***Official Buffalo Bills 2007 Offseason Thread*** (1 Viewer)

[Beaumont]

Bills | Team re-signs Kelsay

Mon, 26 Feb 2007 14:03:09 -0800

ESPNews reports the Buffalo Bills have re-signed DE Chris Kelsay. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

 

[aaronr28]

http://www.buffalobills.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=4633

Last week at the NFL Combine Bills head coach **** Jauron said he would not resign himself to the fate of losing his three defensive starters that are scheduled to become free agents. Buffalo successfully retained one of their top three free agents Monday as defensive end Chris Kelsay was re-signed to a multi-year deal.

"Buffalo really came after me hard," said Kelsay. "I said when I came out of college that I wanted to play for one team my entire career and now it looks like that's going to happen. So I'm very pleased. The Bills exceeded my expectations."

Kelsay said before the end of last season that he was "loyal" to Buffalo and followed through on his word.

"This is a place that I've grown to love," said Kelsay of Buffalo. "Not just my teammates and the coaching staff and the administration, but the town and everything that goes into that, my neighbors and just the atmosphere here."

Kelsay, who played his college ball at Nebraska, feels the way the Western New York community follows the Bills is very comparable to the passion he felt in his native state.

"I grew up in Nebraska where the only thing football-wise in the state is the Huskers and it's a similar crowd up here," said Kelsay. "It's kind of a college atmosphere and I've loved playing here so hopefully I can play my entire career here."

The defensive end, who had a career-high 5.5 sacks and finished sixth on the team in tackles, admitted that the defensive system the Bills run played a factor in his decision to return.

"Definitely," said Kelsay. "Any time that you have a rotation like we have and the depth that we have it's a good system because you have to run hard and play all out every play to get to the ball. We have the type of depth to do that and I have respect for the coaching staff. So those are definitely fits and it did play into the whole scheme of things."

The fifth-year defensive lineman is encouraged about the path he believes the Bills are on moving forward.

"There are certain steps that have to be taken between last season and this coming season," said Kelsay. "And I believe a lot of those steps will be taken."

The Bills obviously believed retaining Kelsay was one of them.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Bills | Team re-signs KelsayMon, 26 Feb 2007 14:03:09 -0800ESPNews reports the Buffalo Bills have re-signed DE Chris Kelsay. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Adam Schefter reported on NFLN (no link, I saw it on tv) that it's a 4 year $24M deal with a $13M signing bonus.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Bills | Team re-signs KelsayMon, 26 Feb 2007 14:03:09 -0800ESPNews reports the Buffalo Bills have re-signed DE Chris Kelsay. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Adam Schefter reported on NFLN (no link, I saw it on tv) that it's a 4 year $24M deal with a $13M signing bonus.

too bad Ralph Wilson and the Bills are too cheap to pay any players to play in Buffalo.

 

[GoBills02]

Bills | Team re-signs KelsayMon, 26 Feb 2007 14:03:09 -0800ESPNews reports the Buffalo Bills have re-signed DE Chris Kelsay. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Adam Schefter reported on NFLN (no link, I saw it on tv) that it's a 4 year $24M deal with a $13M signing bonus.

too bad Ralph Wilson and the Bills are too cheap to pay any players to play in Buffalo.

This re signing really suprises me. I thought for sure Kelsey would want to test the FA market.I'm also looking forward to getting rid of my avatar. I'l trade my avatar to the Giants for their 1st and 4th for the Bills 2nd. Michael Bush is looking better and better fr me.

 

[Liquid Tension]

Not a Bills fan, but that was a great article. I would like to see more like that on all teams players. What is YOUR take on Mcgahee? Was it the line or was it him or is he just mediocre?

I can't decide if he doesn't run hard, or if he doesn't run smart. One big play stands out to me from last year. The Bills had stormed back at home against SD to make a game of it in the second half. He caught a pass on 3rd and short near midfield. Two SD defenders moved up to make the tackle. He was close enough to the marker to lunge into the middle of them and get the first down.Instead he tried to juke to the side. They tackled him and forced Buffalo to punt. You need better football smarts than that to know you need to get the first down. I believe in an interview last year on another occassion he said he didn't know what down it was on a play.Maybe in his head that is all he has to do now that he has his payday? Or maybe a change of scene will do him good and make him realize that no one owes him a starting RB position in the NFL. Remember the Bills got rid of a very good RB to open things up for McGahee.He must have worked his tail off to come back from the injury, so he can do it, I am not sure that he will unless he leaves Buffalo.

Thanks Duff Man. I have Mcgahee on two of my teams and I was interested to hear from a Bills fan. I watch a lot of McGahee and there is something missing at times. There are other times where he runs great. The only thing I believe is that his natural instinct isn't great and he seems to run more frustrated if the line is not doing its job. His skills are excellent though.

 

[Gottabesweet]

Well this is 24 million of our 35 "cash to the cap"

Over-paid to keep him here.

No money left to sign stars in free agency.

Hopefully they get some holes at OL,DL, MLB, CB1,

Possibly a WR2 but can wait.

oh we need a rb now too I guess.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Well this is 24 million of our 35 "cash to the cap" Over-paid to keep him here.

Kelsay probably would have gotten more to sign elsewhere if he hit the open market. Who else is out there? Everybody locked up their free agent DEs with franchise tags this year.Why not wait and see what the Bills do before passing judgment? Levy's plan last year worked out pretty well, didn't it?

 

[Pat Patriot]

Well this is 24 million of our 35 "cash to the cap" Over-paid to keep him here.

Kelsay probably would have gotten more to sign elsewhere if he hit the open market. Who else is out there? Everybody locked up their free agent DEs with franchise tags this year.Why not wait and see what the Bills do before passing judgment? Levy's plan last year worked out pretty well, didn't it?

Do you like that signing? $13 million bonus for Chris Kelsay? I guess I can resign myself to the fact that the Pats wont be signing anyone. We better have a heck of a draft.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Well this is 24 million of our 35 "cash to the cap" Over-paid to keep him here.

Kelsay probably would have gotten more to sign elsewhere if he hit the open market. Who else is out there? Everybody locked up their free agent DEs with franchise tags this year.Why not wait and see what the Bills do before passing judgment? Levy's plan last year worked out pretty well, didn't it?

Do you like that signing? $13 million bonus for Chris Kelsay? I guess I can resign myself to the fact that the Pats wont be signing anyone. We better have a heck of a draft.

I think he's a good young player that they probably could have afforded to lose, but good young DEs don't come cheap. Yesterday Bills fans were crying about the fact that Levy and Wilson and the Bills won't spend any money. Now they spend money and people are going to complain that they spent it on the wrong guy? I just think people need to make up their mind.Still way too early to throw this franchise/management group under the bus. I think they have a plan and given the way Levy's draft turned out last year, I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt for now.

 

[Pat Patriot]

Well this is 24 million of our 35 "cash to the cap" Over-paid to keep him here.

