Buffalo Bills 2006 Offseason (1 Viewer)

[Aaron Rudnicki]

No pay cut for Moulds, agent says

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Bills receiver's exit more likely as cap looms

By ALLEN WILSON

News Sports Reporter

2/26/2006

INDIANAPOLIS - The chances of wide receiver Eric Moulds staying with the Buffalo Bills were already slim. Now his departure appears a virtual certainty.

Moulds' agent, Harry Henderson, said his client has no intention of taking a pay cut to remain with the Bills.

"I don't think that's an option at all," Henderson told The Buffalo News at the NFL Scouting Combine. "He's under contract, so they should pay him. If they want to reduce him, I just don't think he's going to be there."

Moulds, signed through 2007, is scheduled to count $10.85 million against the Bills' 2006 salary cap. The Bills were hoping the 10-year veteran would restructure his contract to lower that cap number.

Henderson is scheduled to speak to Jim Overdorf, the Bills' vice president of football operations and lead contract negotiator, over the telephone Monday. But Henderson's position won't change.

"We signed the contract, and the intent is stay with and play it out until the contract is completed," he said. "If they don't want to do it, we can't control that."

Cutting Moulds would save the Bills $5.5 million against the cap, but he would still count as $5.3 million.

Bills General Manager Marv Levy has said in the past the Bills might be able to keep Moulds at his present cap number. But Levy can't guarantee it.

"I know there are players we'd like to keep. He's one of them," Levy said. "Managing the cap is going to be an integral part of what we're able to keep or not. Nothing is a certainty when it's up for grabs. That's about where we are right now.

"Do we want to keep Eric? Yes. Can we? We hope so. That depends on what we can work out."

The second-leading receiver in franchise history, Moulds is coming off a subpar season in which he caught 81 passes for 816 yards and four touchdowns. His average of 10.1 yards per catch was his lowest since 1997.

Moulds got off to a slow start but finished strong with 27 catches and 305 yards in the last three games. He thrived when Kelly Holcomb started at quarterback but never clicked with J.P. Losman, who was under center when Moulds' club-record, 121-game streak with a reception ended.

Moulds was suspended for one game after questioning the play-calling following the Bills' 24-23 loss at Miami. His absence was felt the following week as the Bills' passing game struggled in a 35-7 loss to New England.

The 32-year-old Moulds may have lost a step, but opposing defenses still show respect for his big-play ability by rolling extra coverage on the side where he lines up.

"Eric has shown that he's certainly worth what he signed for," Henderson said. "He might be worth more to this team. We saw what happened in the New England game in Buffalo. It proved that they really needed him more than ever."

However, it looks like the Bills will have to prepare for life without him. His release could come this week as the NFL's new cap year begins Friday.

Henderson said Moulds is prepared for the possibility of being let go. Henderson added Moulds wouldn't have a problem finding another team for which to play.

"Eric loves Buffalo," Henderson said. "He loves the fans. He loves living there. He's a Buffalo person. But should he get less when he can get more somewhere else? No. He wants to be paid according to what the contract is. For Eric, it's a win-win. Eric will do very well somewhere else if the Bills don't want to keep him. He still has tremendous value."

Meanwhile, the agent for cornerback Nate Clements is disappointed but not surprised by the Bills' decision to make Clements their franchise player. Todd France said he will try to work out a long-term contract but doesn't know if that will happen.

"I have a good relationship with the Bills, but until we get into more in-depth conversation I have no idea what is going to happen," France said.

The franchise tag means the Bills must tender a one-year guaranteed contract of $5.89 million, which is the average of the top five salaried cornerbacks in the NFL.

The Bills and Clements must reach an agreement on a multiyear contract by March 17 or they will have to wait until mid-July to strike a deal in order to avoid losing the franchise designation for the life of the contract.

"From a player's standpoint, of course you don't want a one-year deal," France said. "Especially a player of Nate's caliber and what the free agent market commands and what a player of his stature could get, no one wants to see a one-year deal. The goal would be to work out a long-term deal. Whether we can do that or not, you never know."

The lack of a new collective bargaining agreement between the NFL players and owners could complicate the negotiations, France said. Another factor is the financial commitment the Bills are willing to make to lock Clements up for the next several years.

Clements, who would have been the top free agent cornerback, wants to be among the highest-paid players at his position. If allowed to hit the open market, he certainly would have attracted very lucrative offers. The Bills can lift the franchise tag at anytime, but that's not going to happen.

Clements still has to sign the franchise tender. Until then, he can stay away from all team functions, including the offseason conditioning program, spring minicamps and training camp. France said he's not sure when or if Clements will sign the tender.

http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060226/1017784.asp

 

[Thorpe]

I am as big a Moulds fan as anyone, but it is time for him to go. Bills have some younger WRs on the roster, and I think they will be fine. Have to concentrate on stopping the run and blocking someone.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I am as big a Moulds fan as anyone, but it is time for him to go. Bills have some younger WRs on the roster, and I think they will be fine. Have to concentrate on stopping the run and blocking someone.

Evans may be ready to take over the #1 WR job, but I don't think they have a viable #2 on the roster right now. Reed flopped in that role and likely won't return, and I think Parrish is much better as the #3.I think losing Moulds would be a major loss and I hope they find a way to keep him around, but given his contract it will be a very tough decision for the Bills to make. If they do lose him, I think it would be imperative that they try to bring in a WR with some size like a Joe Jurevicius as a replacement. Having Lee Evans (5'10") and Roscoe Parrish (5'9") as your starting 2 WRs is probably not a great idea.

 

[Boston]

I am as big a Moulds fan as anyone,  but it is time for him to go.  Bills have some younger WRs on the roster, and I think they will be fine.  Have to concentrate on stopping the run and blocking someone.

Evans may be ready to take over the #1 WR job, but I don't think they have a viable #2 on the roster right now. Reed flopped in that role and likely won't return, and I think Parrish is much better as the #3.I think losing Moulds would be a major loss and I hope they find a way to keep him around, but given his contract it will be a very tough decision for the Bills to make. If they do lose him, I think it would be imperative that they try to bring in a WR with some size like a Joe Jurevicius as a replacement. Having Lee Evans (5'10") and Roscoe Parrish (5'9") as your starting 2 WRs is probably not a great idea.

What actually happened to Josh Reed? He looked like he was going to be a player but really seems to be regressing. Is it attitude, skills, playing with subpar QBs or some combination?

 

[Bloom]

I am as big a Moulds fan as anyone, but it is time for him to go. Bills have some younger WRs on the roster, and I think they will be fine. Have to concentrate on stopping the run and blocking someone.

Evans may be ready to take over the #1 WR job, but I don't think they have a viable #2 on the roster right now. Reed flopped in that role and likely won't return, and I think Parrish is much better as the #3.I think losing Moulds would be a major loss and I hope they find a way to keep him around, but given his contract it will be a very tough decision for the Bills to make. If they do lose him, I think it would be imperative that they try to bring in a WR with some size like a Joe Jurevicius as a replacement. Having Lee Evans (5'10") and Roscoe Parrish (5'9") as your starting 2 WRs is probably not a great idea.

what are the chances kevin everett may be ready to shoulder some of the load in the passing game this year?

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

What actually happened to Josh Reed? He looked like he was going to be a player but really seems to be regressing. Is it attitude, skills, playing with subpar QBs or some combination?

he wasn't ready for a starting job when the Bills moved Price, and his struggles in that role wound up shattering his confidence. His hands appeared to be very reliable as a rookie but since then has had a difficult time making what should be very easy catches, which seems like more of a mental problem then anything. He also lacks great speed, which makes it difficult for him to gain separation.He showed some signs of life last year and I think he's still perfectly capable of being a #3 WR for some team out there, but he would likely be miscast as a starting WR for most teams.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

what are the chances kevin everett may be ready to shoulder some of the load in the passing game this year?

very hard to say at this point...I was never very impressed with him in college, and he got hurt in training camp last year. I would really like to see them add another TE from this deep draft class if possible. That position has really been a sore spot on this team for awhile now.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Moulds headed for exit

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Attempt at compromise with Bills falters

By ALLEN WILSON

News Sports Reporter

2/28/2006

Wide receiver Eric Moulds is expected to be an ex-Buffalo Bill by the end of the week.

The last link to the Marv Levy head coaching era, Moulds will likely be released after a last-ditch effort to resolve issues with his contract failed Monday.

The Bills need salary cap space and want Moulds to take a significant pay cut because he is scheduled to count $10.85 million against the 2006 salary cap. Moulds' representatives, Harry Henderson and Greg Johnson, discussed the matter with Jim Overdorf, the Bills' vice president of football operations and lead contract negotiator, over the telephone.

The Bills had said keeping Moulds was a priority, but Monday was the first meaningful conversation between the two sides. Because the meeting did not yield positive results, Henderson and Johnson expect Moulds to be released either Wednesday or Thursday.

Cutting Moulds would save the Bills about $5.5 million against the cap. He would still count $5.3 million on the 2006 books. The new cap year begins Friday.

"We are happy that there was some form of communication," Johnson said by phone. "Unfortunately the talks that we had just didn't make a whole lot of sense for us. We were optimistic about it because we would like something to happen. But we don't know how realistic it is to be optimistic about it. I don't see anything good coming out of this right now."

Bills officials had no comment other than confirming they spoke to Moulds' agents.

