Levitre says the Bills haven't made him an offer...

[ThunderGun]

From PFT:

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/01/andy-levitre-in-limbo-hasnt-heard-anything-from-bills/

Andy Levitre “in limbo,” hasn’t heard anything from Bills
Posted by Darin Gantt on March 1, 2013, 3:29 PM EST
Andy Levitre AP

By using the franchise tag on safety Jairus Byrd, the Bills effectively escorted pending free agent offensive lineman Andy Levitre toward the door.

But he said Friday he’d still love to hear from them before he walks away.

Levitre told Tim Graham of the Buffalo News he’s still waiting for an offer from the Bills.

“I’m in limbo right now,” Levitre said. “I don’t know what their plan is.



and the boards crash in 3.....2......1........

[IlluminatusUIUC]

Oh for ***** sake. If Nix lets this guy walk without even attempting to sign him then he's even more of a useless hillbilly than I thought he was.

[Night Train]

I'm not surprised. Byrd will cost less.

You sign both and March FA is moot. Your starting LB's & WR's are already on this roster, with only enough $$ left for draft picks.

[fluteflakes]

"Haven't made an offer" does not =/= "Haven't been negotiating with his agent"

Most players don't even know what's going on in the negotiations, let alone participate in them. I'll wait until it's his agent and not the player himself making this statement.

[IlluminatusUIUC]

"Haven't made an offer" does not =/= "Haven't been negotiating with his agent"

Most players don't even know what's going on in the negotiations, let alone participate in them. I'll wait until it's his agent and not the player himself making this statement.

Fair enough, but we're less than two weeks from free agency. They should be getting close to a deal by this point, because the longer they wait - the more likely it is that Levitre just decides to test the market.

[MTBillsFan]

at least give the guy a fair market offer...he'll take more money elsewhere but still come on Buddy?

[Slim]

At this point he has nothing to lose by testing the market. Where a team will offer him more than what the Bills would, he's gone.

[Mr. Miyagi]

I hope we can keep him, but wherever he goes I wish him the best of luck. He's been a good soldier for us.

[coastal]

The analytics here negate a fair market value offer.

Derp.

[TedMock]

Maybe he's attempting the Ozzie Newsome approach. With most FA's, Newsome has them test the waters in good faith to see "what they're worth" and Baltimore then decides whether they want to pay that much. It's either "If you want to be a Raven we will match any offer," or "We're happy for you. Good luck."

[Mr. Pink]

They cannot afford to pay him 7m per, which is what it would take to retain him.

Why bother lowball offering the dude 5m per and get laughed at?

He's gonna get Nicks money in FA.

[HAMMER]

"Haven't made an offer" does not =/= "Haven't been negotiating with his agent"

Most players don't even know what's going on in the negotiations, let alone participate in them. I'll wait until it's his agent and not the player himself making this statement.

Gimme a break man, of course he knows what's going on, it's his livelihood. You can be sure he has had multiple conversations with his agent and likely asked him to update him as soon as he has any communication with the Bills.

[kingJofNYC]

They overpaid Mario, can't overpay for a guard, simple as that.

Deep pool at guard this year via the draft, so that's a plus. On the negative side, he's a very good player, was rarely (never?) injured, and was willing to play anywhere on the line. Wish him the best.

[X-Era]

"Haven't made an offer" does not =/= "Haven't been negotiating with his agent"

Most players don't even know what's going on in the negotiations, let alone participate in them. I'll wait until it's his agent and not the player himself making this statement.
And they easily could have asked his agent what he's looking for and heard top 5 G money or even the highest paid G.

- - - Updated - - -


They overpaid Mario, can't overpay for a guard, simple as that.

Deep pool at guard this year via the draft, so that's a plus. On the negative side, he's a very good player, was rarely (never?) injured, and was willing to play anywhere on the line. Wish him the best.
He's a G. I'd love to have him back. But he's a G.

[X-Era]

They cannot afford to pay him 7m per, which is what it would take to retain him.

Why bother lowball offering the dude 5m per and get laughed at?

He's gonna get Nicks money in FA.They absolutely can afford it.

But, It's logical for this team, with many serious needs, to not invest 7 mill per in a G.

[JoeMama]

Are you ****ing kidding me?

We throw 15 mil at a bum like Kraig Urbik but Andy Levitre can't get so much as a phone call?

Honestly. We deserve to lose. This is a joke.

[X-Era]

Are you ****ing kidding me?

