With the NFL's free agent signing period set to begin in 37 days, the Buffalo Bills are reportedly looking to lock up one of its most valuable players as quickly as possible. Running back Fred Jackson, in a recent story for The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, revealed his desire to sign with the Bills long-term, and indicated that the Bills are reciprocating the notion:
"I've got to negotiate a contract coming up, so we'll see what happens with that," said Jackson. "I'm pretty sure I'll be back in Buffalo. We've talked to them already. They want to do some things to kind of keep me there, and I want to be there."
See? There can be good news out of Buffalo these days. Jackson, who established himself as a valuable asset as a runner and receiver during a 2008 season in which he rushed for 571 yards, caught 37 passes and scored three touchdowns, is an exclusive rights free agent. That means that the Bills hold exclusive negotiating rights with the soon-to-be 28-year-old runner, and many had feared that the Bills would simply tender Jackson for a year and allow him to become a restricted free agent in 2010, where his options would be more wide-ranging. That, however, isn't the case, as the Bills are looking to lock Jackson into a multi-year arrangement.
If you recall, Jackson was one of nine players that the community identified as "extendable", or contract extension-worthy, during our roster breakdowns. So far, Buffalo's front office sees eye to eye with us. When that happens, all is well.
Kollar gets a promotion: For those of you still thirsty for details on the departure of defensive line coach Bill Kollar to Houston - I know, that's probably millions of you - Kollar received a promotion to Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Line in Houston, the same title that former Lions head coach Rod Marinelli received in Chicago.
Schobel on Kollar: Bills DE Aaron Schobel reacted to Kollar's departure. He's excited to play golf with him. Just make sure you get your foot healed up, Aaron.
Bills rocking the Hall of Fame: ESPN.com's Tim Graham says Canton is a nice consolation prize for the four-loss Super Bowl Bills. Yeah, but...
Mike Schopp has weird taste: Mike Schopp of WGR 550 in Buffalo briefly pens the Bills' Top 10 moments of the past decade. Number one is hard to argue with, but the rest are a little strange. Take a gander and join my puzzlement.
Matty I no likey Rex Ryan: Sure, he's a dirty, stinking Dolphins fan, but when he trashes a dirty, stinking new Jets head coach, well, he earns more respect from me. Great work from Matty I at The Phinsider.
Static ticket prices: The Bills announced recently that ticket prices would remain the same in 2009 as they were in 2008. Yes, the team will still make more money next season, based on the fact that they're playing an extra game next season (the '08 pre-season export to Toronto returns to The Ralph next year; yippee). No word on whether the decision was made to avoid massive revolution from the fan base.