Henderson told The Buffalo News last Saturday that Moulds would not accept a pay cut. He and Johnson decided to speak to the Bills brass anyway to see if a compromise could be reached. But they said there is little chance of that happening, given the Bills' demands.

In Moulds, the Bills would lose a player who ranks second on the team's career list in catches and yards. It also would increase the likelihood of them adding a receiver or two in free agency or the draft. Josh Reed is set to become a free agent on Friday and will be able to sign elsewhere.

"I think good football teams find a way to keep good players," Henderson said. "Based on the reduction they asked for, these efforts are not the way you keep your best players. The proposal today is just way off."

"We respect the Buffalo Bills and we are not trying to negotiate a contract through the media," Johnson added. "That's never been our style. But we can't go forward with this. It doesn't make sense for us right now."

http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060228/1027019.asp

 

[gman8343]

Finally Moulds has a chance to sign with a winner. Good for him.

 

[Thorpe]

I am as big a Moulds fan as anyone, but it is time for him to go. Bills have some younger WRs on the roster, and I think they will be fine. Have to concentrate on stopping the run and blocking someone.

Evans may be ready to take over the #1 WR job, but I don't think they have a viable #2 on the roster right now. Reed flopped in that role and likely won't return, and I think Parrish is much better as the #3.I think losing Moulds would be a major loss and I hope they find a way to keep him around, but given his contract it will be a very tough decision for the Bills to make. If they do lose him, I think it would be imperative that they try to bring in a WR with some size like a Joe Jurevicius as a replacement. Having Lee Evans (5'10") and Roscoe Parrish (5'9") as your starting 2 WRs is probably not a great idea.

NE does OK with short receivers, but having a QB like Brady helps.One guy on the roster that may be able to fill the big WR position is Sam Aiken. He only caught 4 balls last year, but there weren't many catches to go around. I would give him a chance, if the Bills can't get anything better done through free agency or trades. I don't think the Bills can afford to draft a WR in Day 1, and Aiken will be better this year than anything they can get on Day 2.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Aiken is a nice player, but he would likely be below-average among starting WRs in the league. Going from Moulds to him would be a huge dropoff, IMO. I'd rather see them bring in a free agent WR than draft another one on Day 1. I also wouldn't mind seeing them take Vernon Davis at the #8 spot. He's pretty much a WR in a TE's body.

 

[msommer]

Would they really draft a TE for the third year in a row? I've forgotten which rounds Euhus and Everett were drafted in

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Would they really draft a TE for the third year in a row? I've forgotten which rounds Euhus and Everett were drafted in

4th and 3rd. I don't know if they would or not, but it certainly remains a major weakness on the team. And with sub 4.4 speed, Davis is hardly your typical TE. If they lose Moulds, they may want to use more 2-TE sets anyway.

 

[msommer]

Having a good TE can't hurt Losman or Holcomb either

 

[ConstruxBoy]

what are the chances kevin everett may be ready to shoulder some of the load in the passing game this year?

very hard to say at this point...I was never very impressed with him in college, and he got hurt in training camp last year. I would really like to see them add another TE from this deep draft class if possible. That position has really been a sore spot on this team for awhile now.

I thought he was pretty overrated and then the Bills drafted him. Very annoying. Hoping we grab someone there, if not in the first. Maybe Klopfenstein with one of our early 3rds? Or won't he last that long?

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

GETTING A LINE ON THE DRAFT

By ALLEN WILSON

News Sports Reporter

3/1/2006

INDIANAPOLIS - Buffalo is a long way from his hometown of Salt Lake City, Utah, but according to Haloti Ngata, the two cities have their share of similarities.

"Buffalo's like Salt Lake," Ngata said. "There's cold and snow. I think I would fit in well there."

He might get that chance. Just about every magazine or Web site that has a mock draft predicts the Buffalo Bills will take Ngata, the All-America defensive tackle from the University of Oregon, with the eighth overall selection.

Defensive line is one of the Bills' biggest needs, and Ngata (pronounced nah-ta) is one of the best in the draft. Only North Carolina State defensive end Mario Williams is rated higher among D-linemen by scouts.

Offensive line also is high on the Bills' wish list. In fact, you could argue that offensive and defensive line rank 1-2 - in either order - on their list of needs.

The Bills aren't about to reveal their draft intentions, but they don't hide the fact that offensive and defensive line are areas they must address this offseason.

"With regard to our offensive and defensive line, yes, both areas need attention. Both need to be improved," Bills General Manager Marv Levy said last week at the NFL scouting combine. "We simply were not good enough in those areas a year ago."

The Bills have ignored their lines in recent drafts, targeting skill position players with their top picks. The team has suffered as a result. Buffalo's offense ranked 29th in pass and 28th overall in the 32-team NFL last season. The defense finished 29th overall and 31st against the run.

According to Levy, both sides of the ball are only as good as the men up front.

"Your skill position players have to have those pieces in place," Levy said. "I don't care how good a coverage guy you are, if you're not getting heat on the passer it's tough because you can't cover forever. I don't care what kind of quarterback you are, if you're not getting the protection you're not going to be able to function. The generals aren't going to be great unless the soldier in the trenches isn't pretty darn effective creating opportunities for them to be successful."

Fortunately for the Bills, there will be plenty of talented big men in this draft.

Virginia offensive tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson is the consensus choice as the best lineman in the draft and is expected to be a top-five pick. The 6-foot-6, 312-pounder is an exceptional athlete with good footwork and sound techniques. The next best offensive lineman is Southern California tackle Winston Justice, who played on the right side protecting the blind side of left-handed quarterback Matt Leinart. Auburn's Marcus McNeill, Miami's Eric Winston and Boston College's Jeremy Trueblood are rated a notch or two below Ferguson and Justice.

Williams is clearly the class of the defensive ends. The 6-7, 295-pound junior has the size, speed, athleticism and playmaking ability that have drawn comparisons to Carolina's Julius Peppers. Other top pass-rushing ends include Penn State's Tamba Hali, Boston College's Mathias Kiwanuka and Virginia Tech's Darryl Tapp. LSU's Claude Wroten, Michigan's Gabe Watson and Florida State's Brodrick Bunkley are the top D-tackles behind Ngata.

"I think the offensive and defensive lines are very solid groups," said Tom Modrak, the Bills' assistant GM and head of college scouting. "My hope is once we set our board that some of the people we like are still there. Part of that is in the hands of the other people. How fast do they get pulled off the board? There's no way to know that right now. There are a lot of picks between our first one and by the time we come around for the second one. Typically, big guys come off the board fast."

The Bills could do worse than using the No. 8 pick on Ngata, a 6-foot-4, 338-pound man-child who tore up the Pac-10 Conference with his size, strength and mobility.

A prototype run stopper, the 22-year-old Ngata models himself after Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowl nose tackle Casey Hampton. Some scouts believe Ngata has the ability to equal and perhaps even surpass Hampton's success if his full potential is reached.

Ngata excelled in the 4-3 defense at Oregon, but he's used to being double-teamed and is being looked at as a nose tackle in the NFL.

"He's a big, powerful run stopper, which everybody likes," Modrak said. "He would be an excellent 3-4 nose and he would be good in a 4-3, where you can put him in a position to clog up the middle. And he's a good athlete. He's got good feet and moves well."

Ngata was born in Los Angeles and moved to Utah when he was 6. He passed up the opportunity to go to a bigger-name program to stay near his family on the West Coast.

He entered the starting lineup just five games into his freshman season of 2002 and was a first-team Freshman All-American. He missed the following season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee. He said he didn't regain full strength until about halfway through the 2004 campaign, in which he played in all 11 games.

Ngata was named Pac 10 co-defensive Player of the Year last season after recording 61 tackles (nine for loss), three sacks, five pass breakups, one forced fumble, one recovered fumble and a safety. He also was a standout on special teams, setting an Oregon record with seven blocked kicks during his career, including two last season.

"I'm quick and I have a lot of power up front," Ngata said. "I'm not bad at pass rushing. I have a lot of upside at rushing the passer. I'm quick, but I need to work on balancing the way I rush the passer."

Ngata left school a year early to take care of his ailing mother's medical bills. But Olga Ngata succumbed to kidney failure related to her diabetes in January. Ngata had already lost his father, Solomone, who was killed in a trucking accident three years ago.

A devout Mormon, Ngata has relied on his faith to help him deal with the tragedy in his life. But he's motivated to honor his parents' memory by having a successful NFL career.

"It's comforting to know that I am going to see them again," said the soft-spoken Ngata. "I love football and they loved watching me play. My dad and my mom are finally going to see me play together."

Ngata's focus is on supporting his four siblings (ages 18 to 26). He will have no problem with that because he is expected to be picked high in the draft, which would make him an instant multimillionaire.

http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060301/1062990.asp

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Jauron begins reshaping Bills' roster

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Cutting Adams and Milloy helps create room under cap

By MARK GAUGHAN

News Sports Reporter

3/2/2006

New Buffalo Bills coach **** Jauron began shaping the roster to match his vision for the football team Wednesday by releasing three of his older starters.

Defensive tackle Sam Adams, strong safety Lawyer Milloy and tight end Mark Campbell were jettisoned as the team prepares for the anticipated start of the free-agency season on Friday.

While the moves saved the Bills $8.3 million in salary cap space, the team made it clear the cuts weren't just about money. It was just as much about football evaluations.