We throw 15 mil at a bum like Kraig Urbik but Andy Levitre can't get so much as a phone call?

Honestly. We deserve to lose. This is just a joke.
Didn't get an offer

16293

Didn't get a phone call

[JoeMama]

Didn't get an offer

16293

Didn't get a phone call

If Andy Levitre is playing dumb or just being coy, he's doing a real good job.

I feel like he deserves the benefit of the doubt.

He's awesome.

OBD just absolutely sucks. You won't find a bigger orgy of buffoonery anywhere in the NFL than Buffalo's front office.

They won't get equal consideration from me. OBD doesn't deserve it.

[Yasgur's Farm]

SJ13's agent was saying the same thing this time last year. He ended up signing just 8 days before free agency.

[coastal]

Levitre is gone.

glenn replaces him with Hairston sliding over to LT while leaving Pears at RT.

we will draft Cordarelle Patterson and then trade back up for Tyler Wilson.

we will add 3-4 second tier free agents to round out the starters and finish 3-13 next year.

[BertSquirtgum]

The Bills know Levitre is going to test the market no matter what. Why would they put an offer out there just to be told to shove off?

[The Jokeman]

Levitre is gone.

glenn replaces him with Hairston sliding over to LT while leaving Pears at RT.

we will draft Cordarelle Patterson and then trade back up for Tyler Wilson.

we will add 3-4 second tier free agents to round out the starters and finish 3-13 next year.

Your plan of attack is pretty close on how I could see things going excpet for Hairston at LT. Granted it was a different coaching staff but if they truely thought Hairston was a better LT prospect than Glenn am sure he would have played there last year but I hope your wrong as Hairston at LT just makes me ill.

[YardRat]

Does that include any offers he and/or his agent may have turned down during the season last year?

[JoeMama]

BTW of course the Bills haven't made Levitre an offer.

He's good.

That's a big no-no if you want to remain a Bill.

[fluteflakes]

BTW of course the Bills haven't made Levitre an offer.

He's good.

That's a big no-no if you want to remain a Bill.

Like that guy who's the best play making safety in the NFL we just managed to retain for another year?

[JoeMama]

Like that guy who's the best play making safety in the NFL we just managed to retain for another year?

Jairus Byrd is far from the best play making safety in the NFL.

He's a very good player and I'm thrilled to have him back for one more season (hard to see him staying after that).

If you're going to counter my negative hyperbole with hyperbole of your own, you may want to re-evaluate your strategy.

And look, at this point I admit I'm just howling into the abyss.

I think there's a complete lack vision, leadership and football IQ from the mother ship. As long as Buddy Nix is at the helm, this franchise will resemble a boat without oars, drifting in circles until the rot sets in.

But it would be nice to see the Bills surpass the 6 win mark one more time before this dumpster fire franchise is jettisoned to the smoggy shores of LA.

[Typ0]

It really sucks hearing this. My first reaction is it's a shame there can't be come communication with the player...however, I guess that is the communication. It's kind of like giving someone your phone number and not hearing from them...if you know they aren't going to call you don't put yourself out there in the first place. So this goes both ways and I think Levitre played his card in the media which opened the door for a low ball offer from the Bills. His agent is on the phone with him cussing up a storm in my opinion. It was a game of chicken and Andy just flinched. Now he can test the market and the Bills will come back with a hometown discount offer of some sort to offer him a career in Buffalo so he doesn't have to uproot his life. Is this guy married?

[X-Era]

Levitre is gone.

glenn replaces him with Hairston sliding over to LT while leaving Pears at RT.

we will draft Cordarelle Patterson and then trade back up for Tyler Wilson.

we will add 3-4 second tier free agents to round out the starters and finish 3-13 next year.I actually wouldn't hate that version.

[jamze132]

If we sign a guard for more than $4M per year, we're stupid.

[DraftBoy]

Absolutely no surprise here. Sucks he's likely gone but no OG is worth what he'll likely get on the market.

[coastal]

I actually wouldn't hate that version.
16294

[better days]

Absolutely no surprise here. Sucks he's likely gone but no OG is worth what he'll likely get on the market.

If no OG is worth what Levitre will get on the market, why would a team be willing to OVERPAY Levitre?

The OL is all about chemistry & players working together. Even if the Bills draft a Guard with the same skill set as Levitre, he will not have the chemistry Levitre has with the other players on the line. That will take time to develop. And if Levitre signs with another team, he will not have chemistry with the players on that team.

