Confirmed: Spikes is in town getting a physical

[The King]

I am not the sources type, but I have seen this pick up steam. Apparently Spikes is in town and getting a physical at the University of Buffalo. I don't know if this is typical procedure or not but it got enough legs on Twitter I thought it was worth sharing.

#forwhatitsworth

[JoeMama]

I can only assume that means we have legit interest and a contract may be on the table.

I hope he's not the massive liability on passing downs he's made out to be.

I liked him well enough coming out of UF but I can't say I've focused on him individually during his career with the Pats.

[OpIv37]

He's probably just in town to grab a beef on weck then hit the Canadian Ballet.

[YardRat]

Well, no wonder nobody has heard anything, he's probably wandering around the North campus, lost.

[THRILLHO]

I won't believe anything until someone reports him being at the airport. Just like Jay Cutler was. Or was that his agent?

[Meathead]

i was just at the airport and i saw a black guy with a bad attitude. it must be him!

[YardRat]

Why would he be at UB

[Pinkerton Security]

God, I hope he signs...would make me feel better about this FA period.

[Dr. Lecter]

Why would he be at UB

John Marzo works at UB (I think)

[The King]

Why would he be at UB

That's exactly why I sited that. I don't know what the Bills standard practice is for this. If that's totally uncommon than I would chalk this up as garbage.

[The King]

I also think it's weird Whaley would show his hand with Kiko and Rivers if nothing was in place?

[Meathead]

maybe hes already signed and hes gone to recruit kalil mack

[trapezeus]

i prefer to avoid patriot players because they are products of their system. I also believe that that system involves cheating and things that provide them a significant edge. When is the last guy other than Welker who left the patriots and were even half the player they used to be?

i'd rather just straight out miss taking a patriot player and focus on the other 31 teams free agents.

[Pinkerton Security]

i prefer to avoid patriot players because they are products of their system. I also believe that that system involves cheating and things that provide them a significant edge. When is the last guy other than Welker who left the patriots and were even half the player they used to be?

i'd rather just straight out miss taking a patriot player and focus on the other 31 teams free agents.

I think on offense, you may be more correct...their defensive system to me is different. Spikes is a run defender and not a ton else, but thats what we need.

[better days]

i prefer to avoid patriot players because they are products of their system. I also believe that that system involves cheating and things that provide them a significant edge. When is the last guy other than Welker who left the patriots and were even half the player they used to be?

i'd rather just straight out miss taking a patriot player and focus on the other 31 teams free agents.

Richard Seymour played well for a number of years for the Raiders after leaving the Pats*.

And with Pepper Johnson now on the Bills, the Bills should have some insight on the Pats*

And Pepper said he was looking forward to beating the Pats* every time the Bills play them.

I think there is some bad blood there.

[Mr. Miyagi]

i prefer to avoid patriot players because they are products of their system. I also believe that that system involves cheating and things that provide them a significant edge. When is the last guy other than Welker who left the patriots and were even half the player they used to be?
Including Welker.

[Mr. Miyagi]

Woodhead maybe?

[X-Era]

Mid day wood!

[MikeInRoch]

Spikes is also a dirty bastard of a player. Not that it might not be beneficial to have one of those...

[The King]

Richard Seymour played well for a number of years for the Raiders after leaving the Pats*.

And with Pepper Johnson now on the Bills, the Bills should have some insight on the Pats*

And Pepper said he was looking forward to beating the Pats* every time the Bills play them.

I think there is some bad blood there.

Bad Blood in the sense that he was over looked to be the DC for Patricia. I think Belicheck wanted a puppet and Johnson might have been too opinionated to be that guy.

[X-Era]

Woodyard and Daryl Smith are both gone.

Time to pounce on Spikes and lock him up.

[Bill Cody]

Why would he be at UB

Maybe he's looking to finish the basketweaving degree he started at UF

[X-Era]

Daryl Smith is for 4 years 16.1 mill...As I said, 4-5 mill per should land Spikes.

[Skooby]

Why wouldn't he have a physical at OBD ? This is odd.

[DBrown77]

Twitter links?

[gonzo1105]

The only reason I can think that the Bills sent him to UB is because UB has a knee specialist and the Bills have some concerns about it. Not entirely buying the rumor though.

[X-Era]

The only reason I can think that the Bills sent him to UB is because UB has a knee specialist and the Bills have some concerns about it. Not entirely buying the rumor though.The guy who posted it says he is currently rotating on a shift with a Bills doctor who is at UB and was checking out his knee. Apparently his knee is fine. Could all be BS, who knows.

[The King]

It's been confirmed.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bis0_PeIMAACjnG.jpg

[X-Era]

Chris Brown just confirmed Spikes is visiting.... BOOM!

[Turf]

We got the cash, make it so!

[better days]

Chris Brown just confirmed Spikes is visiting.... BOOM!

To get both Pepper Johnson & Spikes from the Pats* would be HUGE.

[cookie G]

http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Bills-welcome-FA-RB-Dixon-LB-Spikes-for-visits/3d0b12e0-e835-48ac-b620-cc3a80a3dca9

he free agent visitor stickers were being handed out at One Bills Drive Friday as one free agent from each side of the ball were visiting with Bills coaches and front office staff. Buffalo welcomed free agent RB Anthony Dixon and LB Brandon Spikes to the facility.
Spikes (6-3, 249) is an intimidating linebacker in every sense of the word. A physical presence at inside linebacker for the New England Patriots the past four seasons, Spikes was third on the team in tackles with 86 in 2013 making 12 starts. He had a career-high 22 tackles against Cincinnati last October and an interception.

A four-year starter Spikes finished second on the team in tackles in 2012 with 128. Spikes is likely seen as the type of middle linebacker who could allow the Bills to move Kiko Alonso to the weak side for the 2014 season to take better advantage of his athleticism. A former second-round pick of the Patriots (2010), Spikes turns 27 in September.

Dixon (6-1, 233) is a power back in every sense of the word, but was stuck behind Frank Gore and the versatile Kendall Hunter on the San Francisco 49ers depth chart.

[sukie]

What other teams are interested in this guy?