"To say they're totally devoid of cap connotations, no (they aren't)," said Bills General Manager Marv Levy, "but in thinking of the style of offense and defense we're running - all of those things were factored in. . . . Do they fit our needs? Are they at the age where they're approaching the so-called wall? That's factored in."

Adams and Milloy will be 33 this season. Campbell is 30. Campbell's replacement is in the wings. Kevin Everett, last year's third-round draft choice, is a highly regarded prospect. The replacements for Adams and Milloy aren't so obvious.

The Bills still are expected to part ways with their longest-tenured veteran, receiver Eric Moulds, in the next two days. He has a salary cap figure of $10.8 million, and his representatives are steadfast in refusing to take a pay cut. Levy said Moulds' status was "still to be determined."

Moulds' agents said Wednesday night they would be open to a restructuring of his contract and expected to make a proposal to the Bills. They would consider extending the deal beyond 2007, the final year of the contract. However, that restructuring would not include a cut in the pay he's due to receive.

Today is expected to be a "Black Thursday" for veterans across the NFL, as teams make cuts to get under the salary cap.

Levy said as of Wednesday evening the Bills still had not been informed by the NFL what the salary cap number would be. Presuming there's no settlement between players and owners on an extension of the league's collective bargaining agreement, the cap should be $93 million to $96 million. If there is a last-minute settlement today, then the cap could go to $105 million or more for 2006. Free agency is scheduled to start at 12:01 a.m. Friday.

If there were a settlement and a big inflation of the cap, that could change the Bills' opinion on asking Moulds to take a pay cut.

Adams, Milloy and Campbell each were entering the last year of their contracts.

Adams was scheduled to count $3.8 million against the cap this year. By cutting him, the Bills saved $3.5 million.

Milloy was scheduled to count $3.75 million. His release saved $2.5 million.

Campbell was to count $1.53 million. His release saved $1.3 million.

Since the team cap figure is still a moving target, it's impossible to say just how much space the Bills have for free-agents. But they have a fair amount.

Figures from the players association Wednesday had the Bills at about $90 million before their cuts. The cuts would bring them down to $81.7 million. However, there are a bunch of other expenditures that need to be counted.

The Bills need to make contract offers by today to seven or eight young players in order to retain their services. Those players, all with less than four years' experience, include Jason Peters, Sam Aiken and Josh Stamer. Those offers will eat up about $1.7 million in cap dollars. The Bills will need about $2 million more in space to sign their draft choices - although they will not actually need that space until July. Then they might need about $2.5 million more - and that's a rough estimate - to account for bonuses in player contracts in 2006 that fall under the "not likely to be earned" category. Making space for those bonuses is something that will have to be done this year if there's no collective bargaining extension.

With the release of Adams, the Bills probably will target a defensive tackle in free agency, and it increases the focus of Bills fans on Oregon's Haloti Ngata for the draft. One free-agent option could be St. Louis' Ryan Pickett, who played for the Bills' new defensive coordinator, Perry Fewell, and defensive line coach Bill Kollar.

Adams gave the Bills two outstanding seasons, making the Pro Bowl in 2004. He dropped off in 2005 as he went into the doghouse of ex-coach Mike Mularkey. The Bills want quick defensive linemen who attack the backfield in their new defense. Adams has always believed that's a strength of his but obviously the Bills' new staff did not agree.

"They have put themselves in a total rebuilding mode," said Adams' agent, Angelo Wright. "They will pay more for less in free agency at the defensive tackle position."

"When you have a change in management, there's an assumption with new coaches that the personnel isn't good," Wright said. "They look to bring in guys they know. That doesn't always work."

The Bills are expected to play a lot of Cover 2 zone defense in their new scheme. Milloy excels as an "in-the-box" safety, playing closer to the line and blitzing. Milloy made $12.5 million from the Bills over the past three years after being cut by New England on the eve of the 2003 season. Milloy played the first half of last season with a broken hand and played 11 games in 2004 with a plate in his forearm, which had been broken in preseason.

Campbell caught 19 passes this year and 95 passes in four years as a Bill.

http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060302/1029761.asp

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Bills have more time to plot money strategy

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Free agency period delayed; offers tendered to seven

By MARK GAUGHAN

News Sports Reporter

3/3/2006

The Buffalo Bills locked up their young free agents Thursday and now have a couple of more days to sort out just how much spending money they will have when the free agency season begins in the NFL.

The Bills made tender offers to seven young players - including starting tackle Jason Peters and special teams demons Sam Aiken, Josh Stamer and Mario Haggan - thereby retaining their services for at least another season.

The NFL's delay in the start of free agency until Monday gives the Bills and the rest of the league's teams 72 more hours to plan their free agent attack.

When the market opens, the Bills should have a lot of cap space to go shopping because it remains likely they will part ways with receiver Eric Moulds.

No progress was made Thursday in talks between the Bills and Moulds' representatives.

The Bills rejected a restructuring proposal Moulds' side made, said Harry Henderson, Moulds' New Orleans-based agent. The Bills still want Moulds to take a significant pay cut, and that's something he is unwilling to do. Henderson said he still is willing to listen to Bills offers. However, there seems little room for an agreement. Moulds is due to receive $7.1 million in cash this year, a figure the Bills consider too high.

Moulds' release would give the Bills $5.3 million more space under the salary cap.

If there's no late agreement between NFL owners and players on an extension to the league's collective bargaining agreement, then the salary cap total for each team for 2006 will be $94.5 million.

After making cuts of veterans Wednesday (which saved $7.3 million) and then tendering offers to their young free agents (which added about $1.8 million above what already was being counted), the Bills were about $9.2 million under the cap, according to News estimates.

That total does not reflect the roughly $2 million in space the Bills will need to sign their draft choices and roughly $2.5 million they will probably need to keep in reserve for extra bonuses players could hit during the 2006 season.

Counting those costs, the Bills would have about $4.7 million in "effective" cap space. Add Moulds' savings and they would have about $10 million in cap space with which to go shopping.

Meanwhile, the Bills made tender offers to young players whose contracts were set to expire.

Three of them were the Bills' top three tacklers on special teams last year - linebackers Stamer and Haggan, and receiver Aiken. They are restricted free agents - players with three years' experience. They received one-year offers of $712,000 each, which essentially ensures they will be back in 2006. Another team could make them an offer, but that team would have to be willing to give up a draft choice equal to the round in which the player was drafted if the Bills chose not to match the offer. That's not likely to happen. Only a small number of restricted free agents change teams.

Four others to receive tender offers were Peters, backup running back Shaud Williams, reserve receiver Jonathan Smith and reserve cornerback Jabari Greer. They have fewer than three years' experience and are exclusive rights free agents. They got tender offers of about $385,000 each and are not allowed to receive an offer from another team. The one exclusive rights free agent who did not get an offer from the Bills was guard Lawrence Smith.

http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060303/1041179.asp

 

[GroveDiesel]

1) I'd sign Peters to a incentive-laden longer term deal right now if possible. If the Bills really think that he will be their LT, they need to lock him in now.

2) I like Moulds. I think that he can still perform at some level. I do not think that he can perform at a level justifying his salary and cap number. I would rather the Bills go ahead and cut him and use the money elsewhere. Maybe try to bring in a guy like Joe Jurevicious and give Aiken and Parrish a chance to earn a starting job as well.

3) The Bills won't be making too many moves if they don't free up more room. I don't think it's even an option to keep Moulds at his current number. Either he restructures considerably or they cut him. The team has too many holes to tie up in one guy that I believe is past his prime.

Honestly, I'd rather not see the Bills signing any big names. They have so many areas of need that I'd rather they spend the money on a bunch of guys that are solid performers than breaking the bank on a guy like Bentley and fill in with a bunch of total scrubs.

 

[Birdie048]

I am as big a Moulds fan as anyone,  but it is time for him to go.  Bills have some younger WRs on the roster, and I think they will be fine.  Have to concentrate on stopping the run and blocking someone.

Evans may be ready to take over the #1 WR job, but I don't think they have a viable #2 on the roster right now. Reed flopped in that role and likely won't return, and I think Parrish is much better as the #3.I think losing Moulds would be a major loss and I hope they find a way to keep him around, but given his contract it will be a very tough decision for the Bills to make. If they do lose him, I think it would be imperative that they try to bring in a WR with some size like a Joe Jurevicius as a replacement. Having Lee Evans (5'10") and Roscoe Parrish (5'9") as your starting 2 WRs is probably not a great idea.

I too am a fan of Moulds. If he is released, I like him to be a solid Top 15 WR for whoever lands him (NE?). Rumors I have heard/seen are that they will keep Moulds around until they can get another WR FA like Givens to agree to terms (at a lower $) and then release Moulds. Granted, this is a bit dirty handed.I think relying on the longball Losman can toss is only going to get you so far... Losman has to develop the "touch" of the short passing routes to really open things up for McGahee and the offense.

Side note... yeah, maybe I've been drinking too much too early.... but here goes..

I'd like to draw a comparison here .... Roscoe Parrish and Steve Smith.

Roscoe Parrish

5'9" 168 lbs

Drafted #55 overall 2.23 in 2005 Draft

Univ of Miami (FL) - left as a Junior

Last season at Miami Stats:

43 rec 693 yards 8 TD

20 PR for 324 yards 2 TD

9 rush 60 yards 0 TD

First season in Buffalo

15 rec 148 yards 0 TD

2 rush - 2 yards

1 Fumble

Steve Smith

5' 9" 185 lbs

Drafted #74 overall 3.12 in 2001

Univ Utah - left after Senior year

Last season at Utah Stats:

35 rec 743 yards 4 TD

43 PR 365 yards 1 TD

5 rush 31 yards

First Season in Carolina

10 rec 154 yards 0 TD

4 rush 43 yards

3 Fumbles

Size, speed, style of play, cut ability and hands are closely comparable. The major difference is time in the NFL system, an OC who trusts (or has to rely) on them, and a reliable QB who can throw! The were both graded comparable. Both were drafted relatively highly. Other WR's went ahead of them.

