Bills sign Kirk Morrison, ILB

[bigbub2352]

Per Jeremy on twitter works for WGR550...Bills signed ILB Kirk Morrison formely of JAX

[Pinkerton Security]

that would be a decent get for us, he used to be a pretty solid player...not sure what he's done lately.

[bigbub2352]

yeah he is better than torbor....i dont have twiiter so if someone can confirm that would be solid

[Night Train]

I always liked him.

Was a very aggressive tackler with the Raiders and doesn't fear sticking his nose in the hole. Hope it's true but A.Davis has been playing very well lately.

Did he have injury issues lately ?

[bigbub2352]

I always liked him.

Was a very aggressive tackler with the Raiders and doesn't fear sticking his nose in the hole. Hope it's true but A.Davis has been playing very well lately.

Did he have injury issues lately ?

not that i heard...he is an upgrade over torbor...white is hurt too...maybe moving moats back to OLB

[T-Long]

We lose Posz and get Morrison. I think we had rumors in the past of landing him if I'm not mistaken

[EDS]

Finally the Bills replace Akin Ayodele.

Didn't the Jag's sign Poz to replace Morrison? Funny.

[Thundering Buffalo]

Hey Buddy how bout an O line signing maybe Morrison can play LT hell everyone else is getting a shot at it!

[SquishDaFish]

Jay_Glazer (https://twitter.com/#%21/Jay_Glazer) Jay Glazer



Just heard that @kirkmorrison (http://twitter.com/kirkmorrison) has agreed to a one-year deal w Bills. The last of the MMAthletics guys to hook on. Congrats

[wmoz11]

Ruvell Martin AND Kirk Morrison in one day? Chrismas came early!

[SquishDaFish]

CBSSportsNFLBUF (https://twitter.com/#%21/CBSSportsNFLBUF) Bills RapidReports



#bills (https://twitter.com/#%21/search?q=%23bills) LB Morrison agrees to terms bit.ly/nt3oZb (http://t.co/gZCEHom)

[SquishDaFish]

NickBarnett (https://twitter.com/#%21/NickBarnett) NickBarnett



Looks like we got a new member of the Mafia!!! @kirkmorrison (http://twitter.com/kirkmorrison)

[kingJofNYC]

Decent depth guy, better than Tobor for sure.

[Michael82]

http://a1.twimg.com/profile_images/1252352416/GetAttachment-32.aspx_normal.jpeg (http://twitter.com/#!/kirkmorrison) @kirkmorrison (http://twitter.com/#!/kirkmorrison) Kirk Morrison


Buffalo New York here I come. #BillsMafia (http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23BillsMafia)




11 minutes ago (http://twitter.com/#!/kirkmorrison/status/106502078561652736) via UberSocial for BlackBerry (http://ubersocial.com/)

[ServoBillieves]

He posted it on his twitter... but I suck with this twitter thing, let's hope this works

https://twitter.com/#!/kirkmorrison

Yeah I can't post the damn thing... Confirmed 12 minutes ago.

BOOYAH

EDIT: And of course, Mikey beat me to it -_- thanks for the clear up!

[elltrain22]

I've always been a big fan of Morrison, even when he played @ SD state. I am very happy w/ this move!

[methos4ever]

Good depth, possible replacement for Torbor in Nickel, and he can push Davis in the starting D vs the run. Very good get.

[X-Era]

I like this move.

http://twitter.com/#!/Jay_Glazer/statuses/106499089818062848

I wanted a replacement to Davis regardless of what happened with Poz. I think he is a bit better than Davis. And we now have solid depth at the position, good move.

We are still ignoring OL but this is a good step.

[Night Train]

http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/showthread.php?t=204911

[SquishDaFish]

DavidNelson86 (https://twitter.com/#%21/DavidNelson86) David Nelson



Welcome to the family @kirkmorrison (http://twitter.com/kirkmorrison)!

[SquishDaFish]

CBSSportsNFLBUF (https://twitter.com/#%21/CBSSportsNFLBUF) Bills RapidReports



#bills (https://twitter.com/#%21/search?q=%23bills) Signing of LB Morrison raises questions bit.ly/ofoycT (http://t.co/F7MaTOn)

[SquishDaFish]

kirkmorrison (https://twitter.com/#%21/kirkmorrison) Kirk Morrison



Yes indeed. #BillsMafia (https://twitter.com/#%21/search?q=%23BillsMafia) RT @NickBarnett (http://twitter.com/NickBarnett): Looks like we got a new member of the Mafia!!! @kirkmorrison (http://twitter.com/kirkmorrison)

[The Jokeman]

If he does replace Torbor hopefully it will allow us to kick Arthur Moats back to OLB and then Carrington back to DE where they belong.