IMO, Levitre has more value to the Bills than to any other team & the Bills should be the team willing to PAY him.

[tomz]

Jairus Byrd is far from the best play making safety in the NFL.

He's a very good player and I'm thrilled to have him back for one more season (hard to see him staying after that).

If you're going to counter my negative hyperbole with hyperbole of your own, you may want to re-evaluate your strategy.

And look, at this point I admit I'm just howling into the abyss.

I think there's a complete lack vision, leadership and football IQ from the mother ship. As long as Buddy Nix is at the helm, this franchise will resemble a boat without oars, drifting in circles until the rot sets in.

But it would be nice to see the Bills surpass the 6 win mark one more time before this dumpster fire franchise is jettisoned to the smoggy shores of LA.

See this re: Byrd.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000145968/article/top-85-free-agents-mike-wallace-heads-best-available

Honestly, guards, even good ones, are replaceable in the 3rd or higher rounds of the draft. There is no doubt in my mind, given the limited cap growth etc. that paying big for a guard simply makes no sense whereas paying for a play making safety does. The track record of the current regime has been good in finding serviceable linemen in many ways (not with late round draft picks, admittedly). Keep the focus on paying for play makers. That is what this is and that is the best strategy.

[SABURZFAN]

From PFT:

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/01/andy-levitre-in-limbo-hasnt-heard-anything-from-bills/

Andy Levitre “in limbo,” hasn’t heard anything from Bills
Posted by Darin Gantt on March 1, 2013, 3:29 PM EST
Andy Levitre AP

By using the franchise tag on safety Jairus Byrd, the Bills effectively escorted pending free agent offensive lineman Andy Levitre toward the door.

But he said Friday he’d still love to hear from them before he walks away.

Levitre told Tim Graham of the Buffalo News he’s still waiting for an offer from the Bills.

“I’m in limbo right now,” Levitre said. “I don’t know what their plan is.



and the boards crash in 3.....2......1........


drafting Warmack will cure the Levitre loss.

[Buddo]

What does $7 million actually do, when invested in a guard?
The strength of this team currently, is at RB. Run blocking is Levitre's weakest suit.
If (and it is a big if) we are going to go much more run orientated, then we need better run blocking performance. $7 million per for Levitre, isn't getting that done, much like for all its improvement, the Bills O-Line still gives no confidence in its ability to move the pile to get a 3rd and 1, with any remote semblance of regularity.
I like Levitre - he's a good player, but he's not $7 million good, when other guys can be had for half as much, with only a small drop off in performance. Now that's some moneyball to chew on.

[BILLSROCK1212]

Not re-signing Levitre is asking for mediocrity.

[SABURZFAN]

At this point he has nothing to lose by testing the market. Where a team will offer him more than what the Bills would, he's gone.


i'll be surprised if he is a Bill next season.

[cookie G]

See this re: Byrd.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000145968/article/top-85-free-agents-mike-wallace-heads-best-available

Honestly, guards, even good ones, are replaceable in the 3rd or higher rounds of the draft. There is no doubt in my mind, given the limited cap growth etc. that paying big for a guard simply makes no sense whereas paying for a play making safety does.

Well, hate to say it, but good offenses don't necessarily agree with that.

NE has no problem paying Mankins;
NO pays Evans. When they wouldn't pay Nix, they paid Grubbs over $6 million annually and that's in addition to Evans;
Balt. pays Yanda over $6 million a year. When they lost Grubbs, they drafted a guard in the 2nd to replace him.

But we know better than them.

On the other hand, people here say, "pfft...you can find a guard off the waiver wire".



The track record of the current regime has been good in finding serviceable linemen in many ways (not with late round draft picks, admittedly).

Or maybe the Oline improved because for the first time in forever, the Bills actually used higher picks to build it. 2/5 of their line are 1st or 2nd round picks.

I wouldn't have a problem with losing Levitre if I knew he was going to be replaced.

But I suspect he'll be replaced with Rinehart. And the same people who said Bell was as good as Peters will say Rinehart is as good as Levitre. Well...he's not.

Again...in pass protection, Wood invariably helps Urbik/Rinehart, leaving Levitre alone to handle his guy without help. He was the best pass blocking guard in the NFL last year.

So between Urbik and Rinehart...who does Wood help out now? And when he can't help both...expect the "well Wood's play has dropped off this year."



Keep the focus on paying for play makers. That is what this is and that is the best strategy.

