Kelvin Sheppard traded to Indy for LB Jerry Hughes!

[PTI]

Still making moves

[Slim]

Wow. Hughes has upside. I like this move, a lot.

[PTI]

Former 1st round pick, albeit at #31

[Mahdi]

I loved this guy coming out of TCU. Not sure why he didn't catch on as an OLB when Indy converted to 3-4.

Although he did have 4 sacks and 41 tackles playing behind Freeney and Mathis last year.

[sukie]

Link?

[ServoBillieves]

Uhm... what? Why?

[psubills62]

http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-2/Bills-trade-LB-Sheppard-to-Colts-for-LB-Hughes/c4dc9a0b-0d3e-4c65-84d9-fc64e3344e58

[Joe Fo Sho]

Why does this guy only have 62 tackles in 3 years? Does anyone know things about him?

[Mouldsie]

I like it. I had given up on Sheppard and his awful run fits which is why I liked the idea of Dansby and drafting Alonso.... Jerry Hughes intrigued me as a 3-4 pass rusher coming out. Maybe we can pull the talent out of him.

[whkfc]

Makes room to sign Dansby.

[BertSquirtgum]

Uhm... what? Why?

because Sheppard sucks.

[sukie]

It reads he was a special package player. He did have 6 sacks last season

[psubills62]

That's certainly interesting...and tells you a lot about how much the new coaching staff valued Kelvin Sheppard.

[swiper]

Surprising to say the least.

[Bangarang]

Hughes has more upside than Sheppard me thinks.

[Meathead]

since we dont need links or sources anymore im announcing the bills have traded ruvell martin for larry fitzgerald

[Mahdi]

Makes room to sign Dansby.

You also have Bradham moving inside. If they sign Dansby you have a nice rotation of 3 with Kiko.

Anderson, Hughes, Williams outside. We're still a bit light at LBer. Especially outside.

[swiper]

Ruvell "Hands" Martin? They let him go? I hope they at least insisted on Fitzgerald and a draft pick!

[Mr. Miyagi]

since we dont need links or sources anymore im announcing the bills have traded ruvell martin for larry fitzgerald
I'd trade Martin for a Fitgerald fathead.

[swiper]

You also have Bradham moving inside.



Where are people getting the idea that Bradham is "moved inside?" The Bills just announced that he's going back to the weakside:

http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-2/Opportunity-big-for-Bradham/b3b3d9e6-235e-4dc0-b347-f60027bed133

[Meathead]

in other team developments, ralph wilson has jogged from detroit to buffalo, mud wrestled buddy nix until he cried uncle, and assumed general manager duties until further notice

[swiper]

in other team developments, ralph wilson has jogged from detroit to buffalo, mud wrestled buddy nix until he cried uncle, and assumed general manager duties until further notice

When is his press conference?

[OpIv37]

Wow. Hughes has upside. I like this move, a lot.

I don't like Shepp and I think this could be a good move, but I'm really tired of the "upside" thing.

If "upside" won Super Bowls, we'd probably have 9 of the last 10 rings. It's a nice way of saying "hasn't done **** yet."

[Meathead]

they will announce it at a 3:00 PM press conference today, where they will also announce they have released e.j. manual

[PTI]

since we dont need links or sources anymore im announcing the bills have traded ruvell martin for larry fitzgerald

I got a Sportscenter Notification on my phone

Guess I will screen print and upload next time. Got no reason to make it up.

[ghz in pittsburgh]

Jerry Hughes did nothing in the 1st two years. Coincidently Indys were running 4-3 during those years (Still Dungy's defensive system). Last year they switched to 3-4 under a new staff. Hughes had his best pro year 4 sacks etc., mind you, still not a lot though for a 1st rounder. But arguably the best fit he had in NFL.

Indy really need some inside LBs, I guess this is how it comes ...

It does leave the Bills a little thin at ILB positions. I assume Mario and Anderson will be primarily the OLBs. Moats and now Hughes will be their backups. ILBs, we have Nigel, Kikko and some no name guys now.