[NOT THE DUDE...]

could start, i think hes better than davis and torbor

[X-Era]

Merged. I stuck with my title only because it's more clear about who and what were talking about.

[DraftBoy]

Very good move!!

[X-Era]

Solid move for a team that needed an ILB regardless of what happened with Poz. Upgrading Davis should have been on our list whether we drafted someone or not.

[BillsFanCupp38]

Ruvell Martin AND Kirk Morrison in one day? Chrismas came early!


Martin doesn't count...

[Philagape]

Not bad at all. Like that he's 29, like that he's never missed a game. Great depth, and now can they PLEASE move Moats back outside??

[YardRat]

It's nice that we apparently upgraded the front seven on defense again, but it would be better if the same kind of attention was directed at the o-line.

I'll get excited when we sign an LT.

[bigbub2352]

Hope this allows certain players to go back to were they belong...ie moats and carrington...also cut kelsay...sorry i just like saying it

[tampabay25690]

Good depth move

[X-Era]

It's nice that we apparently upgraded the front seven on defense again, but it would be better if the same kind of attention was directed at the o-line.

I'll get excited when we sign an LT.Separate the two positions and this is a good signing.

[psubills62]

Yes people, everyone knows we need multiple offensive linemen. Why is it so impossible for people to just comment on something?

[tampabay25690]

Yes people, everyone knows we need multiple offensive linemen. Why is it so impossible for people to just comment on something?

I hear you....
Gets annoying as SH##

[BillsFanCupp38]

I can't find anything on this guy at NFL.com

[alohabillsfan]

I think our defense will be top 15 this year if healthy.

[X-Era]

I can't find anything on this guy at NFL.comHe does exist, I promise:

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3289/kirk-morrison

[methos4ever]

<iframe width="420" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/acGYQdM3IO0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Video of him (52) and Thomas Howard.

[YardRat]

Yes people, everyone knows we need multiple offensive linemen. Why is it so impossible for people to just comment on something?

I like looking at the big picture.

[The Jokeman]

I can't find anything on this guy at NFL.com
http://www.nfl.com/player/kirkmorrison/2506417/profile

[methos4ever]

Never missed a game. Solid in run and pass, can push Davis off the roster and gives an added toughness to front seven. Nice.

If there's a left tackle or other lineman that exudes those qualities, I'm sure they'll sign them. I just don't see any...anyone else?

[X-Era]

Never missed a game. Solid in run and pass, can push Davis off the roster and gives an added toughness to front seven. Nice.

If there's a left tackle or other lineman that exudes those qualities, I'm sure they'll sign them. I just don't see any...anyone else?I think the requirement... for now... should be: an upgrade to the player we currently have. Hence getting better on overall talent, and possibly winning more games.

So, yes, I consider guys like Leonard Davis an upgrade to our depth at least. I mean would you rather have Cordaro Howard or Leonard Davis as your backup RG? And that assumes he can't beat out Urbik.

[The Jokeman]

Never missed a game. Solid in run and pass, can push Davis off the roster and gives an added toughness to front seven. Nice.

If there's a left tackle or other lineman that exudes those qualities, I'm sure they'll sign them. I just don't see any...anyone else?
I'm a little shocked we didn't look at Trai Essex of the Steelers as he was available up until two days ago. As he was a backup G and at times played T.

[methos4ever]

I think the requirement... for now... should be: an upgrade to the player we currently have. Hence getting better on overall talent, and possibly winning more games.

So, yes, I consider guys like Leonard Davis an upgrade to our depth at least. I mean would you rather have Cordaro Howard or Leonard Davis as your backup RG? And that assumes he can't beat out Urbik.
Per PFF
http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2011/07/26/free-agency-2011-culled-cowboys/

Leonard Davis

Why he was cut: To save money. Davis had a big cap hit that the Cowboys needed to get rid of, so Davis was expendable. He’s simply not good enough to command that much cap room, especially if Dallas wants to be aggressive. The Cowboys have probably seen how old offensive lines fare, and accepted that getting younger is a safe move.

What he has left to offer: More than most would give him credit for. Davis is a big, strong mauler of a guard capable of overpowering defensive linemen. Put him in the right scheme and he’ll upgrade most teams running games. Our eighth ranked right guard last year.

