 |
|
|
It turns out that CB really was the Bills' next big addition. After ignoring the position in April's Draft, the Bills today inked free agent CB Jason Webster, an eight-year veteran who spent the last few years with the Atlanta Falcons. Webster's experience was a huge asset to the Bills, who are very green at the position. Terrence McGee has never been a #1 corner, Ashton Youboty has played in a total of three NFL games and Kiwaukee Thomas and Jabari Greer are better suited for slot roles.
Bills Director of Pro Personnel was quoted in the Bills' press release: "He's a disciplined player with quick feet," said Bills director of pro personnel John Guy who scouted him in college. "He's small in stature, but for his size he's pretty physical and courageous in throwing his body around. He understands leverage. He's a solid player."
The Falcoholic had a not-so-ringing endorsement of Webster when he was released on May 10:
"Courtesy of ESPN, it appears Webster will be seeking to prove his worth for a different team. I have no doubt he can contribute for another team, but as someone who had to watch him attempt to cover people in Atlanta, I have one simple word.
Woo!"
First of all, I think of the free agents available, Webster was probably the one of the two best options out there. He is not, however, a starting cornerback. He failed miserably in that role in Atlanta. The biggest issue with Webster is his injury history. He signed a six-year deal with Atlanta in 2004 despite appearing in just five games the prior year with the San Francisco 49ers. He isn't the most consistent of players and was often a player opposing quarterbacks picked on in his time with the Falcons. At this point in his career, he simply isn't starting material.
Luckily, I don't feel that Buffalo brought him here to start. I still believe that in the end, the starting duo will be McGee and Thomas. In nickel situations, Youboty will play outside with McGee and Thomas will shift to the slot man. Webster and Greer will fill out the depth chart; this makes me much more comfortable than a 4-5 depth chart of Greer and Eric Bassey. I think this is a good signing in terms of depth purposes, but I honestly don't expect Webster to earn much playing time ahead of our top three.
Thoughts on the signing?