[Slim]

I don't like Shepp and I think this could be a good move, but I'm really tired of the "upside" thing.

If "upside" won Super Bowls, we'd probably have 9 of the last 10 rings. It's a nice way of saying "hasn't done **** yet."

Oh I agree with you. We are trading a bad player for a bust. I'm not expecting much from Hughes. He will be a sub-package player. But in the long run I think Hughes has more to offer to the Bills than Sheppard did, especially in our current defense.

[Pinkerton Security]

since we dont need links or sources anymore im announcing the bills have traded ruvell martin for larry fitzgerald


apparently you skipped over post #7...if you're gonna be a smartass at least double check :negrep:

[RedEyE]

It really makes you wonder if they might be close to signing Dansby.

[justasportsfan]

5 sacks last season?

[Pinkerton Security]

Oh I agree with you. We are trading a bad player for a bust. I'm not expecting much from Hughes. He will be a sub-package player. But in the long run I think Hughes has more to offer to the Bills than Sheppard did, especially in our current defense.

agreed. Shep was decent but a marginal starter at best. I see the Bills going for high potential guys, which obviously may or may not work out but I like the aggressive strategy. I feel like Pettine will be able to utilize a guy like Hughes in ways other teams cant (he got 6 sacks in 13 games out of Aaron "Call Me" Maybin in 2011)

[Jaybird]

we now must being in another Inside backer.... Lets hope we have Dansby locked in

[ghz in pittsburgh]

5 sacks last season?
41 tackles and 4 sacks. 1 sack the 1st two years.

@TCU, he gets like 15 for ONE year.

[swiper]

Meathead told me that Nick Barnett was just re-signed.

However I think it is mere rapacious gesticulation.

[tatersalad]

Yea I'm gonna say Dansby will be a Bill just what the DR. ordered I'm liking the branden era so far

[Crisis]

I remember a bunch of people here had a hard-on for Hughes when Polian took him in the draft. Hopefully he can turn it around and show why he was a 1st rounder.

[justasportsfan]

I don't want to hear any complaints !


He was arrested for public intoxication a few years ago

He's a perfect fit!

you can see him give 100% here . Well for someone who looks hungover :sadwalk:

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/X0CSWa-WuJQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[RedEyE]

I'm sure Colts fans are spinning the Sheppard pick up too. But hopefully Hughes finds himself in Pettine's scheme.

[Bills Juggernaut]

Not bad for cap purposes for the next two years.....

2013 $870K
2014 $1.1 M

[kingJofNYC]

They've both been **** early in their careers, but pass rushers are more valuable than MLB so why not take a flyer on a guy.

Don't expect much though, trash for trash.

[Slim]

I'm sure Colts fans are spinning the Sheppard pick up too. But hopefully Hughes finds himself in Pettine's scheme.

I doubt Hughes does too much, but who knows. Maybin had six sacks (or something) for the Jets, maybe Hughes can bring some heat off the edge every once in a while.

[Ed]

Interesting move. I seem to remember Nix openly gushing about Jerry Hughes at the pre-draft press conference of that year's draft. I guess it's not surprising that he would still be interested in him.

I had really high hopes for Sheppard last year and expected him to take a big step forward, but he was pretty disappointing. Granted our whole defense was, so I don't know how much of that was him. Either way, it looks like he wasn't going to be too much more than a depth player going forward, so I like the move of taking a chance on Hughes. It doesn't feel like we're really losing much.

As for Bradham, I was under the impression that in Pettine's defense the Mike and Will LB's were both inside backers and somewhat interchangeable.

[Maximilli]

U guys have to goto colts forums and read what they are saying there pretty saying they love it good size speed and decent on coverage they really like the trade and think they have the better linebacker

[THRILLHO]

He must have too much upside that Indy couldn't handle it anymore which is why they traded him!

[Mahdi]

Where are people getting the idea that Bradham is "moved inside?" The Bills just announced that he's going back to the weakside:

http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-2/Opportunity-big-for-Bradham/b3b3d9e6-235e-4dc0-b347-f60027bed133

Because it will depend on the formation. If we are in a 4-3 then Kiko would be middle and Bradham would be weak. But in a 3-4 alignment Bradham would be inside with Kiko with Williams and Anderson on the edge.