Given Parrish's injury filled Rookie season, he could be a little slower to develop, but the tools are there....Given another year of experience and opportunity, I'd like to see how Roscoe Parrish's value compares to S Smith.

Sure, this is a large assumption based on the players physical attributes, but what difference is the combine reporting?

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Roscoe Parrish also lacks nearly 20 pounds of weight. Despite his lack of height, Steve Smith is very strong. I'm not sure Parrish can put on that kind of weight on his frame.

 

[Atomic Punk]

Assume for a minute either Vince Young or Jay Cutler are available at #8 and Ngata, Williams and Ferguson are all gone ...

Do the Bills give any serious consideration to going QB?

 

[SoloMatisse]

Assume for a minute either Vince Young or Jay Cutler are available at #8 and Ngata, Williams and Ferguson are all gone ...

Do the Bills give any serious consideration to going QB?

Absolutely not. Not with a guy like Cutler, who imo is largely unproven. Nice combine skills, but no big game pressure...and a history of losing. Dont risk it early with him if youre Buffalo. There are too many veteran FA QBs who are available like Griese, Kitna and others who can help you win in the short term. You take the best available at any other position like Oline, Dline or the TE out of Maryland. You need playmakers for your QB to throw to. Wideouts may be had thru FA. Bring in Davis as a game breaking TE with unmatched speed and skills at his position. He'll be a very difficult guy to cover in the pro game like Gates is with SD and he'll make life alot easier on every other O player on the field.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Schonert intrigued by QB battle

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bills assistant has been here before

By ALLEN WILSON

News Sports Reporter

3/8/2006

Turk Schonert just can't catch a break.

The last time he was the Buffalo Bills' quarterbacks coach, the team was gripped by the highly publicized quarterback controversy involving Doug Flutie and Rob Johnson.

In his return to Buffalo, Schonert inherits another unsettled quarterback situation with J.P. Losman and Kelly Holcomb vying for the top spot.

"A lot of times that happens," Schonert said Tuesday. "Unless you've got a Tom Brady or a Peyton Manning or some of those kinds of guys it's going to be a little unsettling. And anytime you don't win, it's going to be unsettling anyway whether you have a legitimate number one [quarterback] or not.

"To me it's always intriguing. I don't mind coming in and having guys battle and compete. It seems that's how it's always been for me most of my career. Just about all the other places I've been to I've had this unsettled position, so it's not unfamiliar to me."

Schonert said Flutie or Johnson was the clear No. 1 quarterback in each of the three years he coached them. Whether Losman or Holcomb will distinguish himself as the starter remains to be seen.

But Schonert said both players will get a fair shot to win the job.

"This year going in, they are starting out even," Schonert said. "When is that decision going to be made? I don't know. Somebody is going to have to elevate their play. When that happens? Hopefully sooner than later."

Schonert has spoken to Losman and Holcomb, and they will get together for the first of many position meetings today.

Schonert contacted former Bills quarterbacks coach Sam Wyche for his input on the two quarterbacks. Schonert played quarterback for Wyche in Cincinnati. Schonert said talking to Wyche was helpful, but Schonert will get his own impressions of Losman and Holcomb by watching them on film.

"They bring different things to the table, exciting things to the table," Schonert said. "Kelly is a veteran who has been around and J.P. is a young guy with a lot to learn. Both have talent and hopefully we've got two guys that we can count on to win ball games for us."

Schonert is already familiar with Holcomb, who was a rookie in Tampa Bay when Schonert was the Buccaneers' quarterbacks coach in 1995. However, Schonert is still learning about Losman. Making sure Losman continues his development has to be Schonert's most important task.

The second of Buffalo's two first-round draft picks in 2004, Losman had more downs than ups in 2005. He completed less than 50 percent of his passes for 1,340 yards, eight touchdowns and eight interceptions in nine games (eight starts), so there is plenty of room for improvement.

"The negatives were he missed too many open receivers," Schonert said. "There were guys open and for whatever reason he missed them, so his accuracy has to get better. His footwork needs to get better with certain types of throws and just kind of experiencing the game and all the elements of it. Game management, what are you seeing, where your weaknesses are, all those types of things. He needs to store that information and draw from it."

Head coach **** Jauron has said he'd like to have a starter when the Bills go to training camp. Schonert couldn't guarantee that will happen, but he is looking forward to working with Losman and Holcomb and watching the competition unfold.

"We'll give them equal opportunity with the first and second team and see how they handle the different situations," Schonert said. "I think somebody has to elevate themselves to where Coach Jauron and [offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild] say, "Hey, here's our guy.' If we don't have that situation, then they have to go and compete in training camp. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out."

http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060308/1058320.asp

 

[buddyboy]

So much better for the Bills this year having an open competion and making the starter earn the job. Personally I think it will be Losman who ends up winnning the job. He looked much better after coming back and playing later in the year after an horrendous first few games last year. Anyone who follows the Bills knows that without a significant improvment in the offensive line neither QB will produce much. Unless the poor yards per carry and the little pass protection provided improve sihnificantly from last year, no Bills QB willl make even a decent backup in a 12 team league, especially if Moulds leaves as expected without a viable free agent being signed.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Bills could accommodate Moulds with new cap size

By ALLEN WILSON

News Sports Reporter

3/9/2006

The NFL's new labor deal has made it a lot easier for the Buffalo Bills to keep wide receiver Eric Moulds. The question is can they live with the $7.1 million salary he's due to make next season?

The NFL owners' approval of a six-year extension of the collective bargaining agreement raises the 2006 salary cap to $102 million. The cap would have been $94.5 million if no deal had been reached.

The Bills were $8.7 million under the previous cap number, according to News estimates. That doesn't account for the $2 million needed to sign draft picks. Still, the Bills now have more than $16 million under the new salary cap.

It was believed Moulds would be released due to his hefty $10.85 million cap figure. Moulds had refused the Bills' request to take a significant pay cut. The team rejected a recent restructuring proposal by Moulds' agent, Harry Henderson, and personal adviser Greg Johnson.

There is no urgency for the Bills to make a decision on Moulds. Scott Berchtold, the Bills' vice president of communications, said Wednesday night the team would not be issuing any statements regarding Moulds in regards to the salary cap because the team is under the required cap.

Johnson had expected the Bills to cut Moulds if the cap stayed at $94.5 million. But the CBA extension has changed his thinking.

"It definitely creates a positive scenario for Eric staying in Buffalo simply because it's not just about money," Johnson said. "If it was about money, that situation is eliminated now. If for some reason the Bills still decide to cut Eric, we'll know that it wasn't just about his ability to play the game. We'll know that it was about their belief that he can still play, but not at $7.1 million."

Johnson added there is no longer any reason for the Bills to ask Moulds for a salary reduction. Even if they did, the position of Johnson and Henderson has not changed.

"We believe Eric is a top-10 talent at his position and he should be paid that way," Johnson said.

Moulds' place on the Bills roster is not guaranteed. Cutting him would save $5.3 million, giving the Bills more cap room to do some serious free agent shopping.

The Bills have several needs heading into free agency with defensive tackle, offensive tackle, safety and wide receiver topping the list.

A major hole was created at defensive tackle after the team released Sam Adams. In addition, Ron Edwards and Justin Bannan are set to become unrestricted free agents.

Fortunately for the Bills, there is no shortage of veteran defensive tackles on the free agent market. The group includes Ryan Pickett of St. Louis, Rocky Bernard of Seattle, Larry Triplett of Indianapolis, Ted Washington of Oakland, Grady Jackson of Green Bay, Russell Davis of Arizona and Brentson Buckner of Carolina.

Pickett, 26, is a possible target. The 2001 first-round draft pick was the Rams' best interior defensive lineman. The 6-foot-2, 320-pound Pickett, who played nose tackle in the Rams' 4-3 defense, is coming off the best year of his career with 65 tackles and two sacks.

The Bills will have plenty of competition for Pickett, but the fact that Buffalo defensive line coach Bill Kollar coached Pickett in St. Louis could help the Bills if they decide to recruit him.

Bernard, 26, is a good inside pass rusher. He led the Seahawks last season with eight sacks, which ranked second in the NFL among interior defensive linemen. Tripplett, 26, has been a solid contributor on the Colts' defense in each of his four seasons.

Detroit's Jeff Backus, Philadelphia's Jon Runyan, Atlanta's Kevin Shaffer, Tennessee's Brad Hopkins, New England's Tom Ashworth and Jason Fabini of the New York Jets are the best of an average offensive tackle crop.

Backus has started 80 straight games at left tackle on bad Lions teams. He's a sound technician who allowed just three sacks last season. Runyan, 32, has anchored the Eagles' offensive line the past six years. The 6-7, 330-pound right tackle is a savvy 10-year veteran who plays with a nasty streak. Signing him would mean moving right tackle Jason Peters to the left side. Schaffer is an undersized (6-5, 290) left tackle, but he's a good athlete who played in an offense that required lighter, quicker linemen. At 25, he may have the most upside of any free agent O-lineman.