Yeah, well, the "play maker" averaged about 3.5 ints in his last 3 years. Considering that's his primary job...that's pretty average play making. I won't get into the fact that he tackles like a girl.

He had a low franchise figure, is pretty good in coverage, I don't have too much of a problem with the $6 million.

But if people are talking about paying him $9 or 10 million long term...well, he's far from a Troy P or Ed Reed in his prime.

Good, at times very good, but no where near dominant or game changing.

[NOT THE DUDE...]

just resign rinehart...

whats the big deal?

that or draft barrett jones in rd 2...

we need a qb and a couple big time wrs

[X-Era]

What does $7 million actually do, when invested in a guard?
The strength of this team currently, is at RB. Run blocking is Levitre's weakest suit.
If (and it is a big if) we are going to go much more run orientated, then we need better run blocking performance. $7 million per for Levitre, isn't getting that done, much like for all its improvement, the Bills O-Line still gives no confidence in its ability to move the pile to get a 3rd and 1, with any remote semblance of regularity.
I like Levitre - he's a good player, but he's not $7 million good, when other guys can be had for half as much, with only a small drop off in performance. Now that's some moneyball to chew on.I think it's a smart move for this team to let him go. If we had a playoff caliber QB on a rookie contract and a solid defense with the same amount of cap room I'd be fine with signing him. But with serious needs at LB, too much money invested in Fitzpuketrick, and needs for a few FA's I just wouldn't do it.

[X-Era]

just resign rinehart...

whats the big deal?

that or draft barrett jones in rd 2...

we need a qb and a couple big time wrs
I'm a fan of drafting Brian Winters. The kid looks real good. He injured his chest at the Combine but should be fine... It looks like it was just a cramp. The kid uses solid technique and has a nasty streak. I think he may be a better run blocker than pass blocker but that could be a good thing for a team that will most likely feature CJ.

http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/brian-winters?id=2539247

[tomz]

[QUOTE=cookie G;3759625]Well, hate to say it, but good offenses don't necessarily agree with that.

NE has no problem paying Mankins;
NO pays Evans. When they wouldn't pay Nix, they paid Grubbs over $6 million annually and that's in addition to Evans;
Balt. pays Yanda over $6 million a year. When they lost Grubbs, they drafted a guard in the 2nd to replace him.

But we know better than them.

On the other hand, people here say, "pfft...you can find a guard off the waiver wire".



Or maybe the Oline improved because for the first time in forever, the Bills actually used higher picks to build it. 2/5 of their line are 1st or 2nd round picks.


Your points are well-taken. As a matter of fact, 4 out of our 5 day 1 starters from last year were 1st or 2nd rounders--Wood, Levitre, Urbik and Glenn.

My impression is that there is an expectation of >>$6 M for Levitre. I agree that he is a good player. I agree emphatically that he is worth re-signing. And I do not think that he is out the door at this point. I have not thrown in the towel that this is over. However, I am saying that I see the logic: there is only so much of the cap that can be wrapped up on the O-line. Wood will follow next year and then Glenn in a couple.

Byrd is very hard to compare to Troy Polamalu who is used radically differently. And yes, he is no Ed Reed, but there is only one of those. But Byrd does 'find' the ball--after his rookie year, he has not just played deep center field like in his rookie year. He has matured substantially in the run game since his first couple years. If the QB pressure we were all licking our chops over before the start of last year somehow materializes he will be a bigger force.

[Buddo]

I think it's a smart move for this team to let him go. If we had a playoff caliber QB on a rookie contract and a solid defense with the same amount of cap room I'd be fine with signing him. But with serious needs at LB, too much money invested in Fitzpuketrick, and needs for a few FA's I just wouldn't do it.

There's much in this. If we had a genuine QB, then I'd be way more on the side of getting Levitre re-signed, as he is a terrific pass protector. As things stand, we don't, and while I believe it's still preferable to re-sign him if we can do so at sensible money, i.e. around $6m per tops, I just feel that the cap situation with Fitz, prohibits us from doing much more than that, as it limits our ability to get other FA signed. I believe we need to be active in FA, to try and get at least 2 decent guys who will fill holes, who won't be top tier, but who will be capable, and therefore not exactly cheap.

The best scenario in respect of all of this, would be for Fitz to re-structure his deal, so we can have more cap room, at which point we might be able to make a better offer to Levitre.
TBH, I think that getting something done, would be in Fitz's best interests also. Do something where the $3 million he's due sometime soon (or whatever the amount was), will get paid, so he covers himself against being cut outright. Re-do his deal so that he ends up at around $5 million per, if he sticks.

