Source: Walker Move Nothing to do About Money

[patmoran2006]

I had the chance to speak this evening to someone inside the Bills organization regarding Langston Walker.

They are insistent over at One Bills Drive that the release is a 100% pure football move and had nothing to do with money. While I am not saying I believe it or not, the fact is cutting Walker saved the team $3 million in cash this year. He will still count $4.5 million against the cap, which basically means nothing because Buffalo isn't in danger of falling over it (cap).
From I am told the final straw came in back to back preseason games against Green Bay and Pittsburgh, when he was awful. It was also around this time word started to leak out that Bell was strongly being considered to start over Walker, as first reported by ESPN's Tim Graham last week.

Many thought the move would be to simply move Walker back to right tackle; a position both himself and coaches ready admit he's better suited for. However, with the no-huddle offense in tact and the Bills ready to rely on more atheltic offensive linement, it was decided that Butler would remain at right tackle, even if Bell moved into the starting role.

Apparently when Kirk Chambers was released on Saturday he was told it was a temporary move and would likely be back after the holiday. The Bills tried unsuccessfully to find a trading partner for Walker and realized last night they would be releasing him today.

Sources inside the club became sold on Bell growing into a strong left tackle. Though he may not be ready to start against New England on Monday night. He is slated to return to practice on Wednesday and will be evaulated daily. Until the team considers him ready to start, Chambers will fill that role.

[Mr. Pink]

Even still it's slightly about money...

But not in a bad sense.

Why pay someone 5 million dollars to be a backup?

[X-Era]

Could you not squeeze your sources to find out if they have some trade or vet signing in mind now?

[patmoran2006]

Even still it's slightly about money...

But not in a bad sense.

Why pay someone 5 million dollars to be a backup?
of course it is, no doubt.

Unless I read the info wrong, they only actually saved $3 million by cutting him. But still, between Walker and Rhodes, that's $5 million saved this week. That's not chump change by any team's standards.

It's almost like those were T.O. reimbursement cuts, aint it?

[Mr. Pink]

Could you not squeeze your sources to find out if they have some trade or vet signing in mind now?


If they did, why would they bother just resigning Chambers so quickly?

[yordad]

What? Chambers is starting vs the Patriots? This isn't about the money? Yeah, right.

[X-Era]

of course it is, no doubt.

Unless I read the info wrong, they only actually saved $3 million by cutting him. But still, between Walker and Rhodes, that's $5 million saved this week. That's not chump change by any team's standards.

It's almost like those were T.O. reimbursement cuts, aint it?

What I want you to say is that they are planning to re-invest the money back into the team with a trade or vet signing.

[X-Era]

If they did, why would they bother just resigning Chambers so quickly?

I assumed it didnt have to be for an OT.

[Mr. Pink]

of course it is, no doubt.

Unless I read the info wrong, they only actually saved $3 million by cutting him. But still, between Walker and Rhodes, that's $5 million saved this week. That's not chump change by any team's standards.

It's almost like those were T.O. reimbursement cuts, aint it?


Hey, even if they were, it's not a bad trade off.

When we first signed Rhodes I was kind of confused as to why we even bothered. You can draft a late rounder to be your 3rd string tailback or bring along one of your youngsters, Omon, in this case. Why go out and get an overrated player who doesn't add much to your team.

And if Walker was being pushed by Bell so soon, obviously Walker wasn't any type of answer. Although when we first signed him most of us scratched our heads at his signing.

Sure, some economics come in to play with the maneuvers. But so does what they bring to the table. For the money both were going to get, keeping them wasn't in the best interests of the franchise for what they actually brought to the table.

[patmoran2006]

What I want you to say is that they are planning to re-invest the money back into the team with a trade or vet signing.
I highly doubt it. They are going to roll the dice with the three young OL starters.

[Oaf]

Does this then mean that BFO flat out made a mistake about being confident enough in Walker that they were willing to give Peters away? I mean honestly we could have just packaged our 2 and a 3 and have gotten Wood to keep WITH Peters.

[YardRat]

I heard John Murphy report on the evening news that the front office asked Walker to take a pay cut, and when he refused they decided to release him.

[Mr. Pink]

I heard John Murphy report on the evening news that the front office asked Walker to take a pay cut, and when he refused they decided to release him.


This wouldn't surprise me.

He shoulda took the paycut, he'll be lucky to find another job.

[patmoran2006]

I heard John Murphy report on the evening news that the front office asked Walker to take a pay cut, and when he refused they decided to release him.

not saying its not true.. I'm saying that they aren't going to admit it, person I spoke too and likely what you'll ready in statements from Bills is going to say its a "football move" not a money grab.

[X-Era]

I highly doubt it. They are going to roll the dice with the three young OL starters.

Ok, this is like the third comment saying that we would simply get another OL.

No, Im not stuck thinking its only the OL that needs help.

Guys like Derrick Brooks help this team.

[patmoran2006]

BTW.. Why would Walker have taken a pay cut?

Its not his fault the Bills had him playing out of position. He's a right tackle. We traded our LT, and didnt sign or draft anyone to take his place.