Kelsay probably would have gotten more to sign elsewhere if he hit the open market. Who else is out there? Everybody locked up their free agent DEs with franchise tags this year.Why not wait and see what the Bills do before passing judgment? Levy's plan last year worked out pretty well, didn't it?

Do you like that signing? $13 million bonus for Chris Kelsay? I guess I can resign myself to the fact that the Pats wont be signing anyone. We better have a heck of a draft.

I think he's a good young player that they probably could have afforded to lose, but good young DEs don't come cheap. Yesterday Bills fans were crying about the fact that Levy and Wilson and the Bills won't spend any money. Now they spend money and people are going to complain that they spent it on the wrong guy? I just think people need to make up their mind.Still way too early to throw this franchise/management group under the bus. I think they have a plan and given the way Levy's draft turned out last year, I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt for now.

I think the Bills took some steps forward last year. Losman certainly improved and showed that he is capable of being a good NFL QB. The question is do they take a step back if they lose Fletcher, Clements and others.I think Levy has done a pretty good job so far.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Clements is a great CB, but you don't need great CBs in this system. I think they can replace him rather easily and for a lot less money.

I'm a lot less certain about their ability to replace Fletcher but Crowell has played great at WLB and he's definitely their most athletic LB so I don't think they'll lose anything in pass defense. Keith Ellison is also excellent in coverage. If Spikes can return to form, the LB group will be pretty solid, but I'm worried that they'll be a bit soft against the run as Crowell/Ellison are a bit undersized for those positions.

The team desperately needs a DT who can plug up the middle a bit better or at least command double teams, which would help free up the DEs. With Schobel, Kelsay, Denney, and Hargrove, I think the Bills have the makings of a very very strong group of DEs...all of whom can play the run and pass equally well. Inside, Larry Triplett and Kyle Williams are solid, and I'm expecting McCargo to make a bigger impact this year. That leaves Tim Anderson's spot, which needs to be upgraded and most people think that will be addressed with the 1st pick in the draft.

If they address DT in round 1, then they can look for help at CB, LB, and OL in the next few rounds. A lot of people will say WR is a need but I think they'll probably go with Price/Reed/Parrish for another season. None make a very good WR2, but as a group I think they're good enough. I'd love to see them add a receiving threat at the TE position, but I think Royal is adequate as a starter.

This team wasn't too far away from the playoffs last year. They might take a step back, but given the improvement we saw from Losman last year, I don't think it's unreasonable to expect a potential playoff run in 2007. I really like the coordinators Jauron has, I think their special teams are the best in the league, and I think the offensive and defensive lines are both going to get better. The team certainly has some question marks to address in the next couple months, but I feel pretty good about the direction the franchise is headed in compared to where it was a year or two ago.

 

[Tommy Collins]

Clements is a great CB, but you don't need great CBs in this system. I think they can replace him rather easily and for a lot less money.I'm a lot less certain about their ability to replace Fletcher but Crowell has played great at WLB and he's definitely their most athletic LB so I don't think they'll lose anything in pass defense. Keith Ellison is also excellent in coverage. If Spikes can return to form, the LB group will be pretty solid, but I'm worried that they'll be a bit soft against the run as Crowell/Ellison are a bit undersized for those positions.The team desperately needs a DT who can plug up the middle a bit better or at least command double teams, which would help free up the DEs. With Schobel, Kelsay, Denney, and Hargrove, I think the Bills have the makings of a very very strong group of DEs...all of whom can play the run and pass equally well. Inside, Larry Triplett and Kyle Williams are solid, and I'm expecting McCargo to make a bigger impact this year. That leaves Tim Anderson's spot, which needs to be upgraded and most people think that will be addressed with the 1st pick in the draft.If they address DT in round 1, then they can look for help at CB, LB, and OL in the next few rounds. A lot of people will say WR is a need but I think they'll probably go with Price/Reed/Parrish for another season. None make a very good WR2, but as a group I think they're good enough. I'd love to see them add a receiving threat at the TE position, but I think Royal is adequate as a starter.This team wasn't too far away from the playoffs last year. They might take a step back, but given the improvement we saw from Losman last year, I don't think it's unreasonable to expect a potential playoff run in 2007. I really like the coordinators Jauron has, I think their special teams are the best in the league, and I think the offensive and defensive lines are both going to get better. The team certainly has some question marks to address in the next couple months, but I feel pretty good about the direction the franchise is headed in compared to where it was a year or two ago.

I agree with you on this. I'm very excited about the draft this year after the way it turned out last year. I'm sure we'll get some very good players. My concern however is Free Agency. We just blew our load on Kelsay giving us chump change to replace some very big holes. I am more concerned about losing Fletcher more than I am of losing Clements. Teams ran all over us with Fletcher, I'd hate to see how things are without him. We do desperately need a DT and if McGahee is dealt for a 1st rounder, I hope they go RB then DT in the 1st. As for the OL, I'm hoping they find a way to address their needs there in free agency. After spending $24 million, those chances are slim. Drafting an OL won't do us much good for at least a year. From the looks of things, our OL won't be upgraded for at least another season. As long as the team continues to progress I think we will do OK for now with what we got there.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

the offensive line improved dramatically once Peters was shifted to LT. I think he'll be a strong Pro Bowl candidate soon, possibly this upcoming season. Fowler is a good center. Preston had a shaky start when they kept moving him around, but I think he looked better as he got more comfortable at RG. Gandy was much better as a guard than he was as a tackle. Pennington did pretty well at RT and the team still has high hopes for Brad Butler. Signing a stud OG or RT in free agency sounds good, but I think they can just continue to build through the draft and let the young guys they've drafted recently keep developing and building chemistry with each other. But, Peters is clearly the focal point and gives the Bills a chance to have an elite player at the most important position on the line.

the team went heavy on youth over experience on the line last year and I think it started to pay off at the end of the season. they do need to get better in run blocking, but I think the pass protection should be pretty good this year even if they don't add any big impact guys.

 

[GoBills02]

Clements is a great CB, but you don't need great CBs in this system. I think they can replace him rather easily and for a lot less money.I'm a lot less certain about their ability to replace Fletcher but Crowell has played great at WLB and he's definitely their most athletic LB so I don't think they'll lose anything in pass defense. Keith Ellison is also excellent in coverage. If Spikes can return to form, the LB group will be pretty solid, but I'm worried that they'll be a bit soft against the run as Crowell/Ellison are a bit undersized for those positions.The team desperately needs a DT who can plug up the middle a bit better or at least command double teams, which would help free up the DEs. With Schobel, Kelsay, Denney, and Hargrove, I think the Bills have the makings of a very very strong group of DEs...all of whom can play the run and pass equally well. Inside, Larry Triplett and Kyle Williams are solid, and I'm expecting McCargo to make a bigger impact this year. That leaves Tim Anderson's spot, which needs to be upgraded and most people think that will be addressed with the 1st pick in the draft.If they address DT in round 1, then they can look for help at CB, LB, and OL in the next few rounds. A lot of people will say WR is a need but I think they'll probably go with Price/Reed/Parrish for another season. None make a very good WR2, but as a group I think they're good enough. I'd love to see them add a receiving threat at the TE position, but I think Royal is adequate as a starter.This team wasn't too far away from the playoffs last year. They might take a step back, but given the improvement we saw from Losman last year, I don't think it's unreasonable to expect a potential playoff run in 2007. I really like the coordinators Jauron has, I think their special teams are the best in the league, and I think the offensive and defensive lines are both going to get better. The team certainly has some question marks to address in the next couple months, but I feel pretty good about the direction the franchise is headed in compared to where it was a year or two ago.