[DesertFox24]

Spikes is a very good run plugging MLB, he is a liability in pass coverage.

That being said I would love to him on the team and stop the run up the middle.

With Kiko, Mario, Lawson, Rivers, Branch, Hughes we should be good at containing the edge. Spikes, Kyle, Dareus, Branch, and Charles we should be able to not be gashed like we were up the middle.

The other thing about Spikes is he brings a nasty attitude which the team has lacked.

This would be good a signing and the only hole left would be RT and OL depth in my opinion.

I also like Anthony Dixon he is a decent third down back and a great special teams player which will help that unit as well.

[ghz in pittsburgh]

Not going to lie - I have called on the Bills to go after him at the end of the season. Have since been educated on Pettine's system of "not showing your hands" and see why this guy cannot get on the field in NE. I thought CJ Mosley is more like what the Bills are targetng, of course there is no guarantee we are going to get NMosley through the draft. Not sure I feel good if we drop big money on Spikes.

[sukie]

Having a 2 down backer doesn't seem all that. Brady sees Spikes in on second down... Audible pass play... ALL DAY

[better days]

Having a 2 down backer doesn't seem all that. Brady sees Spikes in on second down... Audible pass play... ALL DAY

The Bills have the players to put the pressure on Brady when he does that.

The Pats* beat the Bills last year by running the ball down our throats.

That won't happen this year, especially if they get Spikes.

[Mindbender]

Well, wikipedia has him as a Buffalo Bill. :)

[sukie]

The Bills have the players to put the pressure on Brady when he does that.

The Pats* beat the Bills last year by running the ball down our throats.

That won't happen this year, especially if they get Spikes.

Yeah they have the people to pressure Brady but that pressure is when a pressing LB is in the game and 2 down Spikes is on the sideline.

[JoeMama]

Well, wikipedia has him as a Buffalo Bill. :)

I love when wiki users do that.

A couple years ago some Jets fan edited Glenn Foley's page to say he was currently a pizza delivery boy in New Jersey.

[ICRockets]

2014 season[edit]
Spikes signed a 8 year deal worth $100 million with the Buffalo Bills. He also has taken up tap dancing and hot yoga in order to change his image.

If anyone was wondering what wikipedia said.

[trapezeus]

if he's dirty and hates the patriots and took out brady, that would make him the greatest signing of all time in my books...i get the logic on getting him...i'm cautious that pat free agents normally don't pan out, but he can let kiko be a wildcard LB causing confusion, great.

[Uncle Jesse]

He signed here. They will be announcing it soon. Done deal!

[Skooby]

He signed here. They will be announcing it soon. Done deal!

That would be sweet.

[The King]

Have to think a deal was in place this morning, there's no way Whaley would show our hand without it.

[Meathead]

i was just at the bigtree and some celebrating drunk black guy took a swing at me!

after i picked thurman up from the floor another drunk black guy called me a creepy ass cracker and threatened to pull out my beating heart and eat it!

after i calmed bruce down another drunk black guy was perfectly polite, bought me a beer, and told me a black joke that made us all laugh and laugh. i think it was him!

[justasportsfan]

i was just at the bigtree and some celebrating drunk black guy took a swing at me!

after i picked thurman up from the floor another drunk black guy called me a creepy ass cracker and threatened to pull out my beating heart and eat it!

after i calmed bruce down another drunk black guy was perfectly polite, bought me a beer, and told me a black joke that made us all laugh and laugh. i think it was him!

don't change the story. A black woman beat yo ass!

[The King]

It is wild that not one national guy is covering Spikes in Buffalo, not a mention, not a tweet

[feldspar]

Ryan Fitzpatrick: "he's a punk."

Remember that? Brandon Spikes celebrating over an injured Fred Jackson?

[Mr. Miyagi]

Having a 2 down backer doesn't seem all that. Brady sees Spikes in on second down... Audible pass play... ALL DAY
Really it's just that simple huh? This isn't Madden.

[coastal]

Ryan Fitzpatrick: "he's a punk."

Remember that? Brandon Spikes celebrating over an injured Fred Jackson?
I do.

and I want him on my team.

[justasportsfan]

Ryan Fitzpatrick: "he's a punk."

Remember that? Brandon Spikes celebrating over an injured Fred Jackson?
If we sign him hopefully he'll do the same with Brady

[wmoz11]

It is wild that not one national guy is covering Spikes in Buffalo, not a mention, not a tweet

You mean other than Jason LaCanfora and Adam Caplan?

[ghz in pittsburgh]

No deal yet according to ESPN when referring to a deal between Spikes and the Bills. I suspect the value gap is probably big considering Spikes hasn't had any visits.

✔@caplannfl</EM>Follow (https://twitter.com/caplannfl) No deal with Spikes and the #Bills (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bills&src=hash), source said. Story is not true.
<TIME class=dt-updated title="Time posted: 14 Mar 2014, 18:23:26 (UTC)" datetime="2014-03-14T18:23:26+0000" pubdate="">2:23 PM - 14 Mar 2014</TIME> (https://twitter.com/caplannfl/statuses/444539314463330305)

✔@caplannfl</EM>Follow (https://twitter.com/caplannfl) Doesn't mean the Bills won't get a deal done with him--just nothing even close at this point.
<TIME class=dt-updated title="Time posted: 14 Mar 2014, 18:24:54 (UTC)" datetime="2014-03-14T18:24:54+0000" pubdate="">2:24 PM - 14 Mar 2014</TIME> (https://twitter.com/caplannfl/statuses/444539684870688768)

[pmoon6]

There is something to be said for "meaness" and attitude on the field.

[Uncle Jesse]

Ryan Fitzpatrick: "he's a punk."

Remember that? Brandon Spikes celebrating over an injured Fred Jackson?


Yes, now lets just have him doing that for us, standing over, oh say, Tom Brady.

[feldspar]

There is something to be said for "meaness" and attitude on the field.

Yeah, I could probably only like Brandon Spikes if he were a Buffalo Bill though. When he's a Patriot, forget about it.

We could use some intimidation and nastiness on this team.

He's Takeo Spikes' cousin, for anybody that didn't know that...