I'm not so sure that he will be around for a QB competition, unless something like that happens.

[stuckincincy]

The best scenario in respect of all of this, would be for Fitz to re-structure his deal, so we can have more cap room, at which point we might be able to make a better offer to Levitre.
TBH, I think that getting something done, would be in Fitz's best interests also. Do something where the $3 million he's due sometime soon (or whatever the amount was), will get paid, so he covers himself against being cut outright. Re-do his deal so that he ends up at around $5 million per, if he sticks.



Well said. He should do so - the value of the dollar is getting pushed down the drain...see today's gasoline prices vs. crude prices, as one example.

Fitz would be smart to take cash now.

[Night Train]

Well said. He should do so - the value of the dollar is getting pushed down the drain...see today's gasoline prices vs. crude prices, as one example.

Fitz would be smart to take cash now.

Could have sworn that last week, Russ Brandon stated a Fitz re-structure is not happening.

[Fixxxer]

Things to consider about Levitre:

He's a durable player, he's one of the most agile guards in the league and he's a versatile, he could play all the position in the OL. (center too, with snap practices involved, right?)

He has never been to the Pro Bowl and most importantly he has never been named All-Pro (neither team), that might be unfair to Levitre but those are facts.

In the year he's hitting FA, he's considered by his team the second best player in it.

Andy might say that he's in limbo but the signals are clear, if he uses common sense. All year the Bills said that they want him back and they're now saying (with Byrd's tag) that he's wanted but he is not getting, from the Bills, the r

The Bills want him back but prefer not to overpay, doesn't mean they shouldnt or won't.

[YardRat]

Durability certainly is one of his strengths, but I disagree with the "he could play all the position in the OL" comment. He was an absolute failure at OT and C.

[Fixxxer]

Durability certainly is one of his strengths, but I disagree with the "he could play all the position in the OL" comment. He was an absolute failure at OT and C.

He could play in emergency situations but I agree, longterm, you better look for someone else, the guy is a great LG, not an elite one.

[Buddo]

Could have sworn that last week, Russ Brandon stated a Fitz re-structure is not happening.

He was right - it didn't happen last week. ;)

I've not heard anything about that tbh. Maybe they just said that they hadn't done anything to do with that, at that time? Along the lines of 'we've had no discussions about that', while conveniently missing off a 'yet'.

I dunno, tbh. I think it just makes too much sense, to at least not try and do something. Other than that, they will have to decide pdq as to if they are going to cut or keep Fitz, and I honestly can't believe they want to keep him at what he is slated to get.

[Fixxxer]

I will say this regarding any FA, ours or from other teams, until we find a franchise QB we can overpay for other positions (except K and P)

[streetkings01]

From what DFT is saying over on bb.com is Levitre wants $8+ mill a year........that's left tackle money and way too much for a guard. Plus he wants to play on the west coast........Andy is gone guys.

[tomz]

He was right - it didn't happen last week. ;)

I've not heard anything about that tbh. Maybe they just said that they hadn't done anything to do with that, at that time? Along the lines of 'we've had no discussions about that', while conveniently missing off a 'yet'.

I dunno, tbh. I think it just makes too much sense, to at least not try and do something. Other than that, they will have to decide pdq as to if they are going to cut or keep Fitz, and I honestly can't believe they want to keep him at what he is slated to get.

Re: a Fitz restructure, that usually entails an extension. Do we really want this?

[Buddo]

Re: a Fitz restructure, that usually entails an extension. Do we really want this?

Usually doesn't matter, if the choice is re-structure or be cut.
And it very well could be.
Fitz isn't so bad as a backup, but that isn't how he's getting paid.

[Cali512]

Why would they offer a contract that would make him initially have something to test the market. If we offer him a small contract, hes going to test the market. If we give him a huge offer, than hes going into FA with that at his side, and if a team offers more, hes basically gone. Now if all Levitre gets is like 5-6 million somehow, and we offer 6.5-7. Then we get him decently cheap. But if we come out and say, 7 million. Hell go in asking for at least that much, prob get high 7 million, or 8 million, and were screwed.

[RedEyE]

Well the Bills will be going through similar negotiations with Wood this year. His back loaded contract has him cashing out on $3.3 million in cap space the end of 2013. Wood will also want to be fairly paid.

Assuming they have a set budgeted amount for offensive lineman, and considering versatility and all around ability, I would much rather lose Levitre than lose Wood. Guards are much easier to replace.