The Bills need to find a replacement for Lawyer Milloy at strong safety. Carolina's Marlon McCree, Tennessee's Tank Williams, St. Louis' Adam Archuletta and Oakland's Derrick Gibson will be the best available. Archuletta is familiar with the Tampa-Two scheme the Bills are implementing, but McCree and Williams have better coverage skills.

Because safeties will be interchangeable in the Bills' defense, they might look at free safeties like Pittsburgh's Chris Hope, Tampa Bay's Dexter Jackson and Minnesota's Corey Chavous. Jackson is well-versed in the Tampa-Two defense and was MVP in Super Bowl XXXVII for the Bucs.

Even if the Bills keep Moulds, they are expected to look for more help at wide receiver. The group includes New England's David Givens, Pittsburgh's Antwaan Randle-El, St. Louis' Isaac Bruce, Seattle's Joe Jurevicius and Cleveland's Antonio Bryant.

Randle-El's asking price might be too high, but Givens would be a good fit. He is an underrated player who thrived in the Patriots' passing game. Bruce has been a prolific receiver for the Rams, but his best years are behind him. Bryant is coming off a 1,000-yard season and was one of the few bright spots for an anemic Browns offense.

http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060309/1018104.asp

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

according to this article, the franchise tender for Nate Clements will increase by $1.3 million to $7.22 million thanks to the new CBA.

The new CBA calls for the values of the previous year's franchise and transition tenders to be used in calculating this year's tenders. Because the tenders were so high last year for cornerbacks -- $8.816 million for a franchised cornerback and $6.938 for a transitioned cornerback -- the tenders for this year increased considerably from what teams expected ($5.89 million for a franchised cornerback and $4.77 million for a transitioned cornerback).

 

[CanadianNFLJunkie]

I still think it would be a big mistake if Moulds didn't take a paycut or restructure.

He's not the focal point of their offense and he's not even their best WR.

As for Clements, with the increase, they should only sign him up for one year, draft a CB on day one and hope that he can start in '07.

 

[Bri]

since last night passed, what's the $ benefit in them cutting Moulds June 1st?(2nd or whatever the next big date is)

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

since last night passed, what's the $ benefit in them cutting Moulds June 1st?(2nd or whatever the next big date is)

freeing up $5.5 million in cap space that they can spend on free agents

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Bills go shopping with long list of needs

By MARK GAUGHAN

News Sports Reporter

3/11/2006

The Buffalo Bills entered free agency today with a fistful of dollars to spend and a desire to be more active in the free-agent market than in the past two offseasons.

The Bills on Friday extended the contract of linebacker Josh Stamer, learned of a bump in pay for cornerback Nate Clements and prepared for some free-agent visitors.

Meanwhile, receiver Eric Moulds remained in limbo, as his representatives had no word on whether he was in or out of the Bills' plans. There's still a good chance he will be released, since the Bills did not want to pay him the $7.1 million he is due and he is unwilling to take a pay cut. But there is no urgency by the Bills to release him for cap reasons.

The Bills had about $15 million in space under the NFL's salary cap of $102 million for each team, according to News estimates.

Defensive tackle, offensive line and safety figure to be the big-need positions for the Bills, and they also could look for help at receiver, tight end and quarterback.

Among the capable defensive tackles available are St. Louis' Ryan Pickett, Seattle's Rocky Bernard, Baltimore's Maake Kemeeatu, Green Bay's Grady Jackson and Indianapolis' Larry Triplett.

There are very few players available at left tackle, a priority position for the Bills.

Last year the Bills used up only about $3.5 million in cap space on free-agent signings in acquiring Kelly Holcomb, Bennie Anderson, Mike Gandy and ReShard Lee. In 2004, the Bills used up about $5 million in cap space in signing Troy Vincent, Chris Villarrial and Oliver Gibson.

The Bills kept their top special teams coverage man in the fold Friday by signing Stamer. The three-year veteran linebacker was a restricted free agent but the Bills had retained his rights two weeks ago by giving him a contract offer.

Clements, the Bills' 26-year-old star cornerback, is expected to get a raise of about $1.3 million thanks to the extension of the labor deal between owners and players. The rules for calculating the franchise and transition tags have been tweaked, resulting in a higher tag for cornerbacks.

The franchise tag represents the average of the top five salary cap figures at each position from the previous season. However, in determining the tag in past years, the NFL has not counted players who play under the terms of the tag the previous season. The new deal eliminated this quirk in the franchise accounting, a league official said.

Cornerback Charles Woodson played for Oakland last year under the terms of the franchise tag, which paid him $10.5 million. It's believed that adding him to the top-five list will raise the tag for cornerbacks this year from $5.89 million to $7.22 million.

Meanwhile, the agent for former New York Jets center Kevin Mawae confirmed the Bills have had contact with him. However, no visit is scheduled yet. Mawae is in Hawaii this week for a meeting of union player representatives. Mawae, 35, had triceps surgery last season after an injury that occurred against the Bills. He's a six-time Pro Bowler. The Bills are likely to look for depth at tight end after releasing Mark Campbell. One reserve prospect they may consider is Chicago's John Gilmore.

http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060311/1000937.asp

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Bills sign DE Tripplett; TE Royal

Associated Press

National Football League News Wire

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Defensive tackle Larry Tripplett and tight end Robert Royal signed with the Buffalo Bills on Saturday as the team wasted no time addressing its numerous needs on the first day of free agency.

Royal, who spent the past four seasons with Washington, agreed to a reported five-year, $10 million contract that includes a $2.5 million bonus. Tripplett spent the past four seasons with Indianapolis, where he started four games last season.

The moves came shortly after both players visited the team at its Orchard Park headquarters.

Their additions fill two holes on the Bills' roster after the team released three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Sam Adams and three-year starter Mark Campbell on March 1. Tripplett is expected to take over a starting spot after the team also failed to re-sign Ron Edwards.

Royal is expected to compete with backup Tim Euhus and Kevin Everett for Buffalo's starting tight end job. Buffalo's third-round pick in the 2005 draft, Everett missed his entire rookie season after tearing a ligament in his left knee during minicamp.

The Bills, who also have openings on their offensive line, opened free agency projected to be about $16 million under the $102 million cap.

Tripplett appeared in 15 games last season with the Colts, credited with 24 tackles and a career-high four sacks. His best season was in 2003, when he had a career-high 49 tackles and one sack in 16 starts.

Tripplett was the Colts' second-round pick in the 2002 draft out of Washington. Overall, he's been credited with 124 tackles and five sacks in 60 games, 30 of them as a starter.

Royal is coming off a career season with 18 catches for 131 yards and a touchdown in 15 games, including 14 starts. Overall, he has 31 catches for 249 yards and five TDs -- four in 2004, when he emerged as a red-zone threat -- in 35 career games.

He was the Redskins' fifth-round pick in the 2002 draft out of LSU, where his 59 catches for 707 yards rank third among tight ends in school history.

Royal spent his rookie NFL season on injured reserve after spraining his left ankle during a preseason game against New England. He also missed the final 10 games of the 2003 season because of a hip injury.

"I still have a lot in the tank. I'm very young and once I go out there, I can prove a lot of people wrong," Royal said, referring to questions about his durability. "I'm glad I've got this opportunity to show people, and I'm just excited."

Buffalo also interviewed receiver Andre' Davis, who had nine catches for 190 yards and a touchdown with New England last season.

Davis, who previously played with Bills backup quarterback Kelly Holcomb in Cleveland, said he was pleased with the visit, but added he's not about to rush into making a decision. He said he has no visits scheduled with other teams.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=nfl&id=2364538

 

[Tick]

Aaron, what's your reaction to this? Has Everett lost all dynasty value now?

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Aaron, what's your reaction to this? Has Everett lost all dynasty value now?

From what I've been able to gather, Royal is still a work in progress. I think he'll provide some competition at the position, but Everett has much more upside as a receiver. Everett is pretty raw himself though, so he might still be another year away from doing much himself. I would have liked to see a better all-around TE brought in than Royal, but I hope he can at least provide help as a blocker.Bottom line, out of all the Bills TEs on the roster, I still think Everett is the guy to have in dynasty leagues due to his athletic ability, speed, etc. We'll have to wait and hear more about the Bills plans for Royal though.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Bills off to fast start in free-agent derby

By MARK GAUGHAN

News Sports Reporter

3/12/2006

The Buffalo Bills dived into the free-agent market Saturday by signing defensive tackle Larry Tripplett from Indianapolis and tight end Robert Royal from Washington.

Tripplett, 27, helps fill the gaping void the Bills have at defensive tackle and was targeted to fit the Bills' new defensive scheme. Royal, who will be 27 in May, could be considered an "under-the-radar" find. The Bills consider him a top blocker, and he figures to enter spring practice as the starter at tight end.

Tripplett signed a five-year, $18 million deal with a $5.5 million signing bonus. Royal signed a five-year contract that a source close to him said was worth a total of $10 million, with a signing bonus of $2.5 million. That's starter money, and it's a substantial deal for a player who last year caught 18 passes for 131 yards, a 7.9-yard average.

Adding to the defensive line was critical for the Bills, who ranked 29th on defense last year and recently cut defensive tackle Sam Adams.

Tripplett is a smaller, quicker, penetrating lineman suited to the one-gap style used by Colts coach Tony Dungy. That's precisely the defense the Bills are adopting under new head coach **** Jauron and defensive coordinator Perry Fewell.