Just for the record; it's moves like this that make me a lot less angry at players than a lot of others when they hold out for money. It's a two way street.

[Canadian'eh!]

I half believe them. If it were all about money, how could you POSSIBLY explain Kelsey and Denney still being here?

[Mr. Pink]

BTW.. Why would Walker have taken a pay cut?

Its not his fault the Bills had him playing out of position. He's a right tackle. We traded our LT, and didnt sign or draft anyone to take his place.

Just for the record; it's moves like this that make me a lot less angry at players than a lot of others when they hold out for money. It's a two way street.


Why?

So he'd still have a job and collect a paycheck.

[patmoran2006]

Ok, this is like the third comment saying that we would simply get another OL.

No, Im not stuck thinking its only the OL that needs help.

Guys like Derrick Brooks help this team.
If they were interested in Derrick Brooks, they would've pursued him in August.. Or July.....Or June... Or May

Not 5 days before the regular season begings.

The Bills like their starters and Derrick Brooks is never going to be a backup, especially in buffalo.

[patmoran2006]

Why?

So he'd still have a job and collect a paycheck.
he'll have a job by Friday, I guarentee it.

[YardRat]

I half believe them. If it were all about money, how could you POSSIBLY explain Kelsey and Denney still being here?

Great point...

[patmoran2006]

Does this then mean that BFO flat out made a mistake about being confident enough in Walker that they were willing to give Peters away? I mean honestly we could have just packaged our 2 and a 3 and have gotten Wood to keep WITH Peters.

I dont think they "gave" Peters away.. Considering money saved, what Philly paid him and the compensation we got back (Including Eric Wood) I thought Brandon made a pretty good trade.

[Canadian'eh!]

BTW.. Why would Walker have taken a pay cut?

Its not his fault the Bills had him playing out of position. He's a right tackle. We traded our LT, and didnt sign or draft anyone to take his place.

Just for the record; it's moves like this that make me a lot less angry at players than a lot of others when they hold out for money. It's a two way street.

Furthermore,

Walker was a VERY good soldier. He let them flip flop him from left to right and back again about 5 times throughout the whole Jason Peters saga, and again this year, and never complained once that i can recall.

and how do they replay his loyalty?

"Wow you suck at LT, so take millions less or we are gonna cut you."

thanks.

[Mr. Pink]

he'll have a job by Friday, I guarentee it.


The very best he's gonna get is from team absolutely desperate for o-line help/depth....league minimum.

[patmoran2006]

I half believe them. If it were all about money, how could you POSSIBLY explain Kelsey and Denney still being here?
Absolutely. The Bills could've saved over $3 million alone just by keeping Bryan and cutting Kelsay.

[Canadian'eh!]

If they were interested in Derrick Brooks, they would've pursued him in August.. Or July.....Or June... Or May

Not 5 days before the regular season begings.

The Bills like their starters and Derrick Brooks is never going to be a backup, especially in buffalo.

exactly. The Bills aren't stupid enough to mess up their chemistry by making big changes 5 days before the sea....

oh right.

[T-Long]

not saying its not true.. I'm saying that they aren't going to admit it, person I spoke too and likely what you'll ready in statements from Bills is going to say its a "football move" not a money grab.
But who would ever say it was a move motivated by money anyway? Everyone always says its a football move

[yordad]

I half believe them. If it were all about money, how could you POSSIBLY explain Kelsey and Denney still being here?They got pictures of Dick in compromising situations. :idunno:

I mean seriously, there isn't a football related reason either.

[Forward_Lateral]

I don't really mind that Walker was cut. What I do mind is the fact that the Bills might go into week 1 with 3 tackles, unless McKinney is going to be a backup Tackle as well?

[Canadian'eh!]

I don't really mind that Walker was cut. What I do mind is the fact that the Bills might go into week 1 with 3 tackles, unless McKinney is going to be a backup Tackle as well?

doesn't matter much... none of them will likely be able to hold them off anyway.

[Typ0]

I can't figure this out either. They damaged his development in the system and then they tossed him aside. I guess when you make that kind of money it should ease the blow but it's still not right. This organization has zero in the clue department and it starts from the top down.


Furthermore,

Walker was a VERY good soldier. He let them flip flop him from left to right and back again about 5 times throughout the whole Jason Peters saga, and again this year, and never complained once that i can recall.

and how do they replay his loyalty?

"Wow you suck at LT, so take millions less or we are gonna cut you."

thanks.

[yordad]

Maybe he refused Dick's advances?

[Ground Chuck]

Walker blows. Bell or Chambers are about the same.

Like Lou Sabin used to say, "I can lose with anybody". Ralphie might as well pocket the $3 mil.

[HHURRICANE]

Oh goody!! Ralph saved 3 million dollars. So when Bell gets hurt in week 2 and aggravates his back we can have Chambers for the rest of the season.

Pat this just in. If Walker was bad than Chambers was dog ****. I saw Butler getting thrown like a rag doll. Didn't look like he sewed up the RT position.

If we are far from going over the cap than isn't all about the money? What else would it be?