I agree with you on this. I'm very excited about the draft this year after the way it turned out last year. I'm sure we'll get some very good players. My concern however is Free Agency. We just blew our load on Kelsay giving us chump change to replace some very big holes. I am more concerned about losing Fletcher more than I am of losing Clements. Teams ran all over us with Fletcher, I'd hate to see how things are without him. We do desperately need a DT and if McGahee is dealt for a 1st rounder, I hope they go RB then DT in the 1st. As for the OL, I'm hoping they find a way to address their needs there in free agency. After spending $24 million, those chances are slim. Drafting an OL won't do us much good for at least a year. From the looks of things, our OL won't be upgraded for at least another season. As long as the team continues to progress I think we will do OK for now with what we got there.

The way I'm reading the "reported" deal is that the 13 Million isn't a correct report. They were saying it was a deal similiar to Marion Williams(not in $, but in structure. No signing bonus, but a "buyout" option for the 4th year.I too like Ellison and Crowell at LB, but still hope we bring back Fletcher. Spikes needs to show me something in pre season, hope it's not another Sam Cowart issue. Loved Sam, never was the same after that achilles injury.I don't want to spend the money to keep Nate, I like him, but as Aaron said, we don't need that in the system.. I would love to address WR in the 2nd. A couple of studs should fall there.Ad is the season we see all the Everett hype pan out??????I'm excited about having our DE's locked up.Is it true that is Hargrove is tgendered, and another team offers us the same, we get a 3rd? That seems like a win-win. I like the energy Hargrove brings, and would love to see him switch to the right side to back up Schobel, and use him inside too.I can't wait to see McCargo go again.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Bills | Team re-signs Kelsay

Mon, 26 Feb 2007 14:03:09 -0800

ESPNews reports the Buffalo Bills have re-signed DE Chris Kelsay. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Adam Schefter reported on NFLN (no link, I saw it on tv) that it's a 4 year $24M deal with a $13M signing bonus.

supposedly, the contract is 4 years for $23 million (average of $5.75 million/year) with $14.5 million in guaranteed money (or $13 million depending on the source)...not necessarily all in a signing bonus. some of that guaranteed money could come later on in the form of a roster bonus or whatever so it wouldn't have as big of an impact on their "cash to cap" policy for this offseason. I think $5.75 million/year is pretty reasonable given that the cap has gone up so much and how much young DEs are worth these days.Also, there's a new report from PFT on Fletcher:

FLETCHER DEAL NOT DONE?

Although there are rampant rumors that the Washington Redskins have reached a deal with Bills middle linebacker London Fletcher, a source close to Fletcher says that a final decision has not been made.

The Redskins, Patriots, Lions, and Bills are interested in Fletcher, and the source says that the Bills currently are the favorites to land London, with the Redskins at No.2 on the list.

Ideally, however, the Bills should have the exclusive ability to negotiate with Fletcher until Friday. But that's simply not how it works in the NFL anymore; virtually every team violates the prohibition on tampering when the time comes to talk to pending free agents. Indeed, we're not aware of a single team that doesn't get an early start on chatting with players who technically are the property of others.

 

[Kleck]

Did someone fart in this thread, or is there lots of Losman discussion? Sorry, couldn't resist.

Actually, I'm very hopeful that the Bills rebound well next year. I think they're very close.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Bills | Team re-signs Kelsay

Mon, 26 Feb 2007 14:03:09 -0800

ESPNews reports the Buffalo Bills have re-signed DE Chris Kelsay. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Adam Schefter reported on NFLN (no link, I saw it on tv) that it's a 4 year $24M deal with a $13M signing bonus.

supposedly, the contract is 4 years for $23 million (average of $5.75 million/year) with $14.5 million in guaranteed money (or $13 million depending on the source)...not necessarily all in a signing bonus. some of that guaranteed money could come later on in the form of a roster bonus or whatever so it wouldn't have as big of an impact on their "cash to cap" policy for this offseason. I think $5.75 million/year is pretty reasonable given that the cap has gone up so much and how much young DEs are worth these days.Also, there's a new report from PFT on Fletcher:

FLETCHER DEAL NOT DONE?

Although there are rampant rumors that the Washington Redskins have reached a deal with Bills middle linebacker London Fletcher, a source close to Fletcher says that a final decision has not been made.

The Redskins, Patriots, Lions, and Bills are interested in Fletcher, and the source says that the Bills currently are the favorites to land London, with the Redskins at No.2 on the list.

Ideally, however, the Bills should have the exclusive ability to negotiate with Fletcher until Friday. But that's simply not how it works in the NFL anymore; virtually every team violates the prohibition on tampering when the time comes to talk to pending free agents. Indeed, we're not aware of a single team that doesn't get an early start on chatting with players who technically are the property of others.

I hate to say it, but with as much money as Washington would probably offer Fletcher, I hope that he's playing for them and not for the Bills at that kind of money. Don't get me wrong, he's been great in Buffalo and probably one of the 5 most underated players in the league over the past 5 or 6 years, but at his age I just can't see giving him big money. I'd rather move Crowell to MLB and see what he can do and spend the money at either OG or DT.

 

[On The Rocks]

the offensive line improved dramatically once Peters was shifted to LT. I think he'll be a strong Pro Bowl candidate soon, possibly this upcoming season. Fowler is a good center. Preston had a shaky start when they kept moving him around, but I think he looked better as he got more comfortable at RG. Gandy was much better as a guard than he was as a tackle. Pennington did pretty well at RT and the team still has high hopes for Brad Butler. Signing a stud OG or RT in free agency sounds good, but I think they can just continue to build through the draft and let the young guys they've drafted recently keep developing and building chemistry with each other. But, Peters is clearly the focal point and gives the Bills a chance to have an elite player at the most important position on the line.the team went heavy on youth over experience on the line last year and I think it started to pay off at the end of the season. they do need to get better in run blocking, but I think the pass protection should be pretty good this year even if they don't add any big impact guys.

lots of "ifs", "hopes" and "maybes".....with regard to the Bills OLine.Like most Bills fans I love Peters. He is going to be great and they got him to sign a real nice affordable extension before last season. I believe Gandy is an UFA. He played a lot better at LG and was clearly overmatched at LT. I just don't know that he would be worth overspending for in a bidding war. He would be a GREAT backup/utility G. He is a servicable starting G. I like Fowler's athetlicism. This offense requires their interior linemen to be quick and able to pull. He can do that. And within the first month of the season he proved to be a better leader than Trey Teague did in his entire tenure with the team. Duke Preston has shown glimpses of being an "ok" player. I am not sold on him. I would prefer they keep him on the bench as a backup. I have no idea what they have in Pennington, I do know however that the right side of the line never looked great last year. I think it would be a good idea to bring in a starting FA G. (not someone like Tuten Reyes or Bennie Anderson). And draft a top prospect, and then let that player along with Brad Butler, Pennington, and Preston fight it out for a starting spot.

