46 by Brian Galliford]: WGR 550 is reporting that the Bills are in talks with the agent of free agent TE Dwayne Blakley, the former backup to Alge Crumpler in Atlanta.

Update [2008-2-29 14:32:19 by Brian Galliford]: Ernest Wilford update: the busy Dolphins, as reported yesterday, are attempting to wrap up a deal with Ernest Wilford. No word yet on whether the Bills have contacted him or not.

Update [2008-2-29 15:13:57 by Brian Galliford]: Jaguars WR Ernest Wilford has signed with the Miami Dolphins. Crap. The Bills need to move quickly if they're going to sign a wideout; we cannot afford to rely on a rookie. I mentioned it yesterday: wideout should have been, and needs to be, priority number one. Look for the team to target D.J. Hackett next.

Update [2008-2-29 15:27:30 by Brian Galliford]: I know many of you were interested in pursuing TE Alge Crumpler, but he's a virtual lock in Seattle.

Update [2008-2-29 15:36:11 by Brian Galliford]: Reports are surfacing on ESPN that the Detroit Lions have traded DT Shaun Rogers to the Cincinnati Bengals. Third and fifth round picks to swing the deal. Link

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YES!!

Oh my god this is the greatest surprise! I thought the Giants were going to resign him so I gave up thinking about it. This guy is GOOD a HUSTLE PLAYER and he's a solid tackler. He's like Crowell and this really makes our linebackers great! YES!!!!!!!!

CB, DLine in FA WR, WLB in Draft

by poz on Feb 29, 2008 11:43 AM EST reply actions

wow...

don't know too much about Mitchell so i'll have to do some research.

Kind of a surprise move, since he's a strong side 'backer and all. I guess that moves Crowell to weakside. I don't know how i feel about this at the moment...

John I.

by jri111 on Feb 29, 2008 11:44 AM EST reply actions

I feel great

Crowell enjoyed his break-out years on the weak side. He's great in that role, though I think we're sacrificing a little speed. I love a Mitchell/Posluszny/Crowell linebacking corps, and it eliminates a draft need.

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by Brian Galliford on Feb 29, 2008 11:47 AM EST up reply actions

Kawika has speed

My roommate is a huge Giants fan so when I wasn't at the Bills bar I was watching Giants games and let me tell you, all season I thought this guy was underrated and could definately be in a Bills jersey next year. I'm ecstatic the G-Men didn't lock him up. To my knowledge and from watching him play, One of Kawika's strenghts is his speed, the other his tackling. I'm telling you, if we can now sign Stroud or Rogers, we have just become a playoff destined defense. Now how about that offense?

CB, DLine in FA WR, WLB in Draft

by poz on Feb 29, 2008 11:50 AM EST up reply actions

sacrificing a little speed

This may be okay. Ideally you want size and speed. The Bills already have enough small and fast guys. The defense needs more size and versatility, particularly in the front seven, and if they have to sacrifice a little speed to do it, that may be okay.

I'm not thrilled about Mitchell...yet. We'll see.

How good do you want the Bills to be?

by Fort Worth on Feb 29, 2008 11:57 AM EST up reply actions

Not a bad move at all

Here is the contract terms and stats from last season.

The deal is for $17.5 million over five years, with a $3.5 million signing bonus.

The five-year veteran started all 16 games for the Giants last season after being the team's only notable free-agent addition a year ago. He finished with 87 tackles, 3½ sacks and an interception -- which he returned for a touchdown against the Bills (argh).

He is 6'1" and 253 pounds, last year Scouts Inc rated him a 67 which should be a little bit higher after this season. They say about him:

He was a 16-game starter in the middle in 2006 and led the Chiefs with 104 tackle for the season. He is a two-year starter for the Chiefs at the MLB position. He is a good starter, but would not be described as much of a playmaker for the position. He is an every-down player in their defense. He is a smart player and adjusted well this season to the shift to the Cover 2 defense. He is a good overall athlete for the position. He plays hard and he competes on every single down. His athletic ability is better than his strength and he is better uncovered then covered up in their defense. He has improved as a leader in their defense and he does a good job of shifting and aligning players in the front four based on the offensive alignment pre-snap. He has improved his awareness and instincts for the position. Early in his career he would take some false steps in run support but this season he did a much better job of trusting his feel and playing with more of an attacking style. He is a player that shows good sideline to sideline speed and range. He is a player that can make plays out near the numbers based on his hustle and effort, rather than speed. He is not a physical take-on player in the run game. He has size, but he can get engulfed inline and is not a quick-shed player in run support. He is a willing take-on player and will not back down, but you would like to see him shed and make more tackles. Most of his tackles come as a freed up player that can get to the ball with little contact or avoid ability. He is a solid tackler inline and out in space. He is not very explosive, but he is dependable to get the man down to the ground. He shows good enough speed to run the middle of the field in their Cover 2 defense. He can flip his hips and he shows good speed to run with the tight end seam route. He shows good initial quickness to buzz from his zone drop. His instincts from his zone drops are just adequate. He does not break up a lot of passes and can be a step late when trying to make a play on the ball instead of the defender. He is a steady player, but he lacks play making ability. Last season he had two sacks and three pass-deflections despite being an every-down player. He has not forced one fumble in the past two seasons as a starter, which is not a real good stat for an every-down middle linebacker. He makes most of the plays he should, but he is not a guy that makes any plays that he shouldn't.

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

by WABillsfan on Feb 29, 2008 3:35 PM EST up reply actions

solid signing

It's not anything I am too excited about. I guess we won't be going linebacker in the first round.

by kaisertown on Feb 29, 2008 11:46 AM EST reply actions

good sign

I can't type in the response that my Giants fan wife made after I told her the news, or else I would have to delete it.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Feb 29, 2008 11:50 AM EST reply actions

Haaa

Love the idea of raiding the champs. Just keep telling her that. Stroke the ego. :)

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by Brian Galliford on Feb 29, 2008 11:51 AM EST up reply actions

Yeah

Having a guy who just won a superbowl can't be bad for the young Bills team...

by fletcherjd on Feb 29, 2008 6:28 PM EST up reply actions

per rotoworld...

He played the weakside for the Giants, so the Buffalo News may be jumping the gun assuming that he's going to play outside. Then again, at 253 he would probably fit better on the Strong Side and allow Crowell (235) to move to the weakside. Could make Crowell a star on the weakside too...

I think i'm really liking this!

John I.

by jri111 on Feb 29, 2008 11:51 AM EST reply actions

Yeah

Giants didn't play a Cover-2, keep in mind. Mitchell isn't great in coverage, which makes him ideally suited to strong side in this defense. He's aggressive, plays with solid leverage, and can make plays in the backfield. I'm telling you, if Posluszny can stay healthy, we're going to have a very active linebacking corps next year.

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by Brian Galliford on Feb 29, 2008 11:53 AM EST up reply actions

I had thought about this

but didn't report on it this past week. I loved his work-ethic, hustle that I saw with him through the season. He does his job very well, but is by no means a leader of the LB core, but he does his job very well. Plus, he is a great blitzer, that is good at timing his blitzes. I guess this rules out my deep-down hope that Briggs could be a Bill. I gotta imagine he is getting $4-5 million a year.

Mitchell, Pos, Crowell. I can live with it. Still need to draft a LB.

Now get Stroud, Wilford, and Troupe.

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Feb 29, 2008 11:52 AM EST reply actions

Troupe/Briggs

Briggs would have been nice but I think the price tag is to high for the Bills, especially considering contracts they gave out to Walker, Kelsey, Schobel, and Dockery over the past year.

And Troupe, the Bills need to pick up Troupe, if they get him that frees up a lot of needs (making our TE group decent) and allows us to use those ten draft picks of ours on depth and some impact players.

by applet68 on Feb 29, 2008 11:58 AM EST up reply actions

weak sid

I thought he was a weak side guy too. With Antonio Pierce on the strong side.

I don't see him being a good fit for the strong side. I think he is a weak side guy with Crowell Strong side and pos in the middle

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Feb 29, 2008 11:53 AM EST reply actions

Negative

Pierce was their middle linebacker. Mitchell played weak side, yes, but again, it wasn't a Cover-2 base. He's ideal for strong side in a Cover-2, which I'm nearly positive he played for Herm Edwards in KC a couple of years ago.

