Will EJ Manuel Get Cut, Traded, or Make The Team?

[BillsImpossible]

I think EJ Manuel's days in Buffalo are soon coming to an end. He's going to get cut.

The Bills can't afford to keep a 3rd quarterback on their roster.

There are too many other good players that can contribute more to the Bills (especially on special teams) than EJ Manuel holding a clipboard.

Deonte Thompson or Manuel?

Andre Davis or Manuel?

Mario Butler or Manuel?

I would take Thompson, Davis and Butler over Manuel because they are more likely to play.

I would even keep a kickoff specialist in Jordan Gay over EJ Manuel.

The coaches gave Manuel an excellent, more than fair chance to prove he's worthy of being named the Bills starting quarterback.

Tyrod Taylor and Matt Cassel outperformed EJ Manuel in training camp. He had a fair honest shot at it, and didn't succeed.

It's time to move on. The Bills can't afford to wait another year and hope Manuel improves by watching from the sidelines.

[swiper]

He will make the team. Many people have told you why. His cost is not great. He was a #16 overall pick in 2013. The team has a lot invested in him. He'll make the team this season.

He knows the offense. Injuries happen. The other players like him. If he has to go in as 3rd string, he can hand off, etc....

[Yasgur's Farm]

You're right... Cassel gets cut.

[feldspar]

The Bills will keep three QBs.

Figure it out...OK, I'll tell you, or give you a hint. Chris Simms will not be on the final roster. That's my opinion, anyhow. Rex Ryan pretty much came out and strongly suggested that he'll keep three QBs in a recent interview, which is what leads me to believe this.

Speaking of what Head Coaches say, Marv Levy said that if you have more than one starting QB, you don't have any...something to that effect. I'm paraphrasing.

[swiper]

You're right... Cassel gets cut.


LOL. That's not happening either, fly-boy.

[BillsImpossible]

The Bills will keep three QBs.

Figure it out...OK, I'll tell you, or give you a hint. Chris Simms will not be on the final roster. That's my opinion, anyhow. Rex Ryan pretty much came out and strongly suggested that he'll keep three QBs in a recent interview, which is what leads me to believe this.

Speaking of what Head Coaches say, Marv Levy said that if you have more than one starting QB, you don't have any...something to that effect. I'm paraphrasing.

Simms can be put on the practice squad and be called up if necessary like Thad Lewis.

Why hold on to EJ Manuel as a 3rd string quarterback when other players deserve more of a chance to make the team?

Manuel had a bad training camp. Why should he make the team over a player that has had a good training camp?

Hope?

[swiper]

Simms looks a little like Lewis to me too.

[Yasgur's Farm]

http://blog.printicapp.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Innocence-en-Danger-Emoticon-Kiss-1024x724.jpg

[BillsImpossible]

You're right... Cassel gets cut.

Personally, I would rather keep Manuel over Cassel, but Doug Whaley gave up draft picks to land Cassel and signed him to a $4.75 million contract.

It would be a better move to keep Manuel over Cassel, for salary cap purposes alone.

[Mace]

Manuel isn't going anywhere, his salary is guaranteed and he hasn't done terrible. They're keeping 3.

[sudzy]

EJ's gone

[YardRat]

I think all three make it. 3 question marks give you a 50% better chance than 2 question marks and nobody to find something.

[BillsImpossible]

Manuel isn't going anywhere, his salary is guaranteed and he hasn't done terrible. They're keeping 3.

Matt Cassel has been given first team reps in every single practice in training camp. Unless he totally craps his diaper on Saturday, Manuel looks like the odd man out.

I would love to keep 3 quarterbacks, but the Bills don't have that luxury. They're in win now mode, which means every player on their roster is super important.

Who's going to contribute more in 2015? EJ Manuel, or somebody else?

I think the coaches are thinking somebody else.

[Mace]

Matt Cassel has been given first team reps in every single practice in training camp. Unless he totally craps his diaper on Saturday, Manuel looks like the odd man out.

I would love to keep 3 quarterbacks, but the Bills don't have that luxury. They're in win now mode, which means every player on their roster is super important.

Who's going to contribute more in 2015? EJ Manuel, or somebody else?

I think the coaches are thinking somebody else.

Don't know, maybe they surprise me and you're right. But I think guaranteed money and not terrible trump all, they have 3 who know the offense and one is sure to get hurt.

