Given that he has quarterback Drew Bledsoe in his corner, it would be surprising if Buffalo Bills starting tight end Jay Riemersma was released before Sunday's opener against the Jets, but it could still happen. Buffalo officials have been attempting to have Riemersma accept a reduction from his scheduled base salary of $2.55 million, and so far he has declined. General manager Tom Donahoe met with Riemersma earlier this week, told him he felt he was a good player, but also acknowledged he disagreed with the tight end's stance on the pay cut. If Riemersma is with the team on Sunday, his entire salary is guaranteed, because he is a "vested" veteran. The Bills released longtime kicker Steve Christie on the eve of the 2001 season, but that was different, since he was injured. Riemersma has a bothersome history of nagging injuries but, despite leading the Bills in dropped passes a year ago, is a solid player in the "red zone" and a guy Bledsoe really likes. Still, this is a situation that bears watching, even as late as Saturday evening
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