 

[aaronr28]

Kelsay signing is key

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

Almost-free agent happy he's staying

By MARK GAUGHAN

News Sports Reporter

2/27/2007

The Buffalo Bills made a preemptive strike to minimize their defensive losses in free agency on Monday.

The Bills signed starting left defensive end Chris Kelsay to a rich, new four-year contract, a critical move for the team just five days before the start of the NFL's free-agency season.

The Bills are virtually assured of losing defensive starters Nate Clements and London Fletcher in free agency. So the retention of Kelsay avoids a hole in the defensive front that the Bills did not want to have to fill.

"They wanted me, and I wanted to be here," Kelsay said. "This is where I feel my heart is, and my family's heart is. I love the organization, the community and the fans."

While Kelsay wanted to stay, it does not appear the Bills got a major "hometown discount." No team can get a starting player to take himself off the market the week of free agency without paying fair-market value. The Bills did just that.

While exact terms of the deal were not yet available, league sources said the contract averages about $5.75 million a year, and includes roughly $14 million in guaranteed money. That's in line with what some promising defensive ends at the same stage in their careers got last offseason. Aaron Kampman, considered by Green Bay to be a budding star last March, got a $5.25 million average after a 61/2-sack season. It was a smart move by the Packers. He jumped up to 151/2 sacks in 2006. Tennessee gave Kyle Vanden Bosch a $5.5 million average in the wake of a 121/2-sack season, which had followed four poor years. Last season Vanden Bosch dropped down to 61/2 sacks.

All contracts signed this year are going to be inflated in comparison with past years. The NFL's salary cap is up to $109 million for each team this year, up 27 percent over the past two seasons.

"They really in a sense exceeded my expectations as far as a contract went and they wanted me here," Kelsay said. "It's a great honor, I'm very grateful."

Kelsay, 27, may never be a 12-sack performer, but he is a solid starter who had his best season in 2006 and who is a good fit for the defense run by Bills coach **** Jauron.

Kelsay had 51/2 sacks last year and 88 tackles and six tackles for loss, all career highs. The year before he had 21/2 sacks, 41 tackles and none for losses. He did it while sharing some of his time with Ryan Denney. Kelsay and Denney combined for 111/2 sacks from the left side of the defense, while Aaron Schobel had 14 from the right. The Bills ranked 10th in the NFL in sacks.

Kelsay said he doesn't mind sharing some of his repetitions, and he thinks it makes him a better player.

"We started off really hot and heavy [in 2006]," he said. "I had five sacks in the first six games and we really started rotating and keeping guys healthy and fresh, week in and week out. I think that's key. If you want to have a good defense, especially the defense we run where it's all about flying to the football and playing 110 mph every snap, it's going to take a rotation. So you're going to give up some snaps from a rotation standpoint. But I had no concern because I know it's not the number of reps you play but how hard you play. Coach [bill] Kollar, my hat's off to him, that's something he drills into us each and every day. Our entire defense swarms to the ball so it takes fresh guys."

Kelsay becomes the highest-paid member of the Bills' defensive line. Schobel's contract pays him an average of about $3.8 million a year. However, Schobel signed his contract extension before the start of the 2004 season, when the salary cap was just $80.5 million per team.

"I want to thank Mr. [Ralph] Wilson," Kelsay said, referring to the Bills' owner. "One of my goals coming out of college was to play for the same team for my entire career. I'm given that opportunity thus far. It's a good fit."

http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20070227/1023852.asp

 

[The Duff Man]

the offensive line improved dramatically once Peters was shifted to LT. I think he'll be a strong Pro Bowl candidate soon, possibly this upcoming season. Fowler is a good center. Preston had a shaky start when they kept moving him around, but I think he looked better as he got more comfortable at RG. Gandy was much better as a guard than he was as a tackle. Pennington did pretty well at RT and the team still has high hopes for Brad Butler. Signing a stud OG or RT in free agency sounds good, but I think they can just continue to build through the draft and let the young guys they've drafted recently keep developing and building chemistry with each other. But, Peters is clearly the focal point and gives the Bills a chance to have an elite player at the most important position on the line.the team went heavy on youth over experience on the line last year and I think it started to pay off at the end of the season. they do need to get better in run blocking, but I think the pass protection should be pretty good this year even if they don't add any big impact guys.

lots of "ifs", "hopes" and "maybes".....with regard to the Bills OLine.Like most Bills fans I love Peters. He is going to be great and they got him to sign a real nice affordable extension before last season. I believe Gandy is an UFA. He played a lot better at LG and was clearly overmatched at LT. I just don't know that he would be worth overspending for in a bidding war. He would be a GREAT backup/utility G. He is a servicable starting G. I like Fowler's athetlicism. This offense requires their interior linemen to be quick and able to pull. He can do that. And within the first month of the season he proved to be a better leader than Trey Teague did in his entire tenure with the team. Duke Preston has shown glimpses of being an "ok" player. I am not sold on him. I would prefer they keep him on the bench as a backup. I have no idea what they have in Pennington, I do know however that the right side of the line never looked great last year. I think it would be a good idea to bring in a starting FA G. (not someone like Tuten Reyes or Bennie Anderson). And draft a top prospect, and then let that player along with Brad Butler, Pennington, and Preston fight it out for a starting spot.

I was somewhat surprised the Bills didn't spend an early pick last year on upgrading the line. A good young player brought in last year would be in more of a position to make an impact this year. They may have just taken BPA since they had multiple needs or they may have thought they had enough talent there to get by and the problem was coaching and/or cohesion.Re: the signing. I like the move but in the back of my head I can't forget Marve saying he doesn't understand the cap. Combined with the fact they threw money needlessly at Peerless Price ($2M) and Josh Reed ($2M) last year I am hesitant to think they are going to be effective at managing the cap to fill their needs.