[Slim]

This trade will make me very happy if it was a Sheppard for Hughes/Dansby swap. That would be upgrading the roster.

[Pinkerton Security]

He must have too much upside that Indy couldn't handle it anymore which is why they traded him!

I get the sarcasm but would you rather have a marginal starter with no upside or a role player with lots of upside?

[jimmifli]

I like this mostly because, at worst, it means our coaching staff can see that Shep sucked. If the new guy sucks too, we aren't any worse off.

What scared me was cutting Barnett, who sucked less than Shep, and was probably our least sucky LB last year. Now I have some hope that the staff is able to evaluate our talent.

[justasportsfan]

I don't like Shepp and I think this could be a good move, but I'm really tired of the "upside" thing.


I agree. I'm tired of all this upside talk. I do love his potential though.

[psubills62]

The key is if Pettine can use him in the defense. Obviously he thinks he can - or at least more than he can use Sheppard. Ideally it seems like Hughes would be a role player in the defense.

[Michael82]

This must mean that Kiko is going to start right away...plus I bet that Pough is liked by Pettine a lot. He was a big steal in UDFA.

[JoeMama]

Fantastic move.

Kelvin Sheppard was a liability.

Now he's somebody else's liability.

A+ rating from me

[Lexwhat]

I think this made simply made sense. Colts get another body at LB who is better at stopping the run than Hughes is (not that Sheppard is that good anyway, but whatever)... Their division includes Arian Foster, Chris Johnson, and MJD.

Bills get a LB who is a situational pass-rusher. But let's not get it confused -- this guy Hughes is a proven bust. Colts fans hate him. It was a horrible pick by Polian.

Anyway, this is a lateral move. The Bills are just kicking the tires, IMO. I would be surprised if Hughes was a Bill for more than 1 year. In fact, he might not even make the team this year.

[Slim]

One thing to remember here as well. The one year Hughes played in a 3-4 (last season), he had his most productive season. I'd take 3-4 sacks a year from a backup OLB/situational any year.

[Lexwhat]

Fantastic move.

Kelvin Sheppard was a liability.

Now he's somebody else's liability.

A+ rating from me

I agree it was a "sensible" move -- but ask a Colts fan to come up with 1 word to describe Hughes.

That word would probably be: "liability"

[EDS]

U guys have to goto colts forums and read what they are saying there pretty saying they love it good size speed and decent on coverage they really like the trade and think they have the better linebacker

They definitely got the more productive linebacker. Sheppard likely starts for Indy but Hughes is a long shot to start for the Bills.

[trapezeus]

did we just pick up a more expensive player for a less expensive player?

i doubt this is the cornelius for Dickerson trade, but i think we all saw the max ability of sheppard. no point in bringing him in again.

i give pettine a chance to do his thing with his personnel. if he wants hughs over shep, then so be it. i have a little faith that his unique schemes will utilize what makes hughes good. he won't ask him to do something he isn't good at. And that was wanny's big mistake.

[GvilleBills]

When is his press conference?

"Is it a Monday, must be a Bills press conference."

[X-Era]

This is a coup as far as I'm concerned.

Hughes can rush the passer and Sheppard is a backup at best.

[NOT THE DUDE...]

tremendous speed rusher last year off the bench, thats it... but we need that with anderson having the minor knee issue

[jimbohastle51]

Nix loved u Hughes when he was going out of TCU. This move makes a lot of sense schematically. Dansby could be back in play. BTW weak side is an inside backer in the 3-4.

[Night Train]

2 guys that didn't fit their team. Now they get a 2nd chance.

Hughes was picked at the end of the 1st Round (#31 overall) and can really run. 6-2 1/2 255. Indy wanted him to be a DE. The Bills want him to be a LB, who can play outside or inside.

Very good idea. He can definitely help. Sheppard was supposed to be a 2 down run stuffer and couldn't do that. He didn't fit the Pettine D at all.

Smart move.