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by Brian Galliford on Feb 29, 2008 11:58 AM EST up reply actions

definately

Mitchell definately played strongside in a cover two in KC. He had lots of success too. 104 and 105 tackles in 2005 and 2006. I am liking this signing more and more. The most important thing about it is freeing up Crowell to play the weakside where he can be more of a difference maker.

by kaisertown on Feb 29, 2008 12:05 PM EST up reply actions

Out of left field

Surprised by this signing, but like it nonetheless.

I was hoping we'd grab him last year when his price tag was lower. Oh well, better late than never. He brings some toughness that this D needs....

by Kurupt on Feb 29, 2008 11:56 AM EST reply actions

Crowell to the weakside

I'm really a fan of getting Crowell to the weakside, where he excelled in 2005. I like this signing a great deal. Mitchell is already adapt at scoring TDs at Ralph Wilson Stadium so maybe he can teach Trent Edwards a few of his tricks. Seriously, if they can land Stroud and maybe one more player this weekend, I think they will have filled enough of their holes to head into the draft with an actual plan in place. So far, so good.

Nick (Bensalem, PA)

by Nick BensalemPA on Feb 29, 2008 12:00 PM EST reply actions

negative

he played MLB for the Chiefs. He has 5 years of experience. Had a 106 tackles for them in 2006. And the Chiefs played a Cover 2 Def. He has good sideline to sideline speed. I don't like him on the strong side but at 6'1", 253, he has decent size

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Feb 29, 2008 12:02 PM EST reply actions

Interesting

So what we've got here are three players (Crowell, Mitchell, Posluszny) who can all play inside or outside. Very interesting indeed.

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by Brian Galliford on Feb 29, 2008 12:06 PM EST up reply actions

I thought

Kendrell Bell played inside for them? I guess not. It would be good to have someone with inside experience on the roster. No offense to DiGiorgio, but he is a little undersized in the middle.

by kaisertown on Feb 29, 2008 12:08 PM EST up reply actions

But 52 provides GREAT depth

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by Brian Galliford on Feb 29, 2008 12:10 PM EST up reply actions

Oh I LOVE DiGiorgio

If the Bills let him try, I think he would beat out Ellison as the primary backup at WLB as well as MLB. I'm just hoping that regardless of who gets hurt Ellison won't play. The less that Ellison is on the field, the better the Bills will be.

by kaisertown on Feb 29, 2008 12:52 PM EST up reply actions

Chris Brown on Mitchell's position

Link

MITCHELL FITS BILLS PROFILE: A hard-nosed linebacker that has spent about four or five years in the league is 28 or younger and has been productive and relatively healthy. That's what Buffalo usually looks for on the free agent market, or at least they have during the Dick Jauron era. And that's Mitchell. Right now it's unclear whether he'll play on the weak or strong side, but they may want to leave on the weak side where he played for the Giants to make the transition to Perry Fewell's scheme as easy as possible. ---

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by Brian Galliford on Feb 29, 2008 12:13 PM EST reply actions

Kawika Mitchell

I know he's not the flashy signing that everybody wanted, but he's a solid player and perfect for the strong side. He definitely won't be a liability on the field (like Ellison was). It's pretty awesome that teams can't look at our LBs and say, "let's run at this guy" if we get Mitchell. Mitchell reminds me of Rey Maualuga of USC with the way he hits and blitzes. Couldn't be happier with the signing. Really frees us up in the draft with such a weak crop of LBs.

You'd have to think that if we do get Stroud and Troupe, the Bills will WR in the 1st.

"I don't agree with a damn thing you say, but I would die for your right to say it."

by ForeignArrow on Feb 29, 2008 12:14 PM EST reply actions

I keep

forgetting about Digirgio. A typical Jauron guy. I guess I can tolerate having him on the roster because he really did a pretty remarkable job last year. If we can add some big mamoths up front that LB core with some hungry guys in their prime LB years, will be able to fly to the football. Also, believe that if we get Stroud we can use Mitchell and Whitner as blitzer. We still need a DE IMO, and have no problem taking Harvey sometime in the 1st round.

I just love the INSTANTANEOUS INFORMATION! LOVE TECHNOLOGY!

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Feb 29, 2008 12:15 PM EST reply actions

Bri

So, technically he played the weakside, although for the Giants that position was a blitz heave LB position

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Feb 29, 2008 12:16 PM EST reply actions

Pretty much

He dropped into coverage some, but like I said, he's average there. He's a solid blitzer and plays very fast coming forward. Hard hitter. From what I've seen, anyways...