Where he could end up: This is an NFL short on talented linemen so Davis should have no problems finding a home. At just 32 he’s got another contract in him, so the rumors of a reunion with Tony Sparano in Miami make sense, though they’ve got some young guys coming through. He’d be a good fit in Arizona, but would they bring back a former first rounder? If Oakland wants their line to get bigger, he’d make a sound signing, and add some much needed experience to that line.

You got me there X. I'd take him all day.

[jimbohastle51]

moats back out to outside LB and sheppard must not be ready to start yet. morrison was not brought in to be a backup. merriman, barnett, morrison, kelsay (god i cant stand his play) solid, especailly when moats, or batten take kelsay's spot.

[jimbohastle51]

davis isnt getting cut. he is cheap and we need solid backups. davis and sheppard make 2 solid mlb depth for this season

[Ickybaluky]

I like Morrison. He runs and tackles well and is an underrated run defender.

I think he is a better fit as a 4-3 MLB than a 3-4 inside guy, considering his szie. In a 3-4 he probably plays more WSILB where he doesn't have to cover an OG as much and can chase.

[ServoBillieves]

Fan of the move, solidifies LB depth especially if Arthur moves back outside. I honestly hate to say it but we're an O-lineman away from getting my hopes up for this team. This year.

[BillsFanCupp38]

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3289/kirk-morrison

"The Bills are stacked at inside linebacker, so it's unclear where Morrison will fit in. We'd expect him to begin his Buffalo career as a backup. Aug 24 - 7:00 PMSource: Jay Glazer on Twitter"

Not sure who wrote that but obviously no one that knows anything about the Bills lol

[BillsWin]

He's a starter in this league. Maybe not an all-star guy, but definitely a starter. Could push Torbor and/or Davis and may start beside Barnett.

[warsawbassman]

SOOOOO.............. we get the guy JAX. replaced with POZ............and you guys like the move...........hmm...............thats probably about right.

[ServoBillieves]

He's a starter in this league. Maybe not an all-star guy, but definitely a starter. Could push Torbor and/or Davis and may start beside Barnett.

It's got to be Barnett-Davis with Morrison cycling in. that leaves Sheppard and HOPEFULLY White making it as the others. With Moats in the mix, this FO if they have even a hred of intelligence will move Moats back out, keep Merriman as starter and put Batten or Coleman over that bum Kelsey.

Good move, we just neeed a RT.

[methos4ever]

Morrison to be on SiriusXm Late Hits in 2 minutes. Will try and transcribe what he says.

Brandt starts by complimenting him on teaching people how to play LB via a 10+ tackle game in college vs Michigan at Michigan.

Says it proved to himself he could play at next level.

Marvez (former Miami writer) - Why Bills?

Morrison: It's the right fit, great opportunity to play with Merriman, who recruited him all week. Barnett is also tight with him. Being around 6 years, he likes the veterans that have come onto the team and thinks that's key. Like the Pats and Steelers have done in past, Bills are trying to get guys around that want to lead on defense and want to win.

In beginning, he had a lot of floated offers, by this week this was the time he knew he had to sign. Buddy scouted him and knew him from SD State. Looking forward to challenge of AFCE.

Brandt talks about how he loves the Chix combo and how they are a solid GM/Coach combo that just want to focus on getting the team to win, citing the selection as well of Dareus.

Morrison - Loves Dareus and Kyle. Drayton and Wilson are also guys he's aware of and cool with. Mentioned Spiller, Fitz and Fred. Says he doesn't mind not being on primetime as long as he has a town, a team, a fanbase that wants him like the Bills fans have.

Marvez - Were Raiders in Mix?

Morrison - Yes, heavy interest late due to injuries. Still harbored a few raw feelings from trade to Jax. Felt in Oakland that at some point they were going to have to start over, but wasn't sure if they would re-sign him, or Huff, or Asomugha or Howard, as their contracts/options were all coming up at same time. They value pass rush and cornerback play. After drafting Rolando, knew writing on wall. At Jax, thought he was productive but not as much as he was on Raiders. Excited to go to Buffalo because he have Vets and coaches like Coach Wannstedt who can guide him and make him the best player he could be. Therefore, that's why he picked Buffalo - best place he could be as opposed to (no offense he says) Raiders, who wanted him as a Will backer, a position he last played his first year in Oakland.

Brandt - Enthusiasm is contagious and helpful for team. Offense needs help. Tells him to tell Stevie (fellow Californian) not to drop ball against Pittsburgh again. (UGH)

Morrison - You go through growing pains and he doesn't doubt Stevie would catch it next time. Feels Bills have a nucleus of guys that feel like no one knows what they can do. Cites Bucs as example. Dolphins, Pats and Jets are going to be tough, but he's excited. If you're in the NFL and don't like competing, this isn't the game for you (LIKE IT).