 

[GroveDiesel]

the offensive line improved dramatically once Peters was shifted to LT. I think he'll be a strong Pro Bowl candidate soon, possibly this upcoming season. Fowler is a good center. Preston had a shaky start when they kept moving him around, but I think he looked better as he got more comfortable at RG. Gandy was much better as a guard than he was as a tackle. Pennington did pretty well at RT and the team still has high hopes for Brad Butler. Signing a stud OG or RT in free agency sounds good, but I think they can just continue to build through the draft and let the young guys they've drafted recently keep developing and building chemistry with each other. But, Peters is clearly the focal point and gives the Bills a chance to have an elite player at the most important position on the line.the team went heavy on youth over experience on the line last year and I think it started to pay off at the end of the season. they do need to get better in run blocking, but I think the pass protection should be pretty good this year even if they don't add any big impact guys.

lots of "ifs", "hopes" and "maybes".....with regard to the Bills OLine.Like most Bills fans I love Peters. He is going to be great and they got him to sign a real nice affordable extension before last season. I believe Gandy is an UFA. He played a lot better at LG and was clearly overmatched at LT. I just don't know that he would be worth overspending for in a bidding war. He would be a GREAT backup/utility G. He is a servicable starting G. I like Fowler's athetlicism. This offense requires their interior linemen to be quick and able to pull. He can do that. And within the first month of the season he proved to be a better leader than Trey Teague did in his entire tenure with the team. Duke Preston has shown glimpses of being an "ok" player. I am not sold on him. I would prefer they keep him on the bench as a backup. I have no idea what they have in Pennington, I do know however that the right side of the line never looked great last year. I think it would be a good idea to bring in a starting FA G. (not someone like Tuten Reyes or Bennie Anderson). And draft a top prospect, and then let that player along with Brad Butler, Pennington, and Preston fight it out for a starting spot.

I was somewhat surprised the Bills didn't spend an early pick last year on upgrading the line. A good young player brought in last year would be in more of a position to make an impact this year. They may have just taken BPA since they had multiple needs or they may have thought they had enough talent there to get by and the problem was coaching and/or cohesion.Re: the signing. I like the move but in the back of my head I can't forget Marve saying he doesn't understand the cap. Combined with the fact they threw money needlessly at Peerless Price ($2M) and Josh Reed ($2M) last year I am hesitant to think they are going to be effective at managing the cap to fill their needs.

I just don't think that the value was there at all for the Bills for O-lineman in the draft early last season. Ferguson was gone before their first pick, Mangold would have been way too high with their first pick (I would have like to see them take Mangold instead of McCargo though) and then they didn't pick again until the 3rd round. The only other O-lineman from last year's draft that was any good was Marcus McNeil. He ended up being the best of the bunch (by far) to this point. The Chargers took him in the middle of the 2nd round. So the Bills could have taken him with their 2nd pick, but I think that most people actually seemed to think that Winston Justice was a better pick and I don't think that the Eagles have been very thrilled with him so far.

 

[Obie Wan]

the offensive line improved dramatically once Peters was shifted to LT. I think he'll be a strong Pro Bowl candidate soon, possibly this upcoming season. Fowler is a good center. Preston had a shaky start when they kept moving him around, but I think he looked better as he got more comfortable at RG. Gandy was much better as a guard than he was as a tackle. Pennington did pretty well at RT and the team still has high hopes for Brad Butler. Signing a stud OG or RT in free agency sounds good, but I think they can just continue to build through the draft and let the young guys they've drafted recently keep developing and building chemistry with each other. But, Peters is clearly the focal point and gives the Bills a chance to have an elite player at the most important position on the line.the team went heavy on youth over experience on the line last year and I think it started to pay off at the end of the season. they do need to get better in run blocking, but I think the pass protection should be pretty good this year even if they don't add any big impact guys.

lots of "ifs", "hopes" and "maybes".....with regard to the Bills OLine.Like most Bills fans I love Peters. He is going to be great and they got him to sign a real nice affordable extension before last season. I believe Gandy is an UFA. He played a lot better at LG and was clearly overmatched at LT. I just don't know that he would be worth overspending for in a bidding war. He would be a GREAT backup/utility G. He is a servicable starting G. I like Fowler's athetlicism. This offense requires their interior linemen to be quick and able to pull. He can do that. And within the first month of the season he proved to be a better leader than Trey Teague did in his entire tenure with the team. Duke Preston has shown glimpses of being an "ok" player. I am not sold on him. I would prefer they keep him on the bench as a backup. I have no idea what they have in Pennington, I do know however that the right side of the line never looked great last year. I think it would be a good idea to bring in a starting FA G. (not someone like Tuten Reyes or Bennie Anderson). And draft a top prospect, and then let that player along with Brad Butler, Pennington, and Preston fight it out for a starting spot.

I was somewhat surprised the Bills didn't spend an early pick last year on upgrading the line. A good young player brought in last year would be in more of a position to make an impact this year. They may have just taken BPA since they had multiple needs or they may have thought they had enough talent there to get by and the problem was coaching and/or cohesion.Re: the signing. I like the move but in the back of my head I can't forget Marve saying he doesn't understand the cap. Combined with the fact they threw money needlessly at Peerless Price ($2M) and Josh Reed ($2M) last year I am hesitant to think they are going to be effective at managing the cap to fill their needs.

Fortunately, as Dirty Harry once said, "Marv understands his limitations" and has no intention of personally manageing the cap. Jim Overdorf manages the business side of the Bills and has input from Ralph's long time CFO Jeff Littman.

 

[aaronr28]

Bills put Spikes on trade block

By MARK GAUGHAN

News Sports Reporter

3/2/2007

The Buffalo Bills sent two veterans out the door Thursday and it seems a third - linebacker Takeo Spikes - might not be far behind.

The Bills have tried to see if they could find a trade partner for Spikes, a league source said Thursday night.

Spikes' future with the Bills has seemed in doubt since the end of the season, and the Bills have acknowledged they are not sure if he fits in their plans.

Spikes was not among the team's cuts on Thursday. The Bills released veteran guard Chris Villarrial and reserve safety Matt Bowen.

But his departure remains a distinct possibility. The trade or release of Spikes would save $4.6 million in actual cash he is owed this year and about $2.8 million against the salary cap.

Spikes, 30, played 12 games last season after coming all the way back from a torn Achilles tendon injury. He was bothered by some nagging injuries during the year, including a strained hamstring that kept him out of four early-season games. He finished 10th on the team in tackles with 76 and seemed to get a bit stronger late in the season. His struggles were not at all surprising given the severe nature of his Achilles injury in 2005.

The question is can Spikes regain his Pro Bowl form of 2004? The Bills have been conservative about predicting he will.

"Until he gets all the way back, he's not certain, you're not certain until it happens," coach **** Jauron said last week at the NFL Scouting Combine.

The Bills don't need to create the cap space that Spikes' departure would provide - unless they have other plans for using it.

One area the Bills probably will peruse in free agency is the offensive line.

The NFL's free-agent shopping season opened this morning, and the league's 32 teams began rummaging through a shallow bin of veteran talent.

