Inside The Bills

All you can say is wow

Just talked to Terrell one-on-one (it will be airing later tonight on Buffalobills.com around 9:15pm) and he seems genuinely excited to be here. His best answer of the interview came when I asked him if he’s thought about the difficult decisions he and Lee Evans are going to be forcing opposing secondaries to make.

“That’s not my problem,” he said smiling.

But it’s going to be a lot of fun watching those opposing defenses squirm this fall.

RB Jones re-signs with Chicago

He visit with the Bills lasted longer than expected Thursday, so one had to think there was at least some talk about playing in Buffalo. But in the end Jones chose to re-sign with Chicago.

In a way it’s an understandable decision. With the Bears he is the unquestioned number two and one injury away from being the starter. In Buffalo there was a great deal of talent with a longer track record on this roster than him that have proven themselves. His situation likely would have been a little less certain.

He didn’t sign for big money, so I have to believe he sees a greater chance at playing time in Chicago.

Fan Friday 3-6

Here’s the latest installment. Catch up with you next week.

1. Hay Chris,
I was just wondering what your thoughts were about Steve Johnson?
I have the same feeling about him that I had about Fred Jackson, 2 yrs ago when I saw Fred’s Yards Per Carry average in the preseason I thought this guy is money!! Then when he got a chance on the field he proved everything I was thinking. I feel the same way about Steve Johnson , from what I saw at the end of last year in games and also through out the season in practice film and all I can think this guy is money!! Besides at 6 ft 2 in 202 lbs his size is a welcome sight from the current corps that we have . Not knocking Lee , Roscoe or Josh but the extra inches may help ? Any way just wondering what you think ?
Tracy
So. Fla

CB: I think Steve Johnson has a bright future here, even though the Bills are clearly looking to augment the receiving the corps with a proven vet with the likes of Coles and Galloway coming through here.

It wouldn’t shock me if Johnson is one of the team’s top four receivers in 2009, especially if James Hardy needs more time to get completely right with his knee coming off ACL surgery. The coaching staff is high on him, so I think you’ll see more of him next season.
2. I have a thought for you Chris that you may disagree with but I am very interested to hear your answer.  A team like the Rams at pick number two is looking to Draft an OT with their first pick.  They however have a few older pieces and feel like maybe they could be a good team next year (Bulger, Jackson, Holt).  Would you consider trading Jason Peters to the Rams for the Second Overall pick?  The Bills don’t want to give him the big contract when he has years left, instead we can get a younger potentially equally talented OT in the first round (Oher at 11, Smith at 2, Trade down from two and pick up another first rounder or second rounder and have 4 picks in the first 2 rounds?)
Billy Rom

CB: I would not consider trading Jason Peters. I believe the Bills are planning to renegotiate his contract and resolve that issue. The bottom line is on a team that needs more talent, according to Mr. Wilson himself, you don’t strip the team of some of its best talent, namely Jason Peters. Finding a blind side Pro Bowl caliber left tackle that can play for you for the next 8 years is not something to be taken lightly. Those guys don’t just show up on your doorstep. It wasn’t long ago that the team had been searching for a left tackle. Even though there are some attractive OTs in the draft this year, to me it’s not worth it because they are unknown commodities at this level.

It’s the old bird in the hand or two in the bush deal. I’ve got Peters, I know what type of player he is and with a new contract I trust he’d return to his Pro Bowl form. I’m not trading that away. I wouldn’t mind acquiring Torry Holt however, but in all likelihood he’ll be released before March 17 when he’s due a roster bonus.
3. Hey Chris,
 
Do you have any updates on Alvin Bowen’s knee, Aaron Schobel’s foot, and Trent Edward’s shoulder? Also want to thank you for comments on OSU TE Brandon Pettigrew.
 
Jeremiah (Bills fan in FL)

CB: Hopefully you saw our story this week on Alvin Bowen on the home page. He’s hopeful that he’ll be ready for OTAs in the spring. As for Schobel, how much he’ll be allowed to do come the spring remains to be seen, but not needing surgery was a big plus. Edwards shoulder is fine. Just normal soreness after a season of wear and tear.
4. Hi Chris
 
Longtime Bills fan, in the Air Force and stationed in Cowboys country in New Mexico
 
Had a couple of questions about McCargo: 
–With the loss of Kollar and hiring of Sanders as DL coach – does that improve McCargo’s chances of sticking or is Fewell or Jauron as down on McCargo as Kollar was?
–Do the Bills have medical concerns on his back that may preclude him from playing again (or was it strictly the Colts having tougher standards)?
–he has a lot of talent – is it lack of hussle or lack of football intelligence and knowing his responsibilities in the D that has some of the coaches down on him?
 
Thanks
Tim

CB: John McCargo has been working very hard this offseason, coming into the facility at One Bills Drive almost every day to rehab the disc problem in his back. I don’t think there’s any question that Kollar and McCargo was not a good mix as far as the coach/player relationship goes.