[ZAZusmc03]

He's Takeo Spikes' cousin, for anybody that didn't know that...

I wonder what his actual relationship is with Tko. And if they're somewhat close, if Tko has good things to say about Buffalo from when he spent time there.

[SpikedLemonade]

i was just at the bigtree and some celebrating drunk black guy took a swing at me!

after i picked thurman up from the floor another drunk black guy called me a creepy ass cracker and threatened to pull out my beating heart and eat it!

after i calmed bruce down another drunk black guy was perfectly polite, bought me a beer, and told me a black joke that made us all laugh and laugh. i think it was him!

I wish The Bigtree was not wheelchair assessable.

[Generalissimus Gibby]

Spikes is also a dirty bastard of a player. Not that it might not be beneficial to have one of those...

I will take dirty, but not stupid. For instance, if the opportunity comes up for him to body slam Brady and he can knock that lil bastard out of the game then so be it. However, a stupid penalty should be avoided.

[The King]

Joe Buscaglia ‏@JoeBuscaglia (https://twitter.com/JoeBuscaglia)<small class="time" style="font-size: 13px; color: rgb(187, 187, 187);"> 7m (https://twitter.com/JoeBuscaglia/status/444565871042641920)</small>
On @WGR550 (https://twitter.com/WGR550), @caplannfl (https://twitter.com/caplannfl) just said the #Bills (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bills&src=hash) and Spikes haven't even discussed money yet as of an hour ago.

[JoeMama]

Yeah, I could probably only like Brandon Spikes if he were a Buffalo Bill though. When he's a Patriot, forget about it.

We could use some intimidation and nastiness on this team.

He's Takeo Spikes' cousin, for anybody that didn't know that...

Takeo Spikes was so great.

I always felt bad for the guy because he never made it to the playoffs his entire career despite being such a fierce competitor.

[wmoz11]

He's only had 6 accepted penalties in his career, including 0 last year.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SpikBr99/penalties/

[chernobylwraiths]

Ha, looked at his Wikipedia page and it says he is a member of the New York Jets

[feldspar]

I wonder what his actual relationship is with Tko. And if they're somewhat close, if Tko has good things to say about Buffalo from when he spent time there.

Dunno about what Takeo's actual relationship with his cousin is like, but Takeo was on the John Murphy Show just this week and said a lot of great things about his experience playing football here.

[Meathead]

this is starting to smell like a drive the price up for some other team ploy

[Night Train]

Contracts are made over a nice dinner. Give it a few hours.

[chernobylwraiths]

Take him to Duffs, not the Anchor Bar!

And E B Greens.

[Jry44]

Our fan base starts more rumors.....

[feldspar]

Take him to Duffs, not the Anchor Bar!

And E B Greens.

LOL...forget about a VIP lounge or a private room, give him chicken wings and a Coke. That oughta impress him.

[Night Train]

Take him to Duffs, not the Anchor Bar!

And E B Greens.

Popeyes

[Jry44]

LOL...forget about a VIP lounge or a private room, give him chicken wings and a Coke. That oughta impress him.

And SOME Coke.... that might impress him ( don't do drugs, kids...)

[justasportsfan]

I'm surprised Mitchmurray and his source Pat Moran didn't break this story.

[Night Train]

Bills usual spot is Tempo

[Jry44]

I'm surprised Mitchmurray and his source Pat Moran didn't break this story.

I'm sure he's already messaged him on Facebook.

[The King]

this is starting to smell like a drive the price up for some other team ploy


I think this is more about Spikes wanting to be a full time starter and not a situational player.

[Night Train]

I think this is more about Spikes wanting to be a full time starter and not a situational player.
He starts inside but for downs 1 & 2. He's out on third. No mystery.

Relax. If it happens, great. If not, we wake up tomorrow and move on.

[Mr. Miyagi]

Contracts are made over a nice dinner. Give it a few hours.
Denny's!

[Meathead]

I think this is more about Spikes wanting to be a full time starter and not a situational player.

ah good guess. so he might be clinging to something the coaches dont see. that certainly could be gumming up the proceedings. was there anything specific he said that makes you think that, just curious

[YardRat]

It took awhile to sign Mario. Hopefully something gets done tonight.

[Buffalo Billy Bison]

All I know is that having Rivers on the strong side, Spikes in the middle and Kiko on the weak side, with Lawson in a Hybrid role lifts my spirits! Then adding Williams, Dareus, Williams and Hughes as the front four and this defense is really taking shape.

[X-Era]

IBN says the deal is done for whatever you feel that's worth.

[YardRat]

I would trade an 'elite' FS for a run-stuffing MLB eight days a week.

[X-Era]

I would trade an 'elite' FS for a run-stuffing MLB eight days a week.
Interesting.

The clowns on WGR are now labeling us as "never signing the guys we draft that are at the top of the league at their position"...

To me that's like two guys in 20 years... Levitre and Byrd. Can't think of another. We didn't draft Peters or Pat Williams... Can't think of others... Neither Whitner nor Clements were top of the league at their position...

[YardRat]

WGR is a bunch of clowns...except for Coach Sal, of course.

[Buffalogic]

Interesting.

The clowns on WGR are now labeling us as "never signing the guys we draft that are at the top of the league at their position"...

To me that's like two guys in 20 years... Levitre and Byrd. Can't think of another. We didn't draft Peters or Pat Williams... Can't think of others... Neither Whitner nor Clements were top of the league at their position...Nobody drafted Peters. He was a UFA TE we signed and converted to LT. That's even crazier to find a pro bowl LT out of nowhere that you helped create and then you just let him leave. Ridiculous.

Also, when Clements hit FA, he was a the top of his position. He received a then record 80 million dollar contract from the niners if you will remember.

Lynch again is another example, so its a pattern. Its not just Levitre and Byrd

[kishoph]

IBN says the deal is done for whatever you feel that's worth.

Pending physical.