However, there are some viable unrestricted free agents on the offensive line, and that's one of the Bills' prime areas of need. The Bills could use help at right tackle and left guard.

The other developments in the hours leading up to free agency for the Bills were these:

• The Bills released Villarrial and Bowen. Villarrial started 39 games for the team over the past three seasons, including eight last year. He will be 34 in June and missed the second half of the year with a torn ankle tendon. Bowen never got on the field for the defense last season.

• Backup cornerback Jabari Greer was signed to a contract. Greer, the No. 4 corner last year and the No. 2 special-teams tackler, was set to become a free agent.

• The moves leave the Bills with about $19 million in cash to spend, according to News estimates. That's the amount of money for 2007 in bonuses and base pay they have to give players, not the total value of contracts they can give out. It appears the signing Monday of defensive end Chris Kelsay will cost the Bills $12 million in money this year - an $8 million signing bonus, a $1 million base salary and another $3 million bonus he's likely to get this year - according to two league sources. Just when that $3 million bonus would be paid was unclear.

• Bills unrestricted free agents Nate Clements and London Fletcher prepared to strike it rich. Clements is likely to get a bonus of $20 million or more. Tennessee and Cleveland reportedly were the teams most interested in Clements. Fletcher, meanwhile, reportedly was a prime target of Washington.

Here's how the free-agent market looks in the Bills' prime area of need, the offensive line:

A couple starting tackles who may not command elite money are Dallas' Marc Colombo, New Orleans' Jon Stinchcomb and Baltimore's Tony Pashos. Colombo, 28, played for Jauron in Chicago. He was a late first-round pick of the Bears in 2002. He spent much of his first four years battling injuries but played 16 games for Dallas last season. Stinchcomb, 27, did nothing his first three years but did a good job in starting 16 games for the Saints in 2006. Pashos might be the best of the three. He's 26.

Another right tackle is Kansas City's Jordan Black, who has 29 career starts. Another tackle with whom the Bills are familiar is Luke Petitgout, released by the Giants this week. He's an eight-year veteran with 106 starts who played for Bills line coach Jim McNally in New York. He missed the last seven games with a broken leg. Whether Petitgout and Black are bullish enough to play on the right side is a question.

The top guards - Cincinnati's Eric Steinbach and San Diego's Kris Dielman - may command $6.5 million a year. It's hard to see the Bills paying that steep a price for a guard. Washington's Derrick Dockery is a road grader who is third on the list and won't be cheap, either. A less expensive guard option may be Sean Mahan, 26, who started 12 games for Tampa.

Meanwhile, the Bills signed Canadian league QB Kevin Eakin.

http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20070302/1027966.asp

 

[GroveDiesel]

The Bills have brought in Langston Walker OT from the Raiders for a visit as well as Derrick Dockery OG from the Redskins.

I'd love to see Dockery in Buffalo.

 

[Tommy Collins]

The Bills have brought in Langston Walker OT from the Raiders for a visit as well as Derrick Dockery OG from the Redskins.I'd love to see Dockery in Buffalo.

AGREED!

 

[raidergil]

The Bills have brought in Langston Walker OT from the Raiders for a visit as well as Derrick Dockery OG from the Redskins.I'd love to see Dockery in Buffalo.

Or both! Quite a splash by Bills. Very surprising dollars put out there. So if Willis stays there's no reason for him not to prove he's the 'best back in the NFL.' Of course its possible they bulk up the line, McGahee puts up big numbers and then bolts next year anyway. Been a long time in coming so its nice to see the OL addressed.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Big Addition to Buffalo's Offensive Line

by Chris Brown, Lead Journalist Last Updated: 3/2/2007 6:22 PM ET

The Bills look to finally have a permanent answer for their left guard position as they signed Washington free agent guard Derrick Dockery to a multi-year deal on the first full day of free agency Friday.

"This is a beautiful thing," said Dockery. "I've had a great time on my visit here in Buffalo. It's a top notch organization, owner, coach, the players, the fans, the city… they love their Bills and I'm really excited to be a part of it."

The Bills made no secret about their intentions to improve their offensive line and took a big first step with the addition of the mammoth left guard.

The former Washington Redskin was at the top of the Bills' free agent wish list, and booked a flight to Buffalo Friday morning after initial contract negotiations were headed in the right direction. Dockery signed on the dotted line upon completing his visit at One Bills Drive.

Teamed with emerging Pro Bowl talent Jason Peters at tackle, the left side of Buffalo's offensive front could prove to be one of the most physically imposing in the league.

"That was the thinking behind our pursuit of Dockery," said offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild. "We wanted as good a left side as we could possibly get both for the run and the pass. He was very, very impressive to our entire offensive staff as we evaluated the offensive linemen available."

"That left side has certainly been upgraded with Dockery over there," said McNally. "He and Peters are two guys we'd like to have first off the bus for us."

"He's a great player," said Dockery of Peters. "He's a young guy that's coming up. I've heard nothing but great things about him. I'm excited about this opportunity to play with Jason and grow together. We're going to work hard to get this organization back where it needs to be."

Dockery figures to help Buffalo's moribund running game which has ranked 20th and 27th in the league the past two seasons.

"He will help us in our zone schemes and the run game," said Fairchild. "He was just what we were looking for. He has good size, he's a powerful guy that showed he's athletic enough to be a solid pass protector. He's a superb player. He's something."

The 6'6" 335 pound lineman has been Washington's starting left guard since the time the Redskins made him a third round draft pick in 2003. With the giant defensive tackles that are becoming more and more common in the league, a big interior lineman was viewed as a necessity by Buffalo.

"With the size of the defensive tackles in the league it's tough to play inside and get a good push unless you're a good-sized player with a wingspan as well," said Fairchild. "He's certainly got the body type and proven he can do it. Year in and year out he's been a good player for Washington."

"He's tough to bull rush," said offensive line coach Jim McNally. "For a big guy he can bend his knees and he has a good anchor."

Over the last two seasons one thing Washington has been able to do is run the football ranking 7th in rushing in 2005 and 4th in 2006.

"He was a big part of what they were doing in Washington because of his run blocking and with his pass protection too," said Fairchild. "He's just a tremendous talent."

Dockery has also proven durable in his four-year career as he has made 61 consecutive starts.

"With Dockery you're talking about one of the better free agents at any position out there and we're very fortunate to land him," said Fairchild.

http://www.buffalobills.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=4646

 

[paydrt]

With the apperent signing of Dockery and the imminent departure of McGahee is there any chance the Bills draft Lynch?

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Bills Bolster O-line Further With Walker and Whittle

by Chris Brown, Lead Journalist Last Updated: 3/2/2007 6:26 PM ET

The Bills were far from done in addressing their offensive line Friday after inking Derrick Dockery to a multi-year contract. Buffalo also finalized terms with Oakland free agent right tackle Langston Walker and signed Minnesota free agent guard/center Jason Whittle.