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by Brian Galliford on Feb 29, 2008 12:17 PM EST up reply actions

What are the terms?

The contract terms really decides whether the signing was a good one. Hopefully, it is not like what we have seen with other players so far. What are the rules on terms disclosure? It always seems like the Bills terms come out a bit later than other signings. Also, I checked to see the Scouts, Inc. ratings on Stroud, Rogers and Jenkins. Interestingly, and not surprisingly, they each had a rating of 80 each (very, very high scores). Mitchell has a rating of 66 (average). Let me know if you want me to paste any of these evaluations.

by labill on Feb 29, 2008 12:28 PM EST reply actions

Re: contract terms

The Bills never disclose them, but the terms usually pop up in one place or another. Trust me, if we hear anything, you'll see it here - the ink just needs to dry first. :)

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by Brian Galliford on Feb 29, 2008 12:30 PM EST up reply actions

Clarification

Does anyone know if Leon Joe is still on the Bills' roster? I though he was an unrestricted free agent but the Buffalo News http://buffalonews.typepad.com/billboard/2008/02/wire-and-lb-dep.html has him listed as under contract. I'm interested regarding the likilihood of bringing back Haggan and/or Stamer.

Nick (Bensalem, PA)

by Nick BensalemPA on Feb 29, 2008 12:37 PM EST reply actions

Re: Joe

I reported earlier this off-season that he was, and he's also currently listed under "Unsigned Players" on the official roster at the official site. (I say "official" a lot.)

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by Brian Galliford on Feb 29, 2008 12:41 PM EST up reply actions

Cautionary note

From the Giants board:

I think Mitchell wanted to stay, but he saw the writing on the wall when Gerris Wilkerson filled in for him late in the season. I like Mitchell's experience, but Wilk is super-fast which is what you need in the LB position (look at Wes Welker own Mitchell in short passes in the middle during the SB).

by Thronsen on Feb 29, 2008 12:59 PM EST reply actions

No worries

Wilkinson played well in the playoffs when Mitchell was dinged up; he's younger, a bit faster, and cheaper. Why would the Giants have re-signed Mitchell with Wilkinson on board?

No need to worry. Mitchell is only 28 and has plenty of good football in front of him. Fast football.

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by Brian Galliford on Feb 29, 2008 1:03 PM EST up reply actions

in fairness

Welker owned everbody all year on those underneath routes

by kaisertown on Feb 29, 2008 1:05 PM EST up reply actions

Mitchell's contract.....

Bills | K. Mitchell contract update
Fri, 29 Feb 2008 09:54:44 -0800

Updating a previous item, Adam Schefter, of the NFL Network, reports the Buffalo Bills signed free-agent LB Kawika Mitchell (Giants) to a five-year, $17.5 million deal.

VERY CHEAP SIGNING

Even better pickup for us then....

by Kurupt on Feb 29, 2008 1:59 PM EST reply actions

Wow

Love the contract. For a really solid player, he has had 2 straight years of less than enthusiastic FA reception. Strange, since he seems to be a tackling machine with speed, size and youth (and, apparently, good character).

by labill on Feb 29, 2008 2:16 PM EST up reply actions

just about to post that brian...

if that's true, it's a heck of a good deal for the Bills. Just over $3million a year. I wonder what the gurantee is. Overally though, i'm impressed!

John I.

by jri111 on Feb 29, 2008 1:59 PM EST reply actions

Very quiet on the Rogers front...

kinda surprised, expecially since the Lions have to pay him that bonus money in less then 10 hours!

Wonder if they decided to keep him.

John I.

by jri111 on Feb 29, 2008 2:00 PM EST reply actions

rogers/stroud

I'm waiting to hear by dinner time something with either of these guys. Not necessarily for the Bills but for some teams. You gotta think if by the time Stroud leaves Buffalo he is not signed, they must be calling Detroit. Although it just doesn't connect that they are going after him at all. I see no trail.

I think it is Stroud or bust for a DT.