[X-Era]

Nix loved u Hughes when he was going out of TCU. This move makes a lot of sense schematically. Dansby could be back in play. BTW weak side is an inside backer in the 3-4.
I'd love to land Dansby now.

[jamesiscool]

somebody's trash is someone elses treasure.

[Jeff1220]

somebody's trash is someone elses treasure.

or "somebody's trash is now someone else's trash"

[X-Era]

Rotoworld says Hughes has a contract of 5 years 9.7 mill. with 870K due in 2013.

"8/2/2010: Signed a five-year, $9.7 million contract. The deal contains $7 million guaranteed. Another $2.9 million is available through incentives. 2013: $870,000, 2014: $1.095 million, 2015: Free Agent"

Sheppard deal was:

"7/30/2011: Signed a four-year, $3 million contract. The deal included a $690,832 signing bonus. Sheppard is eligible for an annual $30,000 workout bonus throughout the contract's life. 2013: $614,243, 2014: $749,925, 2015: Free Agent"

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/6620/kelvin-sheppard

Pretty much equal money.

[mjt328]

Nice to see the coaching staff continue to purge unproductive players.

As opposed to our last staff, which inherited Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Brian Brohm at QB... decided to keep all of them all and added no competition in their first season... THEN stubbornly stuck with Fitzpatrick for 3 seasons.

[X-Era]

Nice to see the coaching staff continue to purge unproductive players.

As opposed to our last staff, which inherited Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Brian Brohm at QB... decided to keep all of them all and added no competition in their first season... THEN stubbornly stuck with Fitzpatrick for 3 seasons.Hughes has talent but he has to prove it on the field too. He hasn't exactly done that yet.

[better days]

since we dont need links or sources anymore im announcing the bills have traded ruvell martin for larry fitzgerald

Well, you can announce anything you want, but if you announce things that are proven to be false, you will be labled a Meathead.

[cookie G]

I doubt Hughes does too much, but who knows. Maybin had six sacks (or something) for the Jets, maybe Hughes can bring some heat off the edge every once in a while.

Jerry Hughes is to the Colts what Maybin is to the Bills. One of the picks that brought down the Polian regime.

And he has the distinct distinction of being the only admitted mistake ever made by Polian.

http://www.stampedeblue.com/2010/12/6/1860430/bill-polian-admits-drafting-jerry-hughes-over-rodger-saffold-was-a

[Tatonka]

im fine with trading sheppard.. i had no confidence he would work out for us after watching him last year. if hughes can contribute 4-6 sacks like he did last year and like pettine got out of maybin, then thats perfect for a back up.

this does however mean that was HAVE to lock up dansby or similar NOW.

[BillsFever21]

No big loss with Sheppard gone. The guy has been a waste of space. Hopefully we can get more out of Hughes.

[NOT THE DUDE...]

hughes really developed in the 34 last year as a speed rushing demon, cameron wake developed late too

[DynaPaul]

I like it. If nothing else he provides depth to the LB corps.

[THRILLHO]

I get the sarcasm but would you rather have a marginal starter with no upside or a role player with lots of upside?

Haha, yeah. Just commenting on people's excitement. I will say it is nice to see an organization who sees that someone is not working out, and rather than does nothing makes a move to try to improve.

[Skooby]

I like it!

[coastal]

One thing to remember here as well. The one year Hughes played in a 3-4 (last season), he had his most productive season. I'd take 3-4 sacks a year from a backup OLB/situational any year.
Maybe we should offer him $30-40 million... that's the going per capita rate OBD gives out for sack production.

[Generalissimus Gibby]

Maybe we should offer him $30-40 million... that's the going per capita rate OBD gives out for sack production.

Fools Gold (copyright Coastal 2012) was the exception and you know this. The norm is that we will give Hughes a fat contract after he has proved to be useless.

[jimbohastle51]

I'd love to land Dansby now.

I think it could still be possible. Honestly I still think you will see Barnett sign for a 1yr vet min. deal around when camp starts. I know they wouldn't mind having him back as long as he could accept a kirk Morrison or Andre Davis type role.