[The last buffalo fan]

Pending physical.

http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/image/jpeg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD/2wCEAAkGBxIQEhIQEhQPFRQQFBAQDw8QDxAQFBAPFBQWFhQUFBQYHCggGBolHBQUITEhJSkrLi4uFx8zODMsNygtLisBCgoKDg0OGhAQGywkHSQsLCwsLCwsLCwsLCwsLCwsLCwsLCwsLCwsLCwsLCwsLCwsLCwsLCwsLCwsLCwsLCwrK//AABEIAMABAAMBIgACEQEDEQH/xAAbAAABBQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAFAAMEBgcCAf/EAEIQAAEDAgMFBQMICQMFAAAAAAEAAgMEEQUSIQYxQVFxBxMiYXKBkbEUIyQyM0KSwjRDUlNUgqHB0WLh8BZzk6Lx/8QAGwEAAgMBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAwQAAQIFBgf/xAAsEQACAgEEAQQBAwQDAAAAAAAAAQIRAwQSITEiEzJBUaEFUmFCcYHwFCOR/9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwDDkkklCCSSSUIJad2MyWNUP9LPzLMVo/Y67x1XoZ+ZYyLj/KL+H/Yqu1D/AKRJ6j8UFLkV2nP0iX1H4oQj5XcgcFwe3SDlykEM2d3XQTYUju72PNZIdwtRjDKUucAG5j+zYm/uTWFYa+RwAa7xaNsDqtt2E2Niia18oBk5BpJHVxKxOaguS4xcgTsvsNCQ2SpY+53QN3/zHktFpdmKPLl+SxtFuLWnRSPlkFPpZgJ3AEOJ6ngnn4qwjRzel/7pZZWncpfgNy+IqgTiuykHdPZE3KCNWxhutt3BU2nwC/zTiX8Gh0YcR7eCu9XKxoBzyG53NcmIqdrs0sZF2jW58Q6ra1DZtR+xqLZdnyXuA4C9iSWjQjkFju2uAfJZS3NmvqDkyrXTXyixF9ONih2Lhs0bhKIwXaZ3tvrw14I2LUNOpIy4JmAzxqP3SuWN4C6J5BA6gaIezCzyXShi3q0JTkoumVt8SivCtU+G24INVUZCuWjkZWeLdApJdvZZcJOUWnTDpiSSSWSxJJJKFCWl9npy0FU7nf4LNFpOyHhwyc8y5aj2Zkrcf7ozZJJJZNiSSSUKEtF7ID46n0M+LlnS0Lsh+0qfQz4uWZ9F/DKptN+kS+o/FCSi20/6RJ6j8UJRcnZiPR4kkkFg0etVn2OpWSyZJGB7TwzZco5gquRt1WsbHERUweWR5nDQ2ANkPLLai4q2WvCKeOCPwta0WF7nxAcLn+ykf9S5AcpdaxtaxBPmSqPiGLSyXBvlGgaDp1KgQyPeWsbc8yTuC5s3Kb5G+lSLpSYjLUvdbRo+vI6wHsRGQtiF+8uT7AFWmVjWWjDs1uQ8IP8AdRcRnL9ASeQCnyUWZ+LMOhkb1cdyk4XMb2jcbDUutcOVNoqK5+eZpuBa4NKMQysYwtje4ajTKCbdVtKiM0elqJDG7vCy4ILSNAW+YUd8jCNcvi331sfIKhxYq6+UEm3E7wrEJWhpBOthqjW6JGgPtJTZ3ZQL66G1yR0QZ1FYAaacFc6/JlaGSDdqcpbf2oFPDbz813/0nIprazjfqSceUV2roxZVnE6Wyulaqtix3ruZIJI4+KcnIpdYyxUIohXnUqAV53Vpbj0WJ+J4kkkkwokkklCCWk4J4cIeeZd/dZstKi8GDjzCuPZl+5GapJJKixJJJKEEtC7IftKj0M/Ms9WhdkH2tR6GfFyzLohVtqP0iX1FByje1TfpEnqPxQYhHyLkzE4XbWpBqmUlPncGjeSANL69EOi7OqKAE+LNbm1tytOwekaKZpBII4P0Nuan7C7Bvbd8ot9XJIwm49hCmbTUz4wfGd5BB1JA80tl8lwHxw+SuVdKW2N9/DmpFDBZhcW2vpe/BRow57mgHrruU7ECXDIC1rRpvSdO+QwPqJR9wAcrHVM08jxv3nzTjoGjcb+xOwQcd/lyWZ/wXQ73Vm3vc8TdDqbEO6cS5jH+olSame3l1UOSNj+NudgrX8kokNx/xWa1jL2ueKsNFWCUAX1HFUl9ABqHN6cSj2EMkAtkcRvvawRnxyjLRayI2AEueTxDtR7FHz5m6G7QdCVEkqA4Nj08NzffqeCmQ0LwzdYOtqdNU3pMzx5I0LajFvg0BsRk1NlVMVerPiI/3VVxQL0881o5OLT0yr1m9QiptYNVCK42o5Z0YKkeJJJJU2JJJJQh6FpmIjLhMY5gfALMwtP2mGXDoW+Q+AWoe4r+pGYJLVRjmAH9QR/IvRiez5/V2/kU8Pv8E3L/AFGUpWWs/Ktnj90D2ELto2fP7PvU8Pv8Mlr/AFGR2Wh9kI+cqPQz8yONo8AP3m/iVj2RpcLY5/yZwuQM9jfTWyj2V7vwXa+/wY9tS36RJ6j8UFyLasQwfB3vcZH+Ik3u7io42dwU/fH40eUsfyzHH3+DIGRqybJSMimDnuc3dZzWtNut1f27M4N+3/7KTBs/hDSCH7je2ZDk8bVWXxfZpmH5e4Ba5xGUaniOdlSNqKBhsWuY6/BhJt7FbcP2hgLckZz5G62sLN6IJNiVK1zpHDLrpYXHuScIxSpsYhJ80UWopHRkHKQDuKGSxEnVXHFttIH+AREgffuG6+QQhr2OObKdeGixmhBdMJB32DYW8CN6kMAGilOjYSLXHsU2CjabAmw4pWuTdgsMB3tvyuuJIXEXYxunCyu8FPTtAF7+wqPXtjH1LeRRo41XZlspE9JmF8uvEDRcFzrZfFl5XKtHyN0hA0sURj2dbYlx3cLLUcbZndRVqYNFrA3O7VXOofmgbobNA380PjwbLIxtt4Jv8EcrKeLII3yW52srjB+okSTqNme17VVsTC1CfB6Q75j/AEQup2ZoHb5z/Rd/1oVTYmooxysah7wtim2Mw076h3vCiv2Hwr+Jd+IJfJPG/wCoul9mS2Xi1c7FYV/FO/EFwdjMJ/i3fial3s/cXa+zK0lqR2Owj+MP4mrk7JYR/Fn8TVXh+5EuP2ZiwXIHmFp222lFC3yHwC7i2Twi4+lk6iwzDerLtFhFDLHGyWfIwfVOgJW4bE7sia3dmDpJJIJYkkklZD1aF2SfaVHpZ+ZZ6FonZH9eo9LPzLRTK9tML1EnqPxQxjLortH9vJ6j8VChYmaBjkMSnQRLqnhRCGBTai02WzszqjHLIzx5Xs1DdbncLhTcVw1ziTmI3i28lDNkI2tqGPcXBrdSGXu7TcrRV0veOOQnKSbDcbciudqlUrQ9p6aoqEWF+Lfe28nRGmw6WsilRh7WsBG/imaZoScpWrG4QVg99GW+LcONk22dh3B1x966uMFK17bHjoogwksOrLgctLjzWsW2XZnJBrpAiir3A2IuEY+TNeL+1etw3M4vLQwcgpMzSyPTedAVmaSfiajHjkE1jWs1NhyUnAasSStbnAtr47kFCJcPc93iJPM7gEzSy9xnzjMD4Wkm1gd5CZjh4uxack/gvmL49BFdos6Qi17aNWf4hWF5uT7RxUfEqd0ZuSC12rXg3BCGyzrp4MSSTFXfQzXznmq5XSnmfeilXKg9TqmqX0WwVO48z71BlCJysUOaNBnFP4AtkIhcp14TRS0kaTPEkkkMhIoReRnqb8Vf+0Y2ihHl/hULCxeWP1t+KvPaUbCEeX+FvH7iv6jPEkkkI0JJJJWQ6C0bsjHjqPSz8yzpoWj9ko8U/pZ+ZEUTLZX9oG/Pyeo/FM0rFMxtl5n+o/FKkiTe0E+ydSRInDCmaWNE4I1hmkScLc2NwJHUgkEBHJKiXvnuZYtIDrO8uSEQxahXTBcLbJmOYGwaQLcdd9+gSmpquRjB/ALmlc4XIDfJNwM1RPE6Usc5pFteYPLko0ca5j4R0scvkMYbqERyngg9E+yId8dw/wDgQ06DtX0e1brBQqg+BeVZ11v5WXry3IpyyukR5KFr2qrbRxsYA3UA3AI4K2ufZv8AzVUfaabM8Aa5Rr1Kc0m6U6F86SiA5JyLtBOW+7h7lGfKu5AmC1dyCo56GJNVHkiU8RLruFpsqTQFlgUGaJWGWBC6qJYfIBsBTMUVyIVLVBelpouLG0l6V4ghCdgbb1EQ/wBbVce00+KIeSqezYvUw+sK09pp8cfRax+4yvcUNJJJCNCXoXi7aFuMbKO4wtI7KRrP0b8Cs8iYtJ7LW/bdB8CmtniCcuQHirLzP9RTtLGusQb86/qVIpWJlQ4Bt8k+mjRGFqjUzFPiahyibTJNLIWEObv5kXV42Te11y54zPAIZlaNBcXFvYqOxTsPnexxLHZTbU8bckrmx7kGxumWTGnZpH9SB7NFDphcWUeKQu3kk+afi0PVcib8jpwVJE6CJRn1zmOLSwgD71+ClROsu6oA2Ol93UIaSumH5+DllRmbfKSDxGqg1DW30vpwKcMOUEszDf8AV0HtUOhhDC57yS7eSSjqCoHKT6Z5i9V3bNN+4dVR5wSSSrntCwd1Gf2rkqrOjXW0uDbGznZs25gqWNNd0iMkSbESdUeAO4jMiT3cqVHEnTEstGWwPPEhFbGrLOxBK9qzRmyr1jUNei1cEKkCDkiSLGUkkkvQUL7Kt+lReoKxdpZ+dZ0QDZIfSouqOdpR+db0Wsa5ZS9xSEgvQugEOMSxNCejYvI2KVFGncWKwU5nUMa0fszZYTdB8CqNTQrRezyKzZug+BTssNQFlk8gBWs+cd1KkUzE/UQXeeqfhp0xjw3ADLN5D9O1TYwm4orI/g2z0s5BsWM0JcRqR/pBQs2KMFcgscy6BIKK0lE5rc7gRm+rflzVoiwOmpjnsXu+615uAedlCrpS8kniuNqdRGqidPT4m+ZIHU7FLc1cQtUp0a5E/cdKCtDMMnBT+7DghzmE7lIbM5o1CqvkInRzLA4dELxAOFm2IB1vwPtRWSouLW96n0EzXM7uVoc3TQi9uiZwyUXbQDUOUlSAGOM+bi6FVx0K0jGsGEzAYcgLbnLwd5A8CqbVUZjOV4LXb7O0uOu5eg0rhNcHDy5NrpgB8S8bEi76ZN/J048PBhZLITIknRqd3aZlal54zakCqliA4gFYqpV7EEPaTcViuKEyBF60aoZI1VPHZcJEUhJdkLzKlZYw1hnZD9Ki6ov2kH55vpQrZBn0qLqUV7Rh88Oiwl5Ej2UwBOManY6YlT6fDiUbFgszKZFiYp8ESJUmDXRukwNdPFBRE8km+gPSUxWh7DxWZL0/shtLgoCvmyOBFrXOkbZjtwPHqOSLqJwhjti0VLeVvCMCfVvdkIDRveQSCfLmrKzYPT7bX/tD/KuLI2sAsA0DcAAEn1AGi5U9fmk/DhBPQxq5ZZcgPDNkoofE8mQ8C4Cw6NRaWbKCBuAXc01woUp0PmCgOU8jubsw5wxyUcf/AKQ6l10PmYp74yU0+I3SeojTZ6vFW1ERsfFSmjwpxwAC9iZoAudKNsYREIsu42XGqfnjG5ehtgq2uyyE9t9Auo2FpXegTjGXTGP6ByiEsKnILm+QIRLwyAhwBHEEXQGJpZI030NwfaiMchadF0Yw44POa3L6WWpdDNTsxA/UBzN/1XWHuQDEdnZItW3kbzA8Q6jiraKo+SeE3NGx6jNj+bQD/pn7HTM0ljymzgQeTgR7r71DqGrVJqaOQeJrSNRqAd6qGObMPYM0Xjb+xbxAeXNP4dbDI6nwyn6mNW+V/BQKwquYg5WjEIjyPnfSyrGItsnJYTMcqkV2rQ2REqpQHhLzhQxjYyGpxkF07CxT44Uq0Gsl7JU9qhhUvtBbeb2BPbMR/PtXO3v2x6ILXkbx/IFpoEaoqZMUkKNU0YCahQElUcCOUNNcgAXJ0AHEqHh8WctaLXJAC0vCcCZTDPcueRbXcOiJPMsa57AzdDeDYIyEB8oBfvA4N/3RaSpuNEPqqi539FyyRJyi5vdI5OXWPqJNFQS2ybDk006ke1dAqtqQnLNKXY7nXhPwK5SZru4qUFxTe9HLnXTBTzmrgJDULk+gYX4o57oldPFguwV6UltQeyK1pJT5hXbTbguHTWUjj+yOTfRFcyydjC5LrlOsC3BckbPcty0dVLzaJiL63QfFOrp4l4nj/wBYyXmo9uvWykLgleFFo429rpjxqCno662hUBeFU8aZqGsywdpjWO7ORVhBzGN3F7GtOcciDosj2uwcUz3RiTPlJAOUDTztxWt1+JdxC999bWb1ssXxyqMjnOJJJK6GhWWnb8UPrJGcVJLkqlYhkjkVrGIZKxFz9HQw9DInIT7cSI4KK9ibIXMm2NqKZbNj6/NUsFt90tv6g9+R5KHsMPpTPantvh9JPRBt2agqsKN2lpL6QPHldqlRbS037p/vCpDQpESZxxv5FpM1PCtq6JtiYZLjjorhB2g00jchEjb6A2BWH0zkaw/VwHmmv+PCXMmL5HKSo19s4OoNwdxTzpLD3IBg8thlO47jyKOgXBHELG6Mujh6rSzwSp9EqOTX2JzNrZQ4D4h0Uo/XHRDkuRUkgpyE6hNAJ2JBl0M4X5Il1UIIzD2ocWo60aKPLS8Qk3T4Z7bT5qSTAxSDiiDqdcdwEJ4R31Ewe55TZJKIOhC5EIWfTZreiNG1PMZwUiOBTqeltqd62oJAsmZRRFfFkAHHeSmSpNY7xWUYpzH0eN189+Vs4JXBK7Kbcio5kjzMm5HadV2VFqX6f0C3FExwc5KKA2NVEDjkmc4AbgNxVflw/DXb3O96d2qgOXNy3qgVj0zCdqoM9KsCwVFot8mBYW777vxKK/ZjCz+sd+JUWd/n/VQJZDzKDk3/ALhiLj9GgSbIYYf1zx/MmnbE4cd1Q/3hZ06U8z702ZjzPvS0nL7Cpo1XAtkaKGZsjKlxI3AgWTm1OxlPNLndU5L7vCD/AHWZ4NUO71mp381oWLM+W0ziPtIeR1QuTUH5UC2dm1byj95T7Ozmt5M95VKbjlV+/m/8jlIZtBVfv5vxlGhKYJpF2i7P6wcGe8ojSbIVMRzuDbN1NjwVBi2hqv3834yjGE43UPe1rpZCDvBcSmE8tfBioWabhsRsjkLSbcxuPMIBg5JA3qwRNJHHRcmGpcJjes0S1GKvn4E3RzTzuD5FPtN3A+VlEqQbE287ciF7SSHNa3AG66/Eo7keLy4ZY20wsnId6ZaV3DvQGuCsb8kG2bl0uIr2XYBSD7PXQ9qPHMB3pl1MOBUixXlionQVTkuiG6kJ4hdR0Nt5v0FlLsV5Y/8AAr3Mv1ZHjGAbl0lYrwhZBtv5B1VvKjuT828phwTkOjzWodzbG37lHDk/KbAoZFUEkiyPCNiTTJrjp1UZ7b6+5Ovvu18+i5lBsg58npxPQfomh3P1Zf4Kzj7LtcOYKzKtidyd7itUxRxb4gNR5Kn1e2srCR3URt5IWkyvmjuavGm02UOoYeR9xQ6ZXyXb9/GngPsH+FFf2gDjSwH2D/CYlOT+BPYkUJ9vJNlXx23cR30VP7m/4XP/AFhSnfQwe4f4QW39G0kioYR9q3qrTg2L9xWWcfBJZjh1UmPaaivcUMYPMWH9kn43h0jruoxfTUPIVPldEpcn/9k= (http://www.google.com.mx/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=Qn1YCzz_V8dwTM&tbnid=vAaX6NbXG_jnwM:&ved=0CAYQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.decultochile.cl%2Fwp%2F2010%2F02%2F14%2Fphysical-de-olivia-newton-john-es-la-cancion-mas-sexy-de-la-historia%2F&ei=Xo4jU4HGJsTG2wWS1IGYCQ&bvm=bv.62922401,d.b2I&psig=AFQjCNGEJEe-PgxOUABBvbF5lPpiq8oC6w&ust=1394925524238287)