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Feb 29, 2008 2:04 PM EST reply actions

BONUS

Mitchell guaranteed $5 million for signing. According to Adam Schefter

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Feb 29, 2008 2:07 PM EST reply actions

Makes me

wonder if they are settled in with the LB corps? Ellison/Digorgio/Joe as backups? Still room for improvement there. I could see us adding another LB, but probably not until the Draft.

DL - Schobel, McCargo, Williams, Kelsay, Denney, Stroud? Need to add depth here as well. I would be fine cutting Triplett depending on the repercussions of that to the cap

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Feb 29, 2008 2:09 PM EST reply actions

LB depth

I would still add a 3rd/4th rounder to the rotation. We need a guy who can replace Crowell next year if he's not resigned. We also need a guy who is better than the Ellisons and DiGiorgios of the team in case of injuries...

by Kurupt on Feb 29, 2008 2:25 PM EST up reply actions

Lemon

Cleo to the Jagss for 3/9? Seems like a ton of money for a very very average backup qb.

by jmorris0823 on Feb 29, 2008 2:22 PM EST reply actions

Bill Parcells

Is he trying to sign every Free Agent available? Good Lord

by Kurupt on Feb 29, 2008 2:59 PM EST reply actions

Someone should remind him

that Dan Snyder's ways have largely been ineffective.

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by Brian Galliford on Feb 29, 2008 3:02 PM EST up reply actions

well...

He does have a ton of spaces to fill, what did they have 3, 4, maybe 5 NFL players?

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Feb 29, 2008 3:03 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah...

...and they cut three of them.

by rexob on Feb 29, 2008 3:32 PM EST up reply actions

Wilford Gone...

to Miami according to the miami herald. I saw on pft.com

Plus the phish got Randy Starks DT, and LB Reggie Torbor.

What a influx of talent today for the phish. Although it is a long way to go for them

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Feb 29, 2008 3:14 PM EST reply actions

WR

makes you do wonder if we nab a DT here via trade if WR would be the #11 pick.

I was surprised some las year with Marshawn I maybe surprised again

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Feb 29, 2008 3:15 PM EST reply actions

That would be dumb

I hate the idea of picking a wideout at #11. We'll be forced to if we can't address WR through free agency. We need to figure out what's going on with Stroud fast so we can move on... we need to be buzzing Hackett's cell phone right now.

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by Brian Galliford on Feb 29, 2008 3:19 PM EST up reply actions

Open and shut

I dont think it is such an obvious situation Brian. I would've been bitter if they gave somebody like Wilford 5 M per year considering he hasnt accomplished much of anything in the NFL. Hackett has injury concerns, but if he comes for the right price he is a better option than Wilford.

Moving down would be best, but if the Bills fell in love with a WR at 11 I would trust their instincts. Lee Evans came at 17ish I think, and while I want more from him, most people dont view that as a "dumb" pick.

by jmorris0823 on Feb 29, 2008 3:22 PM EST up reply actions

Disagree

Pretty much whole-heartedly. I was never making the mistake that Wilford was an elite receiver, just that he'd be a nice stopgap, well-rounded option while we groomed a rookie. Hackett's injury concerns leave a bitter taste in my mouth, but clearly, when he's healthy, he puts up better numbers than Wilford.

Evans was the 13th pick.

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by Brian Galliford on Feb 29, 2008 3:25 PM EST up reply actions

so

What do you disagree with? You think we should've signed Wilford even though Hackett is a better option? Or we should have overpaid for Wilford? Or the first round WR? Or Lee being a solid pick?

by jmorris0823 on Feb 29, 2008 3:38 PM EST up reply actions

Hackett > Wilford

Wilford was a far safer option, especially considering that any WR we sign is a stopgap option.

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by Brian Galliford on Feb 29, 2008 3:42 PM EST up reply actions

good stuff

Glad Wilford isn't here, never high on the idea of adding an average receiver to a team filled with average receivers. I am normally very anti-first round WR, but if we can move down I wouldn't mind. As somebody said, almost nobody thought the Bills would take Marshawn early last year and that has worked out pretty well so far.

by jmorris0823 on Feb 29, 2008 3:19 PM EST reply actions

Update on Rogers (Sort of)

from PFT:

POSTED 3:16 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

JAGUARS MAY TRADE FOR ROGERS by Michael David Smith

The Jacksonville Jaguars are looking to trade veteran defensive tackle Marcus Stroud, and now they may be looking to replace him by trading for veteran defensive tackle Shaun Rogers.