I think Bob Sanders is a better fit for McCargo, which is why I have hope that he can still turn into a solid contributor for this team. I don’t get the sense that Perry Fewell or Dick Jauron are as down on him as some might think.

You’re right he has talent. Now he has to show it on the field on a consistent basis and he may just blossom into what the scouts believed he could be at this level from the outset.
5. Dear Chris,
1st of all keep up the blog. I think I check it around 4 times a day. 2nd I agree with the DE pick. I’ve been checking out some mock drafts and a lot have the TE going to the Bills but I see DE like you. Who are some TEs that could be available later to look at? anyone you like that is not getting talked about?

CB: Well they’ve been talked about, but I think some good second round options are Southern Miss’ Shawn Nelson and South Carolina’s Jared Cook. Both have good builds, athleticism and solid pass catching ability. They both need work on their blocking, but a weapon in the passing game is the higher priority. Wouldn’t mind seeing either of those players on this roster.

Edwards meets Condy Rice

By participating in the NFL Business and Entrepreneurial program at his alma mater (Stanford) earlier this week, Bills quarterback Trent Edwards also got a chance to rub elbows with some pretty noteworthy people.

Trent told Buffalobills.com via email that during the program former 49ers TE Brent Jones was one of the more interesting speakers. He also took in Stanford spring practice with Brad Butler, who was participating in the program out there as well.

But the most impressive meeting was Trent making the acquaintance of former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice. Rice has ties to Stanford, and is a fan of football. Talk about big man on campus.

Free agent visitors so far

Since some of you out there are wondering here’s the FA visit count thus far for the Bills. 11 total visits, 3 signed as of Thursday 6:45pm.

RB Fred Taylor – signed with NE

LB Jamie Winborn – still out there

CB Drayton Florence – signed with BUF

QB Ryan Fitzpatrick – signed with BUF

OL Geoff Hangartner – signed with BUF

WR Laveranues Coles – signed with Cincy

RB DeShaun Foster – still out there

LB Cato June – still out there

WR Joey Galloway – still out there

LB Freddie Keiaho – still out there

RB Kevin Jones – still out there

Bills deal media a curve ball

While waiting for FA RB Kevin Jones, the Bills brought out FA LB Freddie Keiaho, who is also visiting with the coaching staff today.

Go to the home page of Buffalobills.com for more information.

Jones delayed

Didn’t mean to keep you all in the lurch here, but we’re still waiting to here from Kevin Jones. We’ll update you with comments when we’ve got ‘em.

Kevin Jones will be speaking at 3pm

We’ll have the interview for you on Buffalobills.com in the video section (not live, but soon after). I’ll have an update on anything worthwhile that he says right here. Stay tuned.

Galloway is fresh off a visit from Pats

With Joey Galloway at One Bills Drive today, he’s just one day removed from visiting the New England Patriots. That according to the Boston Globe’s Mike Reiss.

But the Patriots are looking for a third wideout to complement Moss and Welker. The Bills are looking for a number two wideout on the outside to pull some attention away from Lee Evans.

The Bills situation would appear to be a more fruitful opportunity for a 37-year old wideout that wants to prove he can still get the job done after an injury-riddled 2008.

Knowing at 37 his new contract, wherever it is, is likely going to include a lot of incentives since teams don’t want to take a huge risk on a player with that many miles on the tires. Buffalo might be the better option because those incentives will be tied to his receiving numbers. He’d have a better chance to put up numbers in Buffalo than New England.

What do you think?

One key question about Galloway and Jones

With WR Joey Galloway and RB Kevin Jones both visiting One Bills Drive today, it’s nice to see Buffalo seeking out other options after Laveranues Coles sign with Cincinnati. However, the one question that every team interested in Galloway and Jones is asking is a difficult one.

Can they still be dynamic players?

Galloway had 3 straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons before last year’s foot injury kept him on the sidelines. At age 37 can he still be a difference maker? That’s a tough one. Everyone has to hit the wall at some point, but Galloway could be the exception to the rule.

I tend to think that Jones will be given more the benefit of the doubt after getting through last season healthy (though he barely saw action) because he’s just 26 years old. Some NFL talent evaluators think he may finally be ready to return to the form that helped him rush for over 1,100 yards as a rookie with Detroit.

But these are the tough questions that NFL GM’s have to answer, and the answers are sometimes harder when you’re eager to improve the quality of talent on your football team.

Royal signs for Gaines money

Former Bills TE Robert Royal will be yet another player that Buffalo will face in the 2009 season as the Bills will play against the Browns this fall.

Royal signed for four years and $10M according to Scout.com’s Adam Caplan. That’s the exact same money that former Bills TE Michael Gaines signed for last year when he agreed to a free agent deal with Detroit last offseason. Cleveland had a TE need after trading away Kellen Winslow to Tampa.

Buffalo will also face Jabari Greer in 2009 after he signed with New Orleans.

Holt has asked for his release from Rams

Can’t say you’re surprised to see this demand. Due a roster bonus of $1.25M on March 17, it’s unlikely that Torry Holt is going to be a Ram longer than that, but seeing all these veteran receivers getting pretty good money, Holt wants to be released now so he can get out in the free agent pool before the money dries up.