Marvez - Mentions Glazer's MMA training. Asking how he got involved and makes him better?

Morrison - Anyone who is not a fan of MMA should be because of the work entailed in working out. Always a fan of the sport. And to train with Couture, Faber, intense guys who helped him build an edge to his game and add a breaking point he couldn't have done in football. "Fighting to break another man's will" is something he's added to his game - to break his opponent's will on Sundays so they know they don't want any of Morrison on the field. Not just cone drills or backer drills, it's testing everything you have as a person or a man.

Marvez - Explain how he had to pay for a person who lives in Moose Jaw Canada to give him the Kirk Morrison name on Twitter.

Morrison - Twitter lets you get close to fans and it's a great thing. At the time he tried to start twitter 3 years ago, someone had his name. He then added 52 to the name and then changed to 55 in Jax. He got tired of that so he wanted to just go back to his name, so he emailed the guy with his name and said he'd love to switch. Morrison said he's going to fly the guy and a friend out to a game for his new team and take care of him for it. Will fly him to Rogers Centre for the Toronto game.

That's it. Enjoy.

[Mahdi]

Per Jeremy on twitter works for WGR550...Bills signed ILB Kirk Morrison formely of JAX
Chase and tackle ILB. Not a tough run stuffer though so that is not what we are getting.

The whole reason the Raiders drafted McClain and released Morrison is because he was soft in the run game. If he has a thumper next to him then he can run and cover and play sideline to sideline.

[X-Era]

SOOOOO.............. we get the guy JAX. replaced with POZ............and you guys like the move...........hmm...............thats probably about right.I was waitng for this.

Yes, Barnett = better than Poz. Shepp should be a better option to Davis at some point but for now, Morrison will push Davis and may win the job, which is a good thing. Timing is everything. By the end of the year we may find that Barnett, Morrison, and Shepp is >> Poz, Davis, and Torbor...

And the beauty is that Davis can still be a backup.

It can be:

ILB: Barnett, Shepp
ILB: Morrison, Davis

Were stronger by the move.

Morrison, Barnett, Shepp, and Davis is stronger than Poz, Shepp, Davis, and Torbor

[tampabay25690]

SOOOOO.............. we get the guy JAX. replaced with POZ............and you guys like the move...........hmm...............thats probably about right.

We got barnett that replaced POZ...
Poz wasn't signed becasue he was VERY VERY overpaid....

[tampabay25690]

I was waitng for this.

Yes, Barnett = better than Poz. Shepp should be a better option to Davis at some point but for now, Morrison will push Davis and may win the job, which is a good thing. Timing is everything. By the end of the year we may find that Barnett, Morrison, and Shepp is >> Poz, Davis, and Torbor...

And the beauty is that Davis can still be a backup.

It can be:

ILB: Barnett, Shepp
ILB: Morrison, Davis

Were stronger by the move.

Morrison, Barnett, Shepp, and Davis is stronger than Poz, Shepp, Davis, and Torbor


Thank you......
I hate the comparisons with POZ, Poz is gone and never coming back....
We move on......

[kishoph]

Never missed a game. Solid in run and pass, can push Davis off the roster and gives an added toughness to front seven. Nice.

If there's a left tackle or other lineman that exudes those qualities, I'm sure they'll sign them. I just don't see any...anyone else?


Why would you want DAVIS pushed off the roster ? Davis is so under rated by so many BILLS fans. DAVIS is the kind of LB we need against the run. I like this signing, but I don't see him taking a starting spot.

[Oaf]

I thought Davis was pretty solid so far this year? Is he a replacement?

Pretty pedestrian statline right?

[madness]

He's here to replace Torbor since he may be done.

[YardRat]

Morrison to be on SiriusXm Late Hits in 2 minutes. Will try and transcribe what he says.

Thanks for that recap meth :beers:

[X-Era]

Why would you want DAVIS pushed off the roster ? Davis is so under rated by so many BILLS fans. DAVIS is the kind of LB we need against the run. I like this signing, but I don't see him taking a starting spot.I want Davis pushed to the bench by someone better... That ought to answer any question you have about where I sit. Davis is a quality player and I look to the day that we have a better option as a starter. But, he is a valuable player for us in the right role.

Remember, I want us to have better overall talent which includes starting and backup roles.

[malvado78]

I was waitng for this.