The Jacksonville Times-Union reports that the Jaguars are in discussions with the Detroit Lions about acquiring Rogers, whom the Lions hope to trade before a $1 million roster bonus comes due Saturday.

But the Lions may be willing to pay Rogers the bonus, even though they don't expect him to be in Detroit next season, just to give themselves more time to orchestrate a trade. Other teams said to be interested in Rogers include the Broncos and Jets.

Both Stroud and Rogers are big, talented defensive tackles who have had injury problems. Both have also served four-game suspensions for violating the league's policy on anabolic steroids and related substances.

-----

I just read the article they were referencing though and it was posted at 7:30 this morning. So no new real news...

John I.

by jri111 on Feb 29, 2008 3:25 PM EST reply actions

well

I hate the idea as well, but it makes you wonder what player is really worth the #11 pick to fit our needs.

Yeah, Wilford wasn't great but I'd love to have him for jump balls in the red zone. He beat us in the opener a few years ago and thats exactly what we need

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Feb 29, 2008 3:25 PM EST reply actions

hackett

not what I want to see. I can't believe the Phish today! Sucks having Parcells in our division. We are so damn conservative I feel sometimes but its probably for the best.

I don't want Hackett at all. Does nothing for me. I'm sick of seeing 6'0" receivers on our team catch 2 passes a game per/person

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Feb 29, 2008 3:30 PM EST reply actions

well

Wilford has averaged 2 catches per game over the course of his career, so feel good about that atleast. Also, all this jump ball talk, yet he had 5 TDs over the last two years.

I'm just happy we haven't added another average receiver to our log jam of average receivers. Don't see anything worthwhile coming from it.

by jmorris0823 on Feb 29, 2008 3:41 PM EST up reply actions

Rogers to Cincy?

Uh oh.

Jax may rather hang on to Stroud now...

I really hope we can get that deal done. We NEED Stroud...

by Kurupt on Feb 29, 2008 3:39 PM EST reply actions

Nobody likes

Bryant Johnson. I personally feel he has more talent than Hackett and Wilford. He put up pretty decent numbers for a slot receiver the past few seasons.

As far as picking a WR in the 1st round goes... I think everybody loathes the idea because they expect 1st rounders to contribute right away. But the bottom line is: if we take one in the 1st we're going to get the top prospect... who could ultimately be the best available. It's not a "wasted" or "dumb" if that player turns out to be good. Kentwan Balmer was picked on this site's very own mock draft... rooke defensive lineman rarely, if ever, play at a high level in their rookie season's either. There's always a lag period. So what's the difference, Brian, in taking a developmental WR or a developmental DT?

We better get Stroud or Rogers, that's all I have to say about that.

"I don't agree with a damn thing you say, but I would die for your right to say it."

by ForeignArrow on Feb 29, 2008 3:40 PM EST reply actions

agree completely

I don't like the idea of a first round WR, but it isn't the death knell that people assume it to be. A lot of positions don't produce for the most part as rookies, and I would rather have the highest ranked WR on the Bills board if they rank him higher than the 4th or 5th DT.

by jmorris0823 on Feb 29, 2008 3:44 PM EST up reply actions

running out of time...

Get STROUD deal done. I don't know how, but get it done. Rogers gone, Randy Starks gone, Tommy Kelly Gone, Corey Williams Gone

This is important. Find a way to get it done.

I can't believe the BENGALS sign WILLIAMS AND ROGERS! What a day for cinci fans.

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Feb 29, 2008 3:45 PM EST reply actions

#11

I am warming up to a WR at #11, just because I like the fact of who we could get there. But FA is far from over, and STROUD needs to be wearing red, white and blue.

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Feb 29, 2008 3:46 PM EST reply actions

oh and my bad

Williams went to the browns. Oops

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Feb 29, 2008 3:47 PM EST reply actions

darn!!

i was still REALLY holding out for Rogers... well they BETTER get Stroud now!

John I.

by jri111 on Feb 29, 2008 3:50 PM EST reply actions

dont feel bad

He had his most productive years under Jauron, if the Bills thought Rogers was worth it they would've made a play. Obviously something is missing there.

by jmorris0823 on Feb 29, 2008 4:00 PM EST up reply actions

Thanks for all the updates B,

I love coming home from work and seeing that we are at least being active and addressing some important needs. The moves at LB and DT would definitly upgrade this defense. I really could only see them adding another cornerback and maybe a backup safety and DE.