Can’t say I blame him. The Rams have been shopping Holt, but according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch have received no solid offers. As I stated in a previous blog, I believe Holt is a good option for Buffalo. What do you think?

Other realistic options with Coles off the market

With Laveranues Coles signing with Cincinnati earlier today, the Bills still have other options at wideout.

Joey Galloway, granted is 37, but heading into 2008 he was coming off three straight 1,000-yard seasons. Then his foot injury this past season allowed him to play in just four games. He could help, but I wouldn’t sign him to anything more than a two-year deal.

Trading for Torry Holt is also an idea that I think has merit especially if you can sign him to an extension to lower his $6.55M base salary for 2009. I’d offer a conditional 5th round pick in 2010 that can turn into a 4th if Holt meets certain receiving figures. Heck maybe a 6th that could become a fifth. After all the Bills would be doing the Rams a favor getting Holt off their books.

Of course in the near future they may just release him anyway.

Greer signs with Saints

The Bills will be playing against their now former cornerback this fall as Jabari Greer has signed with the Saints.

Buffalo plays the Saints as they’ll face the entire NFC South in 2009.

Greer should be a good fit in Gregg Williams defensive scheme, which requires a good amount of man coverage. That’s a strength of Greer’s game.

It’s a shame that a player that developed into a solid starter couldn’t continue his career in Buffalo, but that’s the business.

Bills clearly want a back that has shared the load

With San Francisco FA RB DeShaun Foster in for a visit today at OBD, it’s clear that the Bills are focusing on running backs that have experience sharing the load. Foster has done that for almost his entire NFL career.

In Carolina he did it with Stephen Davis and then Nick Goings and in San Fran he was behind Frank Gore. So Foster, much like Fred Taylor is a guy who isn’t foreign to sharing carries.

LB June would be a solid addition

A six-year starter, familiar with this defensive scheme, a 2005 Pro Bowl player, capable of making plays in the run and pass game, I wouldn’t mind plugging Cato June into Buffalo’s linebacking corps at all. We’ll see what the Bills can do to convince him to sign here as he’s visiting One Bills Drive today.

At 29, I still think he’s got plenty of good football left in him. Whether he can play on the strong side is the question. If he does sign I’d be interested to see if they’d move Kawika over to the strong side, since he’s a bit stouter than June and put June on the weak side. Either way it’d be great to have a pair of proven vets flanking Poz. We’ll see what happens.

OL Chambers will offer possibilities

With the announcement that Kirk Chambers has re-signed with Buffalo, I wonder if they have expanded their plans for the veteran offensive lineman.

Largely a swing tackle the past two seasons for Buffalo, and pretty good in that role I might add, he also made one start at guard last year for an injured Brad Butler against New England in Week 10.

It’ll be very interesting to see if the Bills offensive coaches see him as a possible answer to their vacant left guard position after the release of Derrick Dockery. I’m not saying it’s going to happen, but if Demetrius Bell has come along enough at tackle, they may want to hand him the swing tackle role and move Chambers inside to guard.

Just something I think that will be considered by the Bills offensive staff.

McGee’s chances to be re-signed in 2010 better now

With the signing of Drayton Florence to terms that are not breaking the bank, Buffalo should be in position to re-sign Terrence McGee next offseason when he’s to become a free agent or sooner.

Had Jabari Greer re-signed with Buffalo for upwards of $6M or more per season, it would have dramatically reduced the chances of McGee re-signing with the Bills after the 2009 season.

The reason why is Buffalo is already heavily invested in Leodis McKelvin. Had they signed Greer to big money, investing heavily again in McGee would be unrealistic because you can’t have too many fat contracts at one position. It becomes cost prohibitive in terms of addressing other positional needs on your team.

I don’t know this, but I always got the sense that the organization valued McGee as a player just a little bit more than Greer. I could be wrong, but perhaps that’s why Greer didn’t find Buffalo’s offer satisfactory.

Jason Taylor a Patriot possibility?

Please no. I do not want to even think about Jason Taylor in a Patriots uniform, but NBCSports.com’s Tom Curran makes the case for Taylor to join Buffalo’s AFC East rival.

He claims because Tom Brady likes Taylor and Bill Belichick loves the impact Taylor can have on a game and the fact that Mike Vrabel has been traded and they have cap space after moving Matt Cassel, that Taylor could land in Foxboro.

The best thing that the Patriots have to sell Taylor is that he can win a Super Bowl ring with them. And that might be all it takes… well that and not having to workout in New England in the offseason.

Travis Henry in jail

Travis Henry has had several off the field problems in his career. The first two to reveal themselves were money and women. Now facing federal drug charges, Henry could be doing some serious jail time. Henry only added to his long list of problems as he has been jailed on charges of contempt of court.

As his former teammates has said, the guy has a good heart, and I’d be inclined to agree with that having been around him for four seasons. I just think his biggest problem is he never thinks about consequences. And that has gotten him in trouble time and again. Not looking good for this guy.