[BillsImpossible]

http://fansided.com/2014/03/14/buffalo-bills-brandon-spikes-agree-contract/#!zJG0i

It was known that free agent linebacker Brandon Spikes was in Buffalo for a visit with the Bills, but now reports are surfacing that Spikes and the team have indeed agreed to a contract to make the former New England Patriot a member of the AFC East rival Bills.
The deal is being reported by former Bleacher Report Bills columnist and local media member Chris Trapasso.

[feldspar]

I don't trust these humps that want to break the story first.

Sources close to the situation tell me not to.

I'll wait until it's official.

[Night Train]

http://fansided.com/2014/03/14/buffalo-bills-brandon-spikes-agree-contract/#!zJG0i

It was known that free agent linebacker Brandon Spikes was in Buffalo for a visit with the Bills, but now reports are surfacing that Spikes and the team have indeed agreed to a contract to make the former New England Patriot a member of the AFC East rival Bills.
The deal is being reported by former Bleacher Report Bills columnist and local media member Chris Trapasso.


A false report from 5 hours ago. Already shot down.

IBN takes leaps of faith. Waiting for something better to confirm.

[YardRat]

Nobody drafted Peters. He was a UFA TE we signed and converted to LT. That's even crazier to find a pro bowl LT out of nowhere that you helped create and then you just let him leave. Ridiculous.

Still is the poster child for a guy that absolutely worked for, and earned, a deserving paycheck.


Also, when Clements hit FA, he was a the top of his position. He received a then record 80 million dollar contract from the niners if you will remember.

Meh...there were probably 10-12 better than Nate at the time. Making him the highest paid defensive player ever was just nuts.


Lynch again is another example, so its a pattern. Its not just Levitre and Byrd

Except for that possibility of a third strike. In all reality, his 'alleged' DUI in July could have kept him out this entire season, and it should have least gone to trial before the beginning of the year.

[DraftBoy]

Interesting.

The clowns on WGR are now labeling us as "never signing the guys we draft that are at the top of the league at their position"...

To me that's like two guys in 20 years... Levitre and Byrd. Can't think of another. We didn't draft Peters or Pat Williams... Can't think of others... Neither Whitner nor Clements were top of the league at their position...
No but we did sign both Peters and Williams as UDFAs.

Clements was a Top 15 CB when he left here, maybe not a Top 5 guy like Byrd but he was highly coveted and very good.

[X-Era]

Nobody drafted Peters. He was a UFA TE we signed and converted to LT. That's even crazier to find a pro bowl LT out of nowhere that you helped create and then you just let him leave. Ridiculous.

Also, when Clements hit FA, he was a the top of his position. He received a then record 80 million dollar contract from the niners if you will remember.

Lynch again is another example, so its a pattern. Its not just Levitre and Byrd
I don't know on Clements. Not sure he was top of the league at CB. And Lynch was traded... Not a situation where they didn't re-sign him.

That's my point... WGR wants to wrap the Bills up in a labeled box and the history doesn't necessarily support a label.

I think it's way more complex than that.

With Byrd, it appears, that only one team would pay him more than us and the Saints are a playoff team. Why would he come back to the Bills? And 9 mill is overpaying him. I think the Bills made a solid market value offer. The Saints just went all in and since they are a playoff team it's game over.

[kishoph]

Lynch again is another example, so its a pattern. Its not just Levitre and Byrd

So the Bills are the only team that has ever lost FA's ? It is a pattern, it happens to the whole league.

[Tatonka]

i agree. i was listening to Sirius today and they were talking about all the players that other teams are losing, and there were some significant losses to a lot of teams..a lot.. we lost one guy that we all wanted to keep but all know he didnt want to stay.. its the nfl.

[Jry44]

i agree. i was listening to Sirius today and they were talking about all the players that other teams are losing, and there were some significant losses to a lot of teams..a lot.. we lost one guy that we all wanted to keep but all know he didnt want to stay.. its the nfl.

You simply can not keep every good player that you draft in this salary cap era. Plain and simple. And with the new rookie wage scale, players are looking to break the bank after that rookie deal is up. They don't care about where they play anymore. The Bills aren't alone on this.

[Buffalogic]

So the Bills are the only team that has ever lost FA's ? It is a pattern, it happens to the whole league.It's not about losing any FA, it's our home grown guys that we are not re-signing. Almost always let them walk.

[Jry44]

It's not about losing any FA, it's our home grown guys that we are not re-signing. Almost always let them walk.

It happens to everyone..... De Marcus Ware, Hakeem Nicks, Eric Decker, Mario Williams, Vincent Jackson. ..just to name a few. The Saints will loose Jimmy Graham next year, and Seattle will also lose some. You simply can't afford to over pay everyone! You just have to make the most of that small window that you have when solid picks are still on rookie deals.

[Dr. Lecter]

It happens to everyone..... De Marcus Ware, Hakeem Nicks, Eric Decker, Mario Williams, Vincent Jackson. ..just to name a few. The Saints will loose Jimmy Graham next year, and Seattle will also lose some. You simply can't afford to over pay everyone! You just have to make the most of that small window that you have when solid picks are still on rookie deals.
The difference is that those teams have had varying levels of success. The Bills have not been in the playoffs in 14 years and they still lose their rare good player.

How does that work out?

[YardRat]

The difference is that those teams have had varying levels of success. The Bills have not been in the playoffs in 14 years and they still lose their rare good player.

How does that work out?

Considering they've drafted probably a grand total of five players during that time that were worth keeping, and they didn't, not so well. The much bigger problem is drafting the Maybin's and M.Williams to begin with.

[Dr. Lecter]

I don't disagree - but when the blind squirrel finds the acorn he should not give it away

[Jry44]

The difference is that those teams have had varying levels of success. The Bills have not been in the playoffs in 14 years and they still lose their rare good player.

How does that work out?

We draft like ****. It's pretty cut and dry. And when you're constantly rebuilding every 3 years, you can afford to dump grossly large salaries on guys like Levitre and Byrd that are sure to be grossly over paid in the early hours of free agency.

[BillsFever21]

It happens to everyone..... De Marcus Ware, Hakeem Nicks, Eric Decker, Mario Williams, Vincent Jackson. ..just to name a few. The Saints will loose Jimmy Graham next year, and Seattle will also lose some. You simply can't afford to over pay everyone! You just have to make the most of that small window that you have when solid picks are still on rookie deals.