So to me, do they pay Manuel which they have to anyway, in case he can contribute, or pay someone else they don't have to ? I'd go with guaranteed money every time.

[Goobylal]

Personally, I would rather keep Manuel over Cassel, but Doug Whaley gave up draft picks to land Cassel and signed him to a $4.75 million contract.

It would be a better move to keep Manuel over Cassel, for salary cap purposes alone.
He gave up just a 5th rounder in 2015 and a 7th in 2016 for Cassel and a 6th in 2015, and the Bills will get $4.15M of his salary back if they cut him.

EJ's not going anywhere. Cassel should.

[BillsImpossible]

Don't know, maybe they surprise me and you're right. But I think guaranteed money and not terrible trump all, they have 3 who know the offense and one is sure to get hurt.

So to me, do they pay Manuel which they have to anyway, in case he can contribute, or pay someone else they don't have to ? I'd go with guaranteed money every time.

I do not think that EJ Manuel's guaranteed money is a factor when it comes to him making the team or being cut.

I think the issue boils down to how much he can contribute to the team in 2015, not money.

[Meathead]

Simms looks a little like Lewis to me too.

sort of

http://static.vibe.com/files/images/d7ab170d0bb5747519b5ac78c9ad52b7.jpg

[Meathead]

He gave up just a 5th rounder in 2015 and a 7th in 2016 for Cassel and a 6th in 2015

actually i believe they got the 6th from minny

[Meathead]

personally im hoping they can trade one of the guys preferably cassel but so far i dont think theres any team who lost their starter yet

[The Jokeman]

Make the team, both Cassel and Tyrod are questionable starters at best and with Cassel being an injury risk and Rex saying all three guys will get 1st team reps against the Steelers it's obvious EJ is making the final 53,

[The Jokeman]

He gave up just a 5th rounder in 2015 and a 7th in 2016 for Cassel and a 6th in 2015, and the Bills will get $4.15M of his salary back if they cut him.

EJ's not going anywhere. Cassel should.

and what UFA are we going to sign to use that $4.15M of cap space this year? Face it Cassel is making this squad and might even be starting Week 1.

[The Jokeman]

Matt Cassel has been given first team reps in every single practice in training camp. Unless he totally craps his diaper on Saturday, Manuel looks like the odd man out.

I would love to keep 3 quarterbacks, but the Bills don't have that luxury. They're in win now mode, which means every player on their roster is super important.

Who's going to contribute more in 2015? EJ Manuel, or somebody else?

I think the coaches are thinking somebody else.

EJ Manuel vs Kenny Ladler/Lankster etc. when you look at the guys at the bottom of a 53 man roster it's pretty easy to say he can contribute more than most of the bottom the barrel. I mean he's already been reported as being the scout QB as Luck and beating our 1st teamers with a big pass in the final day of public practive.

[Goobylal]

I do not think that EJ Manuel's guaranteed money is a factor when it comes to him making the team or being cut.

I think the issue boils down to how much he can contribute to the team in 2015, not money.
Given Cassel has been injured in 3 of the past 4 seasons and Taylor's penchant to run can open him up to injury, odds are high EJ would see the field this year.

actually i believe they got the 6th from minny
That's what I mean by getting Cassel and a 6th in 2015.

and what UFA are we going to sign to use that $4.15M of cap space this year? Face it Cassel is making this squad and might even be starting Week 1.
Extending the Bills' impending ones.

[BillsImpossible]

This is interesting.

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/buffalo-bills/matt-cassel/

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/buffalo-bills/e.j.-manuel/

If Manuel gets cut, his dead cap hit is $5.25 million.

If Cassel gets cut, his dead cap hit is a minuscule $600,000.

Regardless of money, Cassel has gotten the majority of reps all throughout training camp and Roman trusts him to run his offense.

I don't think Roman trusts Manuel to run his offense.

The $5.25 million dead cap hit is the only reason not to cut EJ Manuel.

[Goobylal]

This is interesting.

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/buffalo-bills/matt-cassel/

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/buffalo-bills/e.j.-manuel/

If Manuel gets cut, his dead cap hit is $5.25 million.

If Cassel gets cut, his dead cap hit is a minuscule $600,000.

Regardless of money, Cassel has gotten the majority of reps all throughout training camp and Roman trusts him to run his offense.

I don't think Roman trusts Manuel to run his offense.

The $5.25 million dead cap hit is the only reason not to cut EJ Manuel.
Wrong. If