Two Signings Away from Capping off nearly the perfect offseason in Western NY

[Raptor]

The big news that broke last week for the Buffalo Bills and their fans was that Fred Jackson and the team had finally agreed to a new two year extension to his current deal. It was a deal that both the team and Jackson had been talking about doing for about a year. It also was a popular move among fans because Jackson is arguably the teams’ most popular player.

While the Jackson extension is a nice story there are two contract negotiations that are looming that are going to be more difficult to hammer out but just as if not more important than the Jackson deal. The players in question are Jairus Byrd and Andy Levitre. Both players are valuable pieces to this soon to be emerging Buffalo Bills team in 2012, they are both heading into the prime of their careers, and what may really make these extensions hard to pull off is if both players continue on their current development pace they will be two of the top 10 free agents next offseason and both will cash in.

Andy Levitre was drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 2009 NFL draft and has arguably been their best and most consistent offensive lineman over this time period. He has played at both LT and OC when injuries forced the Bills into tough spots along the offensive line. His best spot and the one that will get him paid is at LG. He has developed into one of the most complete guards in the NFL today. He is excellent in pass protection and has improved every year in his run blocking to the level of very good in this area. He is also one of the games most durable players as he has started every single game for the past three years. With the exploding numbers that offensive guards are getting if he happens to hit the market he will be very high on a lot of teams wish list as he has put together an excellent resume over the past three years and looks to add to it in his 4th year

Jairus Byrd burst on to the NFL scene with 9 interceptions in his rookie year in 2009. As with Levitre, Byrd was also drafted in the second round in the 2009 NFL draft. Byrd didn’t start from the get go but when he did get on the field he made it nearly impossible for the coaching staff to take him off of it as he kept making play after play in the passing game.........

http://www.profootballwarroom.com/

[YardRat]

Re: Two Signings Away from Capping off nearly the perfect offseason in Western NY

If they could get legit back-ups at center and FS, then it would be a nearly perfect off-season, IMO. Byrd and Levitre are next in line for extensions, but I wouldn't expect anything to get done with them until sometime mid-season at this point.

[BUFF Bills]

Re: Two Signings Away from Capping off nearly the perfect offseason in Western NY

lets be honest with ourselves for a second... as much as i would love to have BOTH of these guys locked down already, the bills won't resign these guys until the last minute - just like the stevie contract. most everyone procrastinates until they feel the pressure of the deadline looming

[thenry20]

Re: Two Signings Away from Capping off nearly the perfect offseason in Western NY

I have a feeling that Byrd is re-signed first. Well, i mean that he'll be the priority.

[BillsOverDolphins]

Re: Two Signings Away from Capping off nearly the perfect offseason in Western NY

Not the perfect offseason even if those 2 re-sign, but it's a good one.

[Night Train]

Re: Two Signings Away from Capping off nearly the perfect offseason in Western NY

http://www.profootballwarroom.com/

My God. These non-credible blogging sites pop up like locusts.

[DraftBoy]

Re: Two Signings Away from Capping off nearly the perfect offseason in Western NY

My God. These non-credible blogging sites pop up like locusts.

PFW has been around for years now.

[ThunderGun]

Re: Two Signings Away from Capping off nearly the perfect offseason in Western NY

lets be honest with ourselves for a second... as much as i would love to have BOTH of these guys locked down already, the bills won't resign these guys until the last minute - just like the stevie contract. most everyone procrastinates until they feel the pressure of the deadline looming

Just like Freddy? Oh wait....

[Raptor]

Re: Two Signings Away from Capping off nearly the perfect offseason in Western NY

My God. These non-credible blogging sites pop up like locusts.

What, you prefer the insightful articles at ESPN?

Their writers are always up to speed and thought provoking especially on the Bills

[Oaf]

Re: Two Signings Away from Capping off nearly the perfect offseason in Western NY

If you had to pick one, which would it be?

For me, after watching 2011, it'd be Byrd.

[ThunderGun]

Re: Two Signings Away from Capping off nearly the perfect offseason in Western NY

If you had to pick one, which would it be?

For me, after watching 2011, it'd be Byrd.

I'd take Levitre. I think it's harder to replace a good lineman than a good FS. Levitre didn't look very good at Center, but he's a very good Guard, and a decent Tackle if need be.

[justasportsfan]

Re: Two Signings Away from Capping off nearly the perfect offseason in Western NY

lets be honest with ourselves for a second... as much as i would love to have BOTH of these guys locked down already, the bills won't resign these guys until the last minute - just like the stevie contract. most everyone procrastinates until they feel the pressure of the deadline looming

they didn't procrastinate with both Fitz & Freddie. Bils love players that can play multiple positions. I doubt they let Levitre walk.IMO, Byrd will have to compete with Searcy in the new system before they make a decision.

[Night Train]

Re: Two Signings Away from Capping off nearly the perfect offseason in Western NY

What, you prefer the insightful articles at ESPN?

Their writers are always up to speed and thought provoking especially on the Bills

I read Onion Sports for my information.

I prefer provoking over thought provoking/facts.

[Ed]

Re: Two Signings Away from Capping off nearly the perfect offseason in Western NY

I don't expect both players to get extended before the season starts, but I think both will get locked up before the season ends or the 2013 free agency period begins. Once they cut some higher priced vets like Dwan Edwards and Thigpen, that should help make it easier.

Anyone know how much cap space the Bills have left right now for this season?

[The Jokeman]

Re: Two Signings Away from Capping off nearly the perfect offseason in Western NY

I'd take Levitre. I think it's harder to replace a good lineman than a good FS. Levitre didn't look very good at Center, but he's a very good Guard, and a decent Tackle if need be.

There is nearly no depth behind Byrd at FS by contrast we have plenty of options at OG. As Chad Rinehart is a pretty good backup. Toss in Cordy Glenn, as I'm one of the few that don't think he'll make it as a LT, so we can then put him back at the position most feel he'll excel to possible Pro Bowl levels at OG.