Yes, Barnett = better than Poz. Shepp should be a better option to Davis at some point but for now, Morrison will push Davis and may win the job, which is a good thing. Timing is everything. By the end of the year we may find that Barnett, Morrison, and Shepp is >> Poz, Davis, and Torbor...

And the beauty is that Davis can still be a backup.

It can be:

ILB: Barnett, Shepp
ILB: Morrison, Davis

Were stronger by the move.

Morrison, Barnett, Shepp, and Davis is stronger than Poz, Shepp, Davis, and Torbor

This post shows so much more patience than I have for the quoted posted.

Kudos.

[BuffaloBlitz83]

I think Morrison will start next to Barnett. Right?

[Meathead]

worst. leaping chest bump. ever.

[X-Era]

I think Morrison will start next to Barnett. Right?Possible... But the good news is we arent forcing it... and I think thats a key point.

[Jan Reimers]

What is most telling in this thread is how little it takes to make us happy. With our lowered expectations, just throw us a crumb or two. . . Martin and Morrison in one day?

You'd think we signed a legit RT, RG, LT, LG or something.

[kishoph]

I want Davis pushed to the bench by someone better... That ought to answer any question you have about where I sit. Davis is a quality player and I look to the day that we have a better option as a starter. But, he is a valuable player for us in the right role.

Remember, I want us to have better overall talent which includes starting and backup roles.


I agree with this post, but when you said that he could push him off the roster, I assumed you didn't like him on the team. This team has lost enough good players and I don't want to lose any more. My bad if I read your post wrong. I'm not on here to be argumentative, I could go over to BBMB and do that all day.

[Jan Reimers]

I would think Morrison will replace Torbor on the roster, which will at least prevent Torbor from ever seeing the field in any capacity. And that's a GOOD thing.

[Forward_Lateral]

Morrison is decent. Had 100 tackles in every season of his career except last year, when he had close to 100.

[psubills62]

So which ILB position will Morrison be playing? Will he be depth behind Barnett or in the thumper role instead of Davis/Torbor? I'm hoping the latter - just not sure how good of a thumper he really is.

I did like him when he was with the Raiders and am interested to see how he does in the 3-4 defense here. Didn't even realize he was still available. I think this means Chris White moves to the PS, personally, but we'll see.

[CleveSteve]

Morrison was at his best as a speed guy in Oakland. Best to keep him clean and run all over the field IMO.

[mikemac2001]

Dude....Torber is trash

[kishoph]

So which ILB position will Morrison be playing? Will he be depth behind Barnett or in the thumper role instead of Davis/Torbor? I'm hoping the latter - just not sure how good of a thumper he really is.

I did like him when he was with the Raiders and am interested to see how he does in the 3-4 defense here. Didn't even realize he was still available. I think this means Chris White moves to the PS, personally, but we'll see.

I think he'll be behind BARNETT, right now TORBOR's in that spot (at least according to the depth chart). WGR interviewed JAX's beat writer this morning and he had good things to say about him, from what he said he sounds a lot like POZ, good tackler, but struggled in coverage last season. At 240lbs. I don't know if he could be that "thumper" to deliver those big hits inside.

[BertSquirtgum]

What is most telling in this thread is how little it takes to make us happy. With our lowered expectations, just throw us a crumb or two. . . Martin and Morrison in one day?

You'd think we signed a legit RT, RG, LT, LG or something.

at least the front office is showing signs of life. for the last week i thought buddy was sleeping in the bedroom he had built into his office.

[ddaryl]

What is most telling in this thread is how little it takes to make us happy. With our lowered expectations, just throw us a crumb or two. . . Martin and Morrison in one day?

You'd think we signed a legit RT, RG, LT, LG or something.


... it was a good signing, and what it says is the Bills don't like what was out there on FA for OL....

The fans might like McKinnie or Gaither, but the FO obliviously did not....

and they are obviously not going to bring old vets.

I also fully expect next draft to be primarily on O.. Build the D, then the O seems to be there rebuild philosophy...

[better days]

... it was a good signing, and what it says is the Bills don't like what was out there on FA for OL....

The fans might like McKinnie or Gaither, but the FO obliviously did not....

and they are obviously not going to bring old vets.

I also fully expect next draft to be primarily on O.. Build the D, then the O seems to be there rebuild philosophy...

I agree with you, but I think the Bills did not want to PAY McKinnie or Gaither & that is why they did not sign either of them. If offered the same amount of money, any free agent would choose a posible playoff contender over the Bills. The Bills would have had to over pay to get either of them, there are a LOT of teams that need OL help this year.