[coastal]

Wood doesn't have the leverage Andy does because of his injury history. We should lock him now on the cheap if able.

[better days]

Well the Bills will be going through similar negotiations with Wood this year. His back loaded contract has him cashing out on $3.3 million in cap space the end of 2013. Wood will also want to be fairly paid.

Assuming they have a set budgeted amount for offensive lineman, and considering versatility and all around ability, I would much rather lose Levitre than lose Wood. Guards are much easier to replace.

Let's see if Wood can play the entire season without getting injured next year before worrying about resigning him.

[Jaybird]

If we let Levitre walk just to draft his eplacement within the top 3 rounds that is beyond stupid. Letting him walk and having someone on the roster to replace makes sense. Creating a hole to fill it with a top pick will never give the Bills enough talent on the roster to become a top team. With the 8th overall pick a tackle might be the best player available, and might be our pick. I understand the cap issue in resigning Levitre, but we must find a replacement on the roster or free agency. Leadin us to draft another position of need (LB,WR,)

[RedEyE]

So how much are you guys willing to pay to keep Levitre around?

$6 million a year gets him in the Top 10 range. But lets say he is asking for $7+. That injects him into the Top 5. Is it worth $6-$8 million a year to retain a guard?

I think he is worth maybe $5 - $5.5 million tops. But if Levitre has bigger ideas and financial goals he is as good as gone. And he might think its worth $6-$7 million to stay in Buffalo but would take $5-$5.5 with a team with better post season projections.

Its not just cut and dry, "here's a bunch a money - ya happy?".

[better days]

So how much are you guys willing to pay to keep Levitre around?

$6 million a year gets him in the Top 10 range. But lets say he is asking for $7+. That injects him into the Top 5. Is it worth $6-$8 million a year to retain a guard?

I think he is worth maybe $5 - $5.5 million tops. But if Levitre has bigger ideas and financial goals he is as good as gone. And he might think its worth $6-$7 million to stay in Buffalo but would take $5-$5.5 with a team with better post season projections.

Its not just cut and dry, "here's a bunch a money - ya happy?".

If a Guard is GOOD & playing for $ 6 Million or less, he is playing on an OLD contract. Any GOOD Guard will now demand between $7-8 Million.

[RedEyE]

If a Guard is GOOD & playing for $ 6 Million or less, he is playing on an OLD contract. Any GOOD Guard will now demand between $7-8 Million.

Really? Take a look at the top 10 contracts for guards and roll again. $6 million a year injects Levitre into the Top 6-7 category for at least the next 3 seasons.

[better days]

Really? Take a look at the top 10 contracts for guards and roll again. $6 million a year injects Levitre into the Top 6-7 category for at least the next 3 seasons.

Really. Only Willie Colon at #10 is making less than $6 Million. He signed his contract in July of 2011. All contracts for GOOD Guards will be north of $6 Million from this point forward.

[RedEyE]

Not sure where you're getting your information from that's fine.
http://www.spotrac.com/top-salaries/nfl/average/guard/

What would you pay him? He's not worth Top 10 pay IMO.

[better days]

Not sure where you're getting your information from that's fine.
http://www.spotrac.com/top-salaries/nfl/average/guard/

What would you pay him? He's not worth Top 10 pay IMO.


I got my figures from OVER THE CAP. They have Stinton at $ 6,750,000 while spotrac has him at $5,825,000. other than that the numbers are comparable. Like I said since the Bucs signed Nicks to that huge contract, all GOOD guards are going to want to be in that neighborhood on their new contracts. I would pay Levitre $7-8 Million because like I said, I think he has more value to the Bills than any other team in the NFL.

[Fixxxer]

Wood doesn't have the leverage Andy does because of his injury history. We should lock him now on the cheap if able.

In terms of accolades, Levitre doesn't have a lot of leverage, you can approach to him with a reasonable contract number that doesn't pay him elite money, you can throw in some clauses that he will get more $$$ if he makes the pro bowl or all pro teams (like Byrd 2nd team or Peters before him) Everyone resisted paying Peters money, but the guy was 1st team ALL PRO when we decided not to pay him.

Fact is that you should be paying Levitre for a great, versatile and injury free LG and that is how the Bills should approach to him before FA starts.

I understand that going into FA being the best LG or G is enough leverage to break the bank.

[Skooby]

They're not paying him or offering a contract for a reason, what it is isn't clear but something has to be there.