"It's really a terrific day for us," said head coach **** Jauron. "It was just an outstanding day."

Walker (6'8" 345) has been a two-year starter for the Raiders. Last season he was Oakland's starting right tackle for all 16 games. In 2005, Walker started the first six games at left guard before missing the rest of the season with a stomach injury.

"He's a good athlete," said McNally of Walker. "For a big man he can move his feet. He's a huge man with experience that can play guard or tackle."

"Once I got here I knew this was a good organization to work for so I'm happy to be here," said Walker.

The 6'8" 345 pound lineman was a former second-round pick of the Raiders in 2002. Walker also has playoff experience having played in three postseason games including Super Bowl XXXVII.

He also offers some special teams abilities as he's considered one of the best in the league at blocking kicks with five in his career.

Walker will be 28-years old when the 2007 season begins.

Minnesota free agent lineman Jason Whittle completed the trio of signings Friday. The 10-year veteran has experience playing at both guard positions as well as the pivot and has served as a long snapper. The versatile lineman has appeared in 125 games in his career with 42 starts.

"To see the caliber of guys they're bringing in here for the offensive line, there's no doubt that this team is putting a proper importance on it," said Whittle. "I'm just excited to be a part of it."

Whittle (6'4", 305) spent seven of his previous nine NFL seasons with the Giants (1998-2002, 2004-2005) and was part of the club's Super Bowl team in 2000 that faced Baltimore in Super Bowl XXXV. He was originally a rookie free agent signing of the Giants in 1998.

Bills offensive line coach Jim McNally had some input in targeting Whittle in free agency as he coached him while a member of the New York Giants coaching staff from 1999-2003.

"I coached him with the Giants and we went to the playoffs with him at right guard," said McNally. "He is one nasty guy. He can run fast and pull. He is outstanding in space and he can catch linebackers and finish blocks."

"Coach McNally is a great coach and a lot of fun to be around," said Whittle. "I'm super excited to be here and play under him and coach Jauron."

"Jason plays tremendously hard and when you watch him on tape he's a tremendous effort guy," said Fairchild. "We could use that. He seems like a good fit for what we were looking to add there."

Whittle provides a veteran presence to the interior and would likely compete and push young interior players like Duke Preston and Aaron Merz.

http://www.buffalobills.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=4647

 

[Steve Tasker]

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

With the apperent signing of Dockery and the imminent departure of McGahee is there any chance the Bills draft Lynch?

Personally, I think 12th might be a little too high for Lynch. I'd love to get him, but I'd probably rather they use that pick on a DT or LB or CB.

 

[Domination]

Is it that eminent the McGahee is out the door? I would think that with all the money that they are putting in their o-line, they woudl be able to find common ground with him.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Is it that eminent the McGahee is out the door? I would think that with all the money that they are putting in their o-line, they woudl be able to find common ground with him.

I don't think anybody really knows at this point. But, usually when a player gets shopped around like this, he eventually does get moved.

 

[GroveDiesel]

I'm really excited about what the Bills have done today. After so many years of lip service by Donahoe about improving the line, Marv went out there and did something about it. It will still probably take a bit of time for the line to gell, but this could be a pretty decent line finally. That left side is going to be absolutely dominant. I don't think that I'm going too far when I saw that Peters and Dockery could be as good as Walters and Hutchinson were.

I really am interested to find out the numbers on Dockery's deal though. Everyone keeps reporting it as 7 years $49M but NFLN was scrolling it on their screen as 5 years 25M. And frankly, with Clayton's treatment of the Bills in years past, I tend to believe NFLN's numbers more than Clayton's. But we shall see.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I really am interested to find out the numbers on Dockery's deal though. Everyone keeps reporting it as 7 years $49M but NFLN was scrolling it on their screen as 5 years 25M. And frankly, with Clayton's treatment of the Bills in years past, I tend to believe NFLN's numbers more than Clayton's. But we shall see.

WGR reporting 7 years, $49MM but it's also possible that it's a backloaded contract and more likely to wind up paying him $25MM over 5 years.Wonder if all the haters will come around now? This team is not afraid to spend money and they've been extremely aggressive so far.

 

[The Duff Man]

Cash to the cap

:(

I like the moves. It all starts with protecting JP and opening holes for Willis (or other RB).

 

[GroveDiesel]

I really am interested to find out the numbers on Dockery's deal though. Everyone keeps reporting it as 7 years $49M but NFLN was scrolling it on their screen as 5 years 25M. And frankly, with Clayton's treatment of the Bills in years past, I tend to believe NFLN's numbers more than Clayton's. But we shall see.

WGR reporting 7 years, $49MM but it's also possible that it's a backloaded contract and more likely to wind up paying him $25MM over 5 years.Wonder if all the haters will come around now? This team is not afraid to spend money and they've been extremely aggressive so far.

Looks like NFLN just screwed up earlier. Walker's deal is 5 years $25M and Dockery's is 7 years $49. Pretty amazing to me that Dockery actually got more guaranteed money than Steinbach. I don't really care for Walker's deal. I think they wildly overpaid him. I don't think that anyone else out there would have paid him anything remotely close to that amount.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

tough to evaluate until we find out how much guaranteed money they gave Walker.

regardless, this Bills management team showed last year they were sometimes too willing to overpay marginal players (Royal, Price in particular come to mind) to get the guys they wanted. rather have them overpay for guys that work out then keep throwing money at crap like Bennie Anderson and Tutan Reyes. hope they got these ones right.

EDIT TO ADD: as with the Clements deal and other big deals likely to come, we really don't have a baseline to determine whether a particular deal is too big. with the huge increase in the cap the past couple years, so many teams having a lot of money to spend, and so few quality players available this year, it was obvious that players were going to break the bank this year with some very big contracts. The Bills obviously weren't shy about spending having signed Kelsay, Dockery, and Walker to pretty big deals already.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Derrick Dockery's contract is worth $49 million over seven years, including a stunning $18 million guaranteed.

To put in perspective, future Hall of Fame LT Orlando Pace got a $15 million bonus to sign two years ago. Dockery has never made the Pro Bowl, but will reportedly make $18 million over three years and $23 million over five years. It's essentially a five-year deal.

Dock Hit A Grand Slam

Holy bleep. here are the numbers I got for Dockery's deal with the Bills - it's basically the record setting deal Hutchinson got with the Vikes last year (the one with the poison pill).

I hear Dock got 18 guaranteed. Yeah, you read that right. It's worth a total of $49 milllion over 7 years; $23 mill over 5 years and $18 over 3 years. That's right, from the Bills.

Good for Dock. His agent, Todd France, did an amazing job on this one. I can see why the Skins didn't do it as well, given this market. They could have got him cheaper early in the season, but he had also yet to have a real breathrough season at that point as well and I could see why they tread slowly.