Ware is gone after 10 seasons with the team when he is around 32 years old. Eric Decker wasn't re-signed but the Broncos are deep at WR and signed 3 other big players in free agency. Jimmy Graham won't be going anywhere. The Texans already had Watt and others to replace Williams. Them along with about 25+ other teams in the league wouldn't have spent 100 million on Mario. Them are pretty lousy examples.

Sure every team loses players and can't keep them all. The difference is the Bills let most of their good ones go when they are already losing and keep the average ones while the good teams don't if they have the cap room for them. If they do it's to use that money on another top player or they already have a player instead of signing journeyman players from the flea market like the Bills every season. It's a never ending cycle of rebuilding every season instead of adding to your team.

[YardRat]

Ware is gone after 10 seasons with the team when he is around 32 years old. Eric Decker wasn't re-signed but the Broncos signed 3 other big players in free agency. Jimmy Graham won't be going anywhere. The Texans already had Watt and others to replace Williams. Them along with about 25+ other teams in the league wouldn't have spent 100 million on Mario. Them are pretty lousy examples.

Sure every team loses players and can't keep them all. The difference is the Bills let most of their good ones go and keep the average ones while the good teams don't if they have the cap room for them. If they do it's to use that money on another top player instead of a couple journeyman at the flea market.

I wouldn't bet on that.

[psubills62]

You have to count the guys who weren't drafted. It's rare to find UDFA's who are good enough to legitimately start, and this is about keeping the talent you help develop, not just draft. And yes, besides drafting poorly, that's another issue the Bills have - not keeping the right players.

And goodness, I'd much rather have Byrd than Spikes. Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers.

[TacklingDummy]

I'd rather have Wolfork and trade Dareus for an late 1st early 2nd.

[better days]

Dunno about what Takeo's actual relationship with his cousin is like, but Takeo was on the John Murphy Show just this week and said a lot of great things about his experience playing football here.

Yeah. Takeo said the last game of the season with the Bengals when he came to Buffalo & saw Bills fans wearing his jersey with the Buffalo Colors was AWESOME.

He said he hadn't really given any thought to what City he wanted to go to up to that time, but when he saw all those fans in his jersey & the way they cheered for him, he said you want to go where you are WANTED.

The Bengals had the right to match the Bills offer to him, but Takeo said he convinced them not to.

[better days]

Takeo Spikes was so great.

I always felt bad for the guy because he never made it to the playoffs his entire career despite being such a fierce competitor.

Takeo his his biggest disappointment as a player was the Bills failing to make the playoffs while he was here.

[better days]

Yeah they have the people to pressure Brady but that pressure is when a pressing LB is in the game and 2 down Spikes is on the sideline.

The pressure will come from the Buffalo DL with Mario, Kyle, Darius & whoever is on the other end.

On first or 2nd down, Spikes will be on the field, pass or run & the pressure will be there.

[Dr. Lecter]

I'd rather have Wolfork and trade Dareus for an late 1st early 2nd.

A 30 some year old guy with one Achilles? I will pass

[YardRat]

You have to count the guys who weren't drafted. It's rare to find UDFA's who are good enough to legitimately start, and this is about keeping the talent you help develop, not just draft. And yes, besides drafting poorly, that's another issue the Bills have - not keeping the right players.

And goodness, I'd much rather have Byrd than Spikes. Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers.

I'd trade Byrd for Spikes straight up anytime. I'll bet real ZoneBux right now that whoever takes over Byrd's spot ends up with just as many, if not more, turnovers than Jairus had last season.

[Oldbillsfan]

guess they signed him. hope he plays angry

[Dr. Lecter]

I'd trade Byrd for Spikes straight up anytime. I'll bet real ZoneBux right now that whoever takes over Byrd's spot ends up with just as many, if not more, turnovers than Jairus had last season.
You would trade a pro bowl safety for a 2 down linebacker?

Really?

You act as if Byrd is Raion Hill

[Dr. Lecter]

I'd trade Byrd for Spikes straight up anytime. I'll bet real ZoneBux right now that whoever takes over Byrd's spot ends up with just as many, if not more, turnovers than Jairus had last season.

BTW, look at Byrd's numbers over the last 5 seasons. He is one of the top guys in the NFL. I don't get why you think he is so terrible. At some point, the idea he only gets lucky has to get disproven

[better days]

BTW, look at Byrd's numbers over the last 5 seasons. He is one of the top guys in the NFL. I don't get why you think he is so terrible. At some point, the idea he only gets lucky has to get disproven

Well, I think Byrd is a VERY GOOD player & am sorry he left.

That said, I think Spikes will have a greater impact on the Bills than Byrd would have.

Aaron Williams is ready to step into Byrds shoes & I don't think the Bills miss a beat.

[Dr. Lecter]

Who steps into Aaron Williams shoes? Searcy?

[X-Era]

One of the best Rumor that became true stories in FA yet...

A kid working at UB Med Center tweets that Brandon Spikes is getting a physical... A few hours later the Bills announce that he is visiting when it was totally off the radar.

That kid may lose his job though... He told the world Spikes knee is fine... Patient confidentiality violation.

It's why we scan Twitter.

[better days]

Who steps into Aaron Williams shoes? Searcy?

I think Duke Williams gets the chance to show what he has.

[YardRat]

You would trade a pro bowl safety for a 2 down linebacker?

Really?

You act as if Byrd is Raion Hill

Absolutely. My reasons for not wanting to re-sign Byrd are documented, so I won't repeat them, but philosophically speaking you build from the lines out. Also, the 'OMG he's only a 2 down LBer' is getting a bit over-played. You wouldn't get a ILB of Spikes caliber straight up for Raion Hill...you act as if Spikes is Josh Stamer.


BTW, look at Byrd's numbers over the last 5 seasons. He is one of the top guys in the NFL. I don't get why you think he is so terrible. At some point, the idea he only gets lucky has to get disproven

I never said he is 'terrible', I have said he isn't elite, and he isn't. Especially in a cover1. We'll see how he performs for NO this season, and how his replacement (Williams?) performs for Buffalo. For his sake, I hope the Saints play a ton more cover2 than the Bills did last season, because it's a better fit.