But in all honesty, shouldn't we be trying our damndest to upgrade the offense? Troupe is a way better option then gaines and will probably push Royal into the number two TE slot which would be another upgrade. I really am warming up to the idea of signing Johnson. He has a tremendous amount of potential.

Sorry guys I know I havent been active on here in a while and that was alot to read from me. Gotta go back to work now.

Do you BILLieve?

by NYTXFAN on Feb 29, 2008 4:33 PM EST reply actions

Jenkins, Rogers, Stroud?

Interesting that each are rated an 80 under Scouts, Inc. (top players), each, I think, came into the league the same year (2001) (i.e., same age), and each were non-Free Agents being made available (with similar bagage). Both Jenkins and Rogers were traded today for a 3rd and 5th round picks (early in the rounds). Jacksonville is going to need the same or more from the Bills -- they'll look bad, otherwise. I think we should do it -- does anybody have an objection to a 3rd and 5th for Stroud? (By the way, I would have ranked Stroud higher than Rogers and Jenkins (each with their bagage).

by labill on Feb 29, 2008 5:40 PM EST reply actions

Triplett Released!!

Just checked the Bills website and they are reporting that Larry Triplett has been released!!

by applet68 on Feb 29, 2008 5:58 PM EST reply actions

That means we are getting Stroud

Thats the only reason to release Triplett. They must want the cash he was commanding to use to rework Stroud's contract. Holy crap guys, this may be it!!!!!

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

by WABillsfan on Feb 29, 2008 6:00 PM EST up reply actions

Why release Triplett

Did he really have zero trade value? Would have thought we could get something for him.

by Thronsen on Feb 29, 2008 6:23 PM EST up reply actions

Is this true???

Bills sign DT

Saturday, March 01, 2008 - 01:59 AM

The Buffalo Bills have signed Spencer Johnson a DT from the vikings, 6-3 286. Stay tuned for more info.

Spencer Johnson | #97 | DT
Minnesota Vikings | Official Team Site
Height: 6-3 Weight: 286 Age: 26
Born: 12/12/1981 Waynesboro , MS
College: Auburn
Experience: 4th season
High School: Southern Choctaw HS [Silas, AL]

from www.billsinsider.com

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

by grego32 on Feb 29, 2008 9:31 PM EST reply actions

Working on confirmation

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

by Brian Galliford on Feb 29, 2008 9:34 PM EST up reply actions

Who is this guy

I have never heard of this guy. Even if we sign this guy, we are at least going to need 4 DT on the roster. Are we going to trade for Rogers, Stroud or draft a guy?

by hilliarddavid on Feb 29, 2008 9:42 PM EST up reply actions

Defensive tackle

Essentially, he's Larry Tripplett. Four-year veteran, slightly undersized (6-3, 286 vs. 6-2, 293), with most of his snaps coming in relief, and one good year (Tripplett had 5 career sacks, with 4 in '05 before signing; Johnson has 4 career sacks, with 3 last year).

On the plus side, he's one of only three free agent DTs who was on the field for at least 40% of their teams' defensive snaps last year.
(http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=3267228)

by Krenn on Feb 29, 2008 10:17 PM EST up reply actions

Krenn is right

Johnson certainly won't prevent the Bills from trading for Stroud. I'm pretty sure that acguiring Stroud is the number 1 thing the Bills want to accomplish. If they do miss out on Stroud they will still draft a DT early.

The only thing I would add to Krenn's assesment is that Johnson is a better pass rusher than Triplett. Personally, I like the move. Triplett doesn't really excel at anything, so he doesn't make for a good situational player.

Ideally the Bills will have McCargo and Stroud starting next year with Williams rotating in to keep them fresh and Johnson coming in on passing downs.

by kaisertown on Feb 29, 2008 11:01 PM EST up reply actions

As long as

The Bills ARE thinking along the lines as you Kaiser, I am fine. Meaning, that they are not signing Johnson to be the starter along McCargo for us. That could be disaster.

by Kumario! on Mar 1, 2008 12:24 AM EST up reply actions