Holy moly. I still can't believe it.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsins...m.html#comments

$23 million over the first 5 years doesn't seem too bad to me.

btw, Fletcher signed with the Redskins. 5 years for about $25 million with $10 million signing bonus and $12 million over the first 2 years of the deal. Would have loved to keep him around but I don't know if it would have been wise to pay that type of money to a 32yo LB. I wouldn't be surprised if he starts to slow down this year or next.

 

[msommer]

Derrick Dockery's contract is worth $49 million over seven years, including a stunning $18 million guaranteed.To put in perspective, future Hall of Fame LT Orlando Pace got a $15 million bonus to sign two years ago. Dockery has never made the Pro Bowl, but will reportedly make $18 million over three years and $23 million over five years. It's essentially a five-year deal.

$23 million over the first 5 years doesn't seem too bad to me.

If 18 of 23 are guaranteed it coul dbe a big deal

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Derrick Dockery's contract is worth $49 million over seven years, including a stunning $18 million guaranteed.To put in perspective, future Hall of Fame LT Orlando Pace got a $15 million bonus to sign two years ago. Dockery has never made the Pro Bowl, but will reportedly make $18 million over three years and $23 million over five years. It's essentially a five-year deal.

$23 million over the first 5 years doesn't seem too bad to me.

If 18 of 23 are guaranteed it coul dbe a big deal

that's the Bills new shtick this year. they aren't giving out huge signing bonuses but they are guaranteeing money in future years.we'll see if it works out or winds up hurting them, but it seems like its giving them an early edge in signing some guys now. with the cap going up each year and them only planning on spending cash to the cap, I think they'll be ok.

 

[OldMilwaukee]

Just catching up and it's a great day to be a Bills fan!!!

I don't think anybody really knows at this point. But, usually when a player gets shopped around like this, he eventually does get moved.

He's being shopped? :X

 

[Mr. Peterson]

I can't tell you how psyched I am about these signings!!!!!

 

[Tommy Collins]

I'm really excited about what the Bills have done today. After so many years of lip service by Donahoe about improving the line, Marv went out there and did something about it. It will still probably take a bit of time for the line to gell, but this could be a pretty decent line finally. That left side is going to be absolutely dominant. I don't think that I'm going too far when I saw that Peters and Dockery could be as good as Walters and Hutchinson were.

Thank god. I don't care if they overpaid, we really needed to improve this line and it was finally done. THANK YOU!!!

 

[Gottabesweet]

Love the Dockery sign. How good is Walker? I don't know much about him but if he started every game for the Raiders last year didn't they give up sack after sack. I know he's a big body and around the size of Mike Williams was. Curious if anyone knows about him.

The Line is starting to form. I love the left side.

Peters, Dockery, Fowler, OPEN, Walker is how I see it. I think Preston may be able to take Center. I also think Butler can grab the RG spot. Maybe they will even sign someone else at Guard who else is left?

What else do you think we will do? I think we will lay low for awhile.

With that being said. LB or CB needs to be taken care of in FA and then the other at 12 overall.

Not many DT's or LB's have been signed. Adulus Thomas has set the standard. Cato Juno will get top dollar. Brian Simmons may be a good fit. Porter wouldn't fit with us. Patrick Willis or Paul Poz works best with the draft.

Nick Harper CB can fit our system well. It's reported we signed Carlos Hankston (a special teams return specialist WR) This makes me wonder if they won't persue corner and let McGee take over the 1 CB role.

Interesting day.

Even curious if we look at any WR's or are content with what we currently have.

 

[Tommy Collins]

Love the Dockery sign. How good is Walker? I don't know much about him but if he started every game for the Raiders last year didn't they give up sack after sack. I know he's a big body and around the size of Mike Williams was. Curious if anyone knows about him.The Line is starting to form. I love the left side.Peters, Dockery, Fowler, OPEN, Walker is how I see it. I think Preston may be able to take Center. I also think Butler can grab the RG spot. Maybe they will even sign someone else at Guard who else is left?What else do you think we will do? I think we will lay low for awhile.With that being said. LB or CB needs to be taken care of in FA and then the other at 12 overall. Not many DT's or LB's have been signed. Adulus Thomas has set the standard. Cato Juno will get top dollar. Brian Simmons may be a good fit. Porter wouldn't fit with us. Patrick Willis or Paul Poz works best with the draft.Nick Harper CB can fit our system well. It's reported we signed Carlos Hankston (a special teams return specialist WR) This makes me wonder if they won't persue corner and let McGee take over the 1 CB role. Interesting day.Even curious if we look at any WR's or are content with what we currently have.

Walker was a G moved to T in Art Shell's grand scheme. He shuffled the OL around like a fool and it was terrible. He did give up sacks and many penalties but was playing out of position. I have to believe he will be coming here to play G and not T. There's a reason he voided the last year of his contract and signed with Buffalo on the first day.As for our WRs... I hope to god we get someone better than Josh Reed as our #2... I cannot STAND him.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I don't think anybody really knows at this point. But, usually when a player gets shopped around like this, he eventually does get moved.

He's being shopped?

if you believe the reports about teams like the Giants and Broncos saying they are interested in him, I think it's pretty safe to say that he's being shopped.

 

[GroveDiesel]

What else do you think we will do? I think we will lay low for awhile.With that being said. LB or CB needs to be taken care of in FA and then the other at 12 overall. Nick Harper CB can fit our system well. It's reported we signed Carlos Hankston (a special teams return specialist WR) This makes me wonder if they won't persue corner and let McGee take over the 1 CB role.

I'm not as concerned at the LB spot. Apparently Spikes is on the trading block but I think he'll end up staying. The starting LBs will be Spikes, Crowell and Ellison. I'm pretty comfortable with that. Ellison played pretty well last season and we know that Crowell can be a playmaker. The depth really isn't there but I suspect that that will be addressed in the draft.And I'm with you on Harper. I think that he'd be a nice fit with the Bills and he obviously already knows the Cover 2. They desperately need to get someone else at CB though because I don't think that Greer or Youboty can handle it as a fulltime starter yet. Youboty may be able to in a year or two, but he's not ready yet.

 

[redman]

As a 'Skins fan I've always liked Dock but am astounded by how much he got from the Bills on this contract. He's getting paid "Steve Hutchinson money" but he's nowhere near Hutch. He's a good but not great LG whose strength is run blocking and whose pass blocking improved. I've always thought that he blocked "lighter" than his massive size, sometimes getting knocked backwards by guys a lot smaller than he is, and that he benefitted from having Pro Bowler Samuels next to him.

Objectively speaking, assuming everyone's healthy he was the 4th or 5th best o-lineman on the 'Skins (C Rabach being the only one I'd consider for 5th place other than Dock), and easily an inferior OG to Randy Thomas. I'm not necessarily slamming him because the 'Skins do have some good linemen, but that does illustrate how surprised I am at the size of this contract.

The bottom line is that I think you will be pleased with him as an upgrade in an obvious area of need, however you will also conclude before too long that his price was a little steep.