"No. 1, he has played and played well in the style of defense we are going to be implementing here," said Bills General Manager Marv Levy. "That was a big factor. He has a great motor. He keeps going, and that's going to be the essence of our defensive approach. He plays every down."

Tripplett is 6-foot-2 and played at 280 to 285 pounds for the Colts.

"I'm real excited to be coached by coach Jauron and my D-line coach," Tripplett said, referring to the Bills' Bill Kollar. "Both see me playing the type of football I like to play. I like to run to the ball, attack, swarm."

Tripplett is a four-year veteran who is coming off his best season with the Colts. He was Indianapolis' No. 3 defensive tackle, playing behind starters Corey Simon and Montae Reagor. He posted four sacks, plus another in the Colts' playoff game.

"I played quite a bit because we rotated in a lot," Tripplett said. "Although I didn't start many games, there wasn't many games where I didn't have as many snaps as the people who did, and sometimes I had even more."

It was a busy first day of free-agent shopping for the Bills. Tripplett signed three hours after Royal inked his deal.

The Bills have a young tight end in Kevin Everett, a third-round pick last year. Everett is a receiving tight end who has yet to hit the field due to a knee injury. If Everett develops, the Bills could have a very effective two tight-end formation.

"One of the areas where we felt we had to perform better is in the offensive line," Levy said. "I don't know if there's a better blocking tight end than Robert Royal. Now at the same time you might say, "Gee, he didn't catch many balls.' No. But they didn't utilize him that way. We have reason to believe from having studied him and having background on him that he will be a receiving weapon as well. We're delighted with what we're able to get there. I know the Redskins wanted very much to retain his services."

Royal spent his first two years on injured reserve. He started 14 games last year in the Redskins' two-tight-end set.

Royal has prototypical size at 6-4 and 255 pounds. He was a fifth-round pick out of Louisiana State in 2002. The Bills' new tight ends coach, Charlie Coiner, was LSU's special teams coach when Royal was a sophomore. Royal has excellent hands, but his numbers suggest he's not going to stretch the field.

"I'm excited," Royal said. "I've got a lot in the tank. I'm very young. . . . I'm more than just a blocking tight end. I'm glad I've got the opportunity to try to show people."

Also visiting the Bills was speed receiver Andre' Davis, who spent three years with Cleveland then saw limited duty last season with New England.

Meanwhile, Levy reiterated that he still wants to retain receiver Eric Moulds.

"We'd like to retain Eric and we're proceeding on that basis right now," Levy said. "I think he's got a lot left in him. We hope we can keep him."

http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060312/1032071.asp

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

3/12/2006

By MARK GAUGHAN

Nate extension

The Bills have more time to negotiate an extension with Nate Clements, but don't count on it happening.

Before the new labor deal, the Bills were essentially prevented from negotiating a long-term deal with Clements between March 17 and July 17, due to the fact he has a franchise tag. Any deal struck in that window, under the old rules, meant that the tag was stuck on Clements for the life of his contract and the Bills couldn't use it again on someone else over that span.

Due to a rule change under the new labor deal, the Bills now have the entire offseason to try to work out a long-term deal without losing the chance to use the tag on someone else next year. The Bills have until July 15 to reach a long-term deal, and they get the tag back if they do so. If Clements signs a long-term deal after July 15, the Bills get to keep the tag only if Clements signs a one-year deal.

So July 15 is the new deadline to reach a long-term deal.

It still will be a giant upset if the Bills strike a long-term contract with Clements.

He was seeking a bonus that would put him among the top-paid players at cornerback before the deal. That meant perhaps $12 million or $15 million or more. Champ Bailey got the top cornerback bonus, of $18 million.

But now there is 19.5 percent more revenue in the salary cap pool for players. The cap has gone up $16.5 million, from $85.5 million in 2005 to $102 million.

So if an agent was asking for a $12 million bonus when the cap was $85.5 million, that agent is likely to be looking for $14.3 million with a cap of $102 million.

The cap is going to go up again next year to $109 million. That very well could give Clements the motivation to play 2006 under the favorable terms of the tag, count on enjoying a good season, and hitting the free-agent market next year with even more money in the market.

Onside kicks

• A couple of Bills hit escalators in their contracts last year that increased their base salaries. Kelly Holcomb's base went from $875,000 to $1.125 million. Mike Gandy's went from $1.25 million to $1.8 million.

http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060312/2052495.asp

 

[On The Rocks]

Aaron, what's your reaction to this?  Has Everett lost all dynasty value now?

From what I've been able to gather, Royal is still a work in progress. I think he'll provide some competition at the position, but Everett has much more upside as a receiver. Everett is pretty raw himself though, so he might still be another year away from doing much himself. I would have liked to see a better all-around TE brought in than Royal, but I hope he can at least provide help as a blocker.Bottom line, out of all the Bills TEs on the roster, I still think Everett is the guy to have in dynasty leagues due to his athletic ability, speed, etc. We'll have to wait and hear more about the Bills plans for Royal though.

the fact that Steve Fairchild's offense (or if you want to call it Martzs') in St. Louis seldom threw to the TE. I think getting a quality blocking TE is a good move. I would prefer they had given Jeb Putzier a look however.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Aaron, what's your reaction to this? Has Everett lost all dynasty value now?

From what I've been able to gather, Royal is still a work in progress. I think he'll provide some competition at the position, but Everett has much more upside as a receiver. Everett is pretty raw himself though, so he might still be another year away from doing much himself. I would have liked to see a better all-around TE brought in than Royal, but I hope he can at least provide help as a blocker.Bottom line, out of all the Bills TEs on the roster, I still think Everett is the guy to have in dynasty leagues due to his athletic ability, speed, etc. We'll have to wait and hear more about the Bills plans for Royal though.

the fact that Steve Fairchild's offense (or if you want to call it Martzs') in St. Louis seldom threw to the TE. I think getting a quality blocking TE is a good move. I would prefer they had given Jeb Putzier a look however.

I didn't hear it myself, but apparently Marv Levy said in the press conference that the Bills felt that Royal was the best blocking TE in the league. So I think that's pretty telling on what his role will be with the Bills and what the Bills will be doing on offense.

 

[Tick]

Aaron, what's your reaction to this?  Has Everett lost all dynasty value now?

From what I've been able to gather, Royal is still a work in progress. I think he'll provide some competition at the position, but Everett has much more upside as a receiver. Everett is pretty raw himself though, so he might still be another year away from doing much himself. I would have liked to see a better all-around TE brought in than Royal, but I hope he can at least provide help as a blocker.Bottom line, out of all the Bills TEs on the roster, I still think Everett is the guy to have in dynasty leagues due to his athletic ability, speed, etc. We'll have to wait and hear more about the Bills plans for Royal though.

the fact that Steve Fairchild's offense (or if you want to call it Martzs') in St. Louis seldom threw to the TE. I think getting a quality blocking TE is a good move. I would prefer they had given Jeb Putzier a look however.

I didn't hear it myself, but apparently Marv Levy said in the press conference that the Bills felt that Royal was the best blocking TE in the league. So I think that's pretty telling on what his role will be with the Bills and what the Bills will be doing on offense.

I'm not so sure. It certainly gives them flexibility and gives them a better chance at running successfully, but we don't know what percentage of plays Royal will be in for. It could be a TEBC where Royal comes in for blocking and Everett comes in for receiving, with both in for 2-TE sets. The big variable is what the split will be between those situations.

 

[dj_stouty]

Aaron, what's your reaction to this?  Has Everett lost all dynasty value now?

From what I've been able to gather, Royal is still a work in progress. I think he'll provide some competition at the position, but Everett has much more upside as a receiver. Everett is pretty raw himself though, so he might still be another year away from doing much himself. I would have liked to see a better all-around TE brought in than Royal, but I hope he can at least provide help as a blocker.Bottom line, out of all the Bills TEs on the roster, I still think Everett is the guy to have in dynasty leagues due to his athletic ability, speed, etc. We'll have to wait and hear more about the Bills plans for Royal though.

the fact that Steve Fairchild's offense (or if you want to call it Martzs') in St. Louis seldom threw to the TE. I think getting a quality blocking TE is a good move. I would prefer they had given Jeb Putzier a look however.

I didn't hear it myself, but apparently Marv Levy said in the press conference that the Bills felt that Royal was the best blocking TE in the league. So I think that's pretty telling on what his role will be with the Bills and what the Bills will be doing on offense.

Is Levy actually watching the games? Royal wasn't even the best blocking TE on the Redskins last season, let alone the ENTIRE league.I really wonder what the heck is going on up there in Buffalo; aside from the increasing average age of their front office.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Is Levy actually watching the games? Royal wasn't even the best blocking TE on the Redskins last season, let alone the ENTIRE league.

I was a little surprised to hear Marv say that too, but who was a better blocking TE on the Redskins last year? I'm sure Tom Modrak and the scouts had more to do with the evaluation of Royal's blocking ability than Levy himself.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Bills catch speedy Davis

By MARK GAUGHAN

News Sports Reporter

3/13/2006

The Buffalo Bills can use all the depth at receiver they can find, and they added some Sunday by signing speedster Andre' Davis.

Davis is a four-year NFL veteran whose production suggests he's a No. 4 receiver candidate. After three unsatisfying years with the Cleveland Browns, Davis saw spot duty last year with New England. He said he was encouraged to come to Buffalo by Bills quarterback Kelly Holcomb, his former teammate with the Browns.