[THATHURMANATOR]

What? Chambers is starting vs the Patriots? This isn't about the money? Yeah, right.
Could chambers be any worse than walker?

[Typ0]

it's always about the benjamins. If he had taken the salary reduction he would still be on the roster. It's about the money.

[HHURRICANE]

Could chambers be any worse than walker?

Dude, did you actually watch the pre-season games. I'm starting to wonder.

[Ground Chuck]

Could chambers be any worse than walker?

What would you rather have: Walker or Chambers and $3 mil?

[HHURRICANE]

Could chambers be any worse than walker?

Take out the players name and insert the transactions over the last 8 years. The loser Bills excuse. "He can't suck any less".

[Typ0]

Take out the players name and insert the transactions over the last 8 years. The loser Bills excuse. "He can't suck any less".


really! A revolving door of crap. Just like the **** hitting the fan only it's happening over and over and over again and ...

Look for the common factors.

[HHURRICANE]

really! A revolving door of crap. Just like the **** hitting the fan only it's happening over and over and over again and ...

Look for the common factors.

"Peters sucked last year, Walker will be just as good". I'm going to have to find all of those posts from all of the zoners here.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAH!!!

Hang on, hang on. "Walker sucked, Chambers will be just as good"

[yordad]

Could chambers be any worse than walker?Yes. That is why he was cut. That is why he didn't start. Not to mention, Butler was better at Guard than Chambers will ever be.

[Typ0]

Peters was crap too IMO. Just more crap.


"Peters sucked last year, Walker will be just as good". I'm going to have to find all of those posts from all of the zoners here.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAH!!!

Hang on, hang on. "Walker sucked, Chambers will be just as good"

[ddaryl]

I hate to say this cause I've been against doing it, but now..

Can Levi Jones pass a physical. A 1 legged Jones would be comforting

[bflobarry]

When they say it isn't about the money, it's ALWAYS about the money. This has Ralph's fingerprints all over it. He was good enough to keep if he took less money, but he wouldn't. Wow, this train is heading for a brick wall, and Ralph is driving. Why not do this on Sat, w/ the other cuts? B/C they tried to screw Walker w/ a gun to his head. Regardless of his play, which was good enough last year to spell Peters when he needed a break, this is not how you treat people. And another example is Dominic Rhodes. You're keeping 2!! running backs, and cut Rhodes? It's the MONEY.........

[Romes]

"Peters sucked last year, Walker will be just as good". I'm going to have to find all of those posts from all of the zoners here.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAH!!!

Hang on, hang on. "Walker sucked, Chambers will be just as good"

I usually disagree with you HH and I think you come off a lot more abrassive than you need to be...but you are right about this...

Here is a good thread to start looking for those posts...


http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/showthread.php?t=177215

[patmoran2006]

When they say it isn't about the money, it's ALWAYS about the money. This has Ralph's fingerprints all over it. He was good enough to keep if he took less money, but he wouldn't. Wow, this train is heading for a brick wall, and Ralph is driving. Why not do this on Sat, w/ the other cuts? B/C they tried to screw Walker w/ a gun to his head. Regardless of his play, which was good enough last year to spell Peters when he needed a break, this is not how you treat people. And another example is Dominic Rhodes. You're keeping 2!! running backs, and cut Rhodes? It's the MONEY.........

I'm not going to blast the front office (ralphie included) on the Walker dump. By all accounts I've heard, and seen with my own yes. Walker has been horrible. With the no huddle especially he quickly became a huge liability.

However, with Rhodes you're 100% right. no way that's not a straight money dump.

I can buy into Bell is more suited for OT than Walker at this point.

But nobody is going to sell me on Omon/McIntyre brings more to the table than Rhodes does.

[Mr. Pink]

I'm not going to blast the front office (ralphie included) on the Walker dump. By all accounts I've heard, and seen with my own yes. Walker has been horrible. With the no huddle especially he quickly became a huge liability.

However, with Rhodes you're 100% right. no way that's not a straight money dump.

I can buy into Bell is more suited for OT than Walker at this point.

But nobody is going to sell me on Omon/McIntyre brings more to the table than Rhodes does.

In reverse no one is going to sell me Rhodes brings more to the table than Omon/McIntyre.

Especially since we're talking 3rd string RBs.

[patmoran2006]

In reverse no one is going to sell me Rhodes brings more to the table than Omon/McIntyre.

Especially since we're talking 3rd string RBs.
your on the road at New England in the 4th quarter and driving to win, and you have to convert a 3rd and 1.. Fred Jackson is out of the game with a bruised hand.

Are you telling me Rhodes is not the man for the job over ****ing Xavier Omon?

[Mr. Pink]

your on the road at New England in the 4th quarter and driving to win, and you have to convert a 3rd and 1.. Fred Jackson is out of the game with a bruised hand.

Are you telling me Rhodes is not the man for the job over ****ing Xavier Omon?


QB draw out of spread formation.

[BillsWin]

QB draw out of spread formation.

Id send in Mack-truck. he made the roster for a reason.