YardRat
03-24-2008, 06:25 PM
http://www.niagarafallsreporter.com/billstuff3.25.08.html
Less than a month into the 2008 free-agency period, the Buffalo Bills find themselves rummaging through the National Football League's bargain bin.
Not that there is much else left. The multi-year, big-signing bonus guys were just about all gone by St. Patrick's Day, leaving personnel departments across the land to find gems amid the rubbish left at the curb by other franchises.
Two weeks ago, Buffalo's marquee visitor was one James Hall, a defensive end who collected 11.5 sacks while playing for Dick Jauron while the Bills' present head coach was the defensive coordinator in Detroit.
Hall was waived by St. Louis this winter after managing just 2.5 quarterback drops in his lone season with the Rams, whose 438 points allowed were the second-most in the league. Seen as a possible pass-rushing specialist, Hall left town without a deal.
Last week, the Bills signed cornerback William James, who was known as Will Peterson before leaving the New York Giants for Philadelphia in 2006. At 6 feet tall and 200 pounds, James adds size at the position, if he can stay healthy. Back problems limited him to five games in 2005 and '06, but he rebounded to appear in 14 contests for the Eagles last season, starting six.
Buffalo's lone other recruit of note was another cornerback, Chris Carr of the Oakland Raiders, who became expendable when Al Davis traded for former Falcons malcontent DeAngelo Hall. At 5-9, 183, Carr would not add size to Buffalo's depth chart, but he's of interest more for his kick-returning skills.
Less than a month into the 2008 free-agency period, the Buffalo Bills find themselves rummaging through the National Football League's bargain bin.
Not that there is much else left. The multi-year, big-signing bonus guys were just about all gone by St. Patrick's Day, leaving personnel departments across the land to find gems amid the rubbish left at the curb by other franchises.
Two weeks ago, Buffalo's marquee visitor was one James Hall, a defensive end who collected 11.5 sacks while playing for Dick Jauron while the Bills' present head coach was the defensive coordinator in Detroit.
Hall was waived by St. Louis this winter after managing just 2.5 quarterback drops in his lone season with the Rams, whose 438 points allowed were the second-most in the league. Seen as a possible pass-rushing specialist, Hall left town without a deal.
Last week, the Bills signed cornerback William James, who was known as Will Peterson before leaving the New York Giants for Philadelphia in 2006. At 6 feet tall and 200 pounds, James adds size at the position, if he can stay healthy. Back problems limited him to five games in 2005 and '06, but he rebounded to appear in 14 contests for the Eagles last season, starting six.
Buffalo's lone other recruit of note was another cornerback, Chris Carr of the Oakland Raiders, who became expendable when Al Davis traded for former Falcons malcontent DeAngelo Hall. At 5-9, 183, Carr would not add size to Buffalo's depth chart, but he's of interest more for his kick-returning skills.