"Kelly was probably the biggest influence on me coming here," Davis said. "He's a close friend of mine. He was recruiting me."

Davis, who will be 27 in June, signed a one-year deal with the Bills for a total of $1.3 million, including a $500,000 signing bonus and an $800,000 base salary.

Davis has size and speed. He's 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.37 seconds coming out of Virginia Tech. That's as fast as the Bills' Lee Evans runs. Davis was the Browns' second-round draft pick in 2002, taken 11 spots after Josh Reed. Reed is a free agent and is not expected back with the Bills.

Davis never met expectations with the Browns, partly because he has been hampered by nagging foot and leg injuries throughout his career. Davis' best year for the Browns was in 2003 when he caught 40 passes for 576 yards. But that was his only fully healthy season. In four years, he has 102 catches for 1,602 yards and a 15.7-yard average.

The Patriots acquired him from Cleveland for a fifth-round draft choice last August. He suffered a foot injury shortly after the trade and finished with nine catches for 190 yards in nine games for the Pats.

Davis will have to prove he can stay healthy and be more than a straight-line threat.

"I know if I can get a healthy season together, I'm definitely going to be able to help the team out," Davis said.

"We like Andre'," said Bills General Manager Marv Levy. "He's a young player we feel is on the rise. He's an intelligent young man, and a guy with a lot of speed."

The addition of Davis completed a trifecta of signings for the Bills on the opening weekend of the free agency season. The Bills signed defensive tackle Larry Tripplett and tight end Robert Royal on Saturday. Levy credited Jim Overdorf, the team's vice president of football administration, with closing the deals.

"The job Jim Overdorf did in this process was eye-opening to me," Levy said. "It was just tremendous."

Meanwhile, the Bills also re-signed offensive lineman Greg Jerman to a two-year contract worth $1.27 million. Jerman started three games at right tackle in the first half of last season when Mike Williams was hurt.

Elsewhere, Bills free agent defensive tackle Justin Bannan got a big pay raise to sign with the Baltimore Ravens. Bannan, who played for $495,000 last year, signed a four-year deal worth $8 million, including a $3 million bonus. Bannan, a four-year veteran, started seven games at the end of last season after Sam Adams got into ex-coach Mike Mularkey's doghouse.

http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060313/1003494.asp

 

[Tick]

So if ADavis is WR4 for them, who are 2/3? Parrish seems like an ideal slot #3, but with Moulds likely on the way out, isn't there a gap at WR2?

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

So if ADavis is WR4 for them, who are 2/3? Parrish seems like an ideal slot #3, but with Moulds likely on the way out, isn't there a gap at WR2?

If Moulds is released, there will be a huge gap at WR2 unless they could somehow bring in David Givens.still way too early to tell how things will look when the season begins as they could add a veteran in free agency or draft a WR on day 1. I think Davis (based on what I saw from him in Cleveland), when healthy, is capable of being a starting WR. He could emerge as the WR2 for the Bills with Parrish at WR3. Sam Aiken is an RFA and will likely get a chance to compete for playing time if Moulds is cut, but he hasn't shown a whole lot up to this point.

 

[Couch Potato]

From BUFFALOBILLS.COM

Gregg Pastore, buffalobills.com

03/12/2006 11:01 PM

WR Andre' Davis

A second-round draft pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2002, Davis spent the 2005 season as a member of the New England Patriots. In 2005, Davis started four games and recorded nine receptions for 190 yards. Known as a deep threat, Davis averaged 21.1 yards a reception in 2005 and 26.0 yards a reception in 2004. For his career, the wide receiver from Virginia Tech has started 23 times and posted 102 receptions for 1602 yards with 14 touchdowns. In 2004, he became only the tenth player in NFL history to register a 99-yard touchdown reception (11/17/04 vs. Cin).

"We like Andre," said Levy. "He's a young player that we feel is on the rise. He's an intelligent man and a guy with a lot of speed."

A nagging toe injury in 2004 limited Davis to seven starts in Cleveland and continued to bother him at the start of last season with New England. He finished with nine catches for 190 yards and a touchdown, a career low, in nine regular-season games.

"My foot was kind of messed up," said Davis. "I had surgery on my toe before [the season] and I just think I over compensated on my toe and end up having a nagging injury. I know if I can get a healthy season together I'll be able to help a team out."

Davis, known for his speed, went on to say that he was timed at 4.37 in the forty at the NFL Combine and that he thinks Buffalo's offense will be exciting.

"You need more than two receivers in today's game," added Levy. "He's got speed and he has the ability to go deep. You don't just have starters in this league anymore. He certainly would be right in the fight for a starting position. His experience would be very valuable. We like him, smart, fast, good size, what is there not to like."

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Moulds says it's time to go

By ALLEN WILSON

News Sports Reporter

3/14/2006 

The Buffalo Bills have been undecided on whether to keep Eric Moulds. But there is no doubt how Moulds feels about it. He wants out.

Moulds' representatives have told the Bills that the veteran wide receiver wants to be traded or released.

"It's time to move on," said Greg Johnson, Moulds' personal adviser. "Eric loves Buffalo and we wish things could be worked out. But I don't see that happening."

Moulds, who has spent his entire 10-year career in Buffalo, is scheduled to make $7.1 million next season and count $10.85 million against the 2006 salary cap. Those are figures the Bills apparently can't live with.

But Johnson and Moulds' agent, Harry Henderson, have refused the Bills' request that Moulds take a significant pay cut. The team rejected a recent proposal by Johnson and Henderson to restructure Moulds' contract because it didn't include enough of a salary reduction.

Johnson and Henderson informed the Bills of Moulds' desire to be released during a telephone conversation last Friday. Johnson said they delayed going public because they wanted to see how the first two days of free agency, which began Saturday, unfolded.

The Bills signed three free agents over the weekend, including four-year veteran wide receiver Andre' Davis, who spent last season in New England.

"We were hoping they would open their eyes and say they would give this guy what he deserves and move on," Johnson said. "But they didn't, so we don't have time to keep hoping. There is no more time to hope.

"It's just not going to happen. We're too far apart. If you're not going to pay him, cut him now or trade him now and allow him to find out what his market value is with someone else."

In a statement released by the Bills' media relations department, General Manager Marv Levy said, "Our intention remains to keep Eric as a part of our team."

Johnson and Henderson are not happy with the Bills' "lack of urgency" in reaching a final decision on Moulds. The Bills are in no rush because they are comfortably under the $102 million salary cap even with his high cap number. When the NFL and players union agreed to a new six-year extension of the collective bargaining agreement, it gave the Bills even more cap room to pursue free agents and more time to decide Moulds' fate.

Johnson expects the Bills to release Moulds at some point this offseason, but Johnson wants them to do it now so Moulds can begin looking for a new team. Moulds is coming off a down year in which he caught 81 passes for 816 yards, but he averaged nine catches and 100 yards in the final three games. He also was suspended one game by former head coach Mike Mularkey for conduct detrimental to the team.

Despite last season's problems and his age, Moulds - he'll be 33 in July - would have plenty of suitors if the Bills let him go. The Patriots, Denver Broncos and Philadelphia Eagles are among the teams seeking help at wide receiver.

"We would like to see what his market value is," Johnson said. "Maybe it is at the number the Bills are talking about. But we'll never know if we don't go out there and find out. That's what we want to do. It's just time to move on."

Meanwhile, the Bills continue to court free agents. They are scheduled to bring in two players for visits today. The team declined to comment on the players, but one of them could be former St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Ryan Pickett, who visited Green Bay Sunday and Monday.

The Bills have already signed defensive tackle Larry Tripplett, but want added size up front after releasing Sam Adams.

The 6-foot-2, 330-pound Pickett fits what the Bills are looking for. One of St. Louis' three first-round draft picks in 2001, the 26-year-old Pickett has started 59 of 75 games in five years. He's coming off his best season, leading the NFL in tackles by a defensive lineman with 115.

The Rams reportedly offered Pickett a five-year contract that includes a $5 million signing bonus. But Pickett is looking for a bigger-money deal.

Also Monday, the Bills re-signed reserve offensive lineman Greg Jerman. He appeared in 10 games and started three at right tackle last season. Jerman is a four-year NFL veteran who joined the Bills as a free agent last year after spending his first three seasons with Miami.

http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060314/1022048.aspfrom the Rochester D&C:

Moulds, 33, has 675 career catches and 48 touchdowns in 10 seasons. The three-time Pro Bowler has led the team in receiving seven of the past eight years.

The Bills, Johnson and agent Harry Henderson spoke Friday at length. When the parties still couldn't come to an agreement on what Moulds should be paid, Moulds' representatives told the team Moulds wanted to be released. Johnson said Moulds would wait until Monday before going public to give the Bills even more time to think.

"We spoke a lot on Friday and just couldn't come to an understanding of what his fair-market value is," Johnson said. "Unfortunately, the Bills believe Eric's value is totally opposite of what we think. He'd be grossly underpaid and grossly underappreciated."

Added Johnson: "The ball was in their court. We wanted to hear from them and if we did, we'd try to keep working something out. But we're at option Z. He wants to be released and maybe then he can find his fair-market value someplace else. We just respectfully disagree with the Bills."

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/p...332/1007/SPORTS

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Bills make a charge after Pickett

By MARK GAUGHAN

News Sports Reporter

3/15/2006

The Buffalo Bills entertained another potential cornerstone of their rebuilding defense on Tuesday.

St. Louis Rams free agent defensive tackle Ryan Pickett visited One Bills Drive, and the team hopes he joins recent signee Larry Tripplett to form a dynamic duo at defensive tackle.

Meanwhile, the Bills re-signed their Pro Bowl long-snapper, Mike Schneck, and also entertained a starting guard candidate, restricted free agent Reggie Wells of the Arizona Cardinals.

Pickett was a first-round draft pick in 2001 but he's only 26. He's a 6-foot-2, 315-pounder who played nose tackle in the Rams' four-man defensive front. That's exactly the role in which the Bills would use him. The Bills' new defensive line coach, Bill Kollar, coached Pickett the past five years in St. Louis.

The nose tackle in the Bills' new defense is the run-plugger who plays over the center. The other defensive tackle is a quick penetrator who plays a "3 technique," which means he lines up on the outside shoulder of one of the guards and fills the "B gap," which is the space between the guard and the tackle.

Tripplett, whom the Bills inked to a five-year, $18 million deal on Saturday, played the 3 technique in Indianapolis. Under new defensive coordinator Perry Fewell, Buffalo is adopting the defensive scheme played by Tampa Bay, Indianapolis, St. Louis and Chicago.

Pickett also is being hotly pursued by Green Bay, which he visited on Sunday. St. Louis also would like him back. Pickett had his best season last year for the Rams. He's considered to have good upper body strength and stacks up the run well. He can get some push into the backfield with his bull rushing.

The signing of Schneck to a four-year deal, meanwhile, is sure to please Bills punter Brian Moorman and kicker Rian Lindell. The Bills signed Schneck the week before the regular season after he was cut by Pittsburgh. Schneck was added to the Pro Bowl roster after the season as a "need" pick by AFC coach Mike Shanahan. The Bills' kicking game produced 132 snap opportunities last season, and each was handled successfully by the Bills' punter and holder.

The fact Wells is a restricted free agent - he has fewer than four years experience - means he will be more difficult to acquire.

The Cardinals tendered him an offer last month, meaning they have the right to match any offer the Bills make. Arizona entered free agency with about $28 million in cap space. If Wells accepted an offer from the Bills and Arizona chose not to match it, the Bills would have to give the Cardinals a sixth-round draft choice (that's where Wells was taken by Arizona in 2003).

Wells, 6-4 and 320, is a promising lineman who is only 25. He started all of 2004's games and the first nine games of 2005 at left guard for Arizona, and was considered the Cardinals' best offensive lineman this year until his injury. He broke his ankle in the ninth game.

"I felt I was improving vastly from my second year to my third year and it was a shame I got hurt . . . but that's part of the game," Wells said.

Rod Graves, Arizona's vice president of football operations, said the Cardinals intend to match any offer Wells gets unless "somebody did something totally unexpected. Then we would have to discuss our position," Graves said.

The Bills are expected to have more free-agent visitors this week. Defensive tackle Jermaine Haley, a former Miami Dolphin who was out of the NFL last season, is expected to visit, along with safety Keyon Nash, who has seen time with Oakland the past four seasons. There were indications out of New York the Bills may invite Jets free-agent left tackle Jason Fabini for a visit.

Elsewhere, former Bills tackle Mike Williams, cut by Buffalo a week before free agency, signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Williams got a two-year deal worth $5 million with a $2 million signing bonus. He had been scheduled to get $7 million this year from the Bills.

http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060315/1041447.asp

 

[Donnybrook]

Bills | Team agrees to terms with Nall

Sun, 19 Mar 2006 21:53:43 -0800

Tom Silverstein, of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, reports the Buffalo Bills have agreed to terms with free agent QB Craig Nall (Packers) on a three-year contract. Financial terms were not released. In Buffalo, Nall will be behind QB J.P. Losman, who was supposed to be the team's franchise quarterback, and QB Kelly Holcomb. However, it's thought the Bills could part with one of the two quarterbacks and Nall will have a chance to fight for the starting job this summer.

 

[-OZ-]

Bills | Team agrees to terms with Nall

Sun, 19 Mar 2006 21:53:43 -0800

Tom Silverstein, of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, reports the Buffalo Bills have agreed to terms with free agent QB Craig Nall (Packers) on a three-year contract. Financial terms were not released. In Buffalo, Nall will be behind QB J.P. Losman, who was supposed to be the team's franchise quarterback, and QB Kelly Holcomb. However, it's thought the Bills could part with one of the two quarterbacks and Nall will have a chance to fight for the starting job this summer.

Bills add Nall to starting quarterback derby

By Len Pasquarelli

ESPN.com

Further signaling their intentions of throwing open the starting quarterback job for offseason competition, the Buffalo Bills have added a third candidate to the mix, reaching agreement with unrestricted free agent Craig Nall on a three-year contract.

The four-year veteran played his entire career in Green Bay and, despite appearing in just six games with no starts, was well regarded by Packers coaches and by personnel officials from other teams as well. The financial details of the three-year contract were not immediately available.

Nall, 26, is expected to compete with Buffalo holdovers Kelly Holcomb and J.P. Losman for the starting spot. Losman was the team's first-round choice in the 2004 draft, but there is a new staff and a revamped football structure in Buffalo, and general manager Marv Levy and coach **** Jauron don't have the same loyalties to him as their predecessors did.

The journeyman Holcomb was signed as a free agent last year and he and Losman split the starts, with eight each. One of the holdover quarterbacks could be released or traded, although Jauron has indicated they would enter camp even on the depth chart and the starter would be determined in the summer.

A fifth-round pick in the 2002 draft, Nall played sparingly, and spent most of his tenure with the Packers as the No. 3 quarterback. But the former Northwestern (La.) State star has good size and a strong arm and, if he plays up to the potential some scouts feel he possesses, he could be a factor in the Bills' competition for the starting job.

First-year Packers coach Mike McCarthy had hoped to retain Nall, but the veteran wanted an opportunity to play, and felt the Buffalo situation offered him that. In Green Bay, whether Brett Favre returns or not for 2006, the Packers have 2005 first-round choice Aaron Rodgers, the perceived heir, on the roster.

In his six regular-season appearances, Nall completed 23 of 33 passes for 314 yards, with four touchdown passes and no interceptions, for a passer efficiency rating of 139.4. He has five rushes for five yards. Nall also played for the Scottish Claymores in the spring of 2003 and led the NFL Europe League in passing.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

Has Losman sunk this low?

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Bowen fills safety hole

By ALLEN WILSON

News Sports Reporter

3/17/2006

The Buffalo Bills filled a considerable hole at strong safety Thursday by coming to contract terms with Washington Redskins free agent Matt Bowen on a two-year contract. Bowen's deal is worth $2 million, according to NFL sources.

Bowen met with Bills head coach **** Jauron and General Manager Marv Levy on Thursday morning. Bowen had visits to other teams lined up, but those were canceled once he arrived in Buffalo.

"He's a Bills kind of player. He's as blue collar as they come," said Jack Bechta, Bowen's San Diego, Calif.-based agent. "He's a Chicago guy, and Levy and Jauron are Chicago guys. It just felt right."

The Bills needed help at strong safety after releasing Lawyer Milloy last week. Coy Wire was the only strong safety on the roster before the Bills signed Bowen, 29, who is expected to enter minicamp as the starter.

A sixth-round draft pick by the St. Louis Rams out of Iowa in 2000, the 6-foot-1, 203-pound Bowen is a hard-hitting safety well suited for the Cover-Two scheme that will be a part of the Bills' new defense. He is known as a smart player who plays well in zone coverage and is a physical tackler in run support.

"The system in Buffalo just really appeals to his style of play," Bechta said. "He's a cerebral, tough, blue-collar Midwest kid. It just seems like a good fit."

Bowen has played in 72 games with 30 career starts at safety and on special teams. He joined Green Bay after being released by the Rams in November, 2001 and earned six starts with the Packers the following year.

Bowen spent the last three seasons in Washington. His best year was 2003 when he started 16 games and recorded 94 tackles (73 solo), three interceptions, two sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

He was having another strong season in 2004, but played in just five games due to a torn anterior cruciate knee ligament. Bowen was unable to reclaim the starting job from Ryan Clark last season, but played a key role as a reserve.

In addition to Bowen, the Bills also entertained New York Jets offensive tackle Jason Fabini and Detroit Lions defensive end Jared DeVries on Thursday.

Fabini, 31, finished last season on injured reserve with a torn pectoral muscle and missed seven games in 1999 with a torn ACL. But the 6-7, 304-pound veteran has started 114 games over his eight-year career with the Jets, who drafted him in the third round in 1998.

Fabini started 16 games at right tackle as a rookie and eight more his second year before moving to left tackle. He also started at right tackle last season before sustaining his knee injury against Carolina in Week Nine. Fabini is a powerful drive blocker who uses his long reach well and plays with a mean streak.

It is believed that Fabini will decide between the Bills, New England and Tampa Bay. He visited the Patriots and Buccaneers prior to coming to Buffalo.

DeVries, 29, has been a backup and special teams player for most of his seven years in Detroit. The former third-round draft pick would be a solid guy in the defensive line rotation if the Bills don't re-sign Ryan Denney.

DeVries has good size (6-4, 275), plays the run well and can generate some pressure on the quarterback (he had three sacks in 2004 and 2005).

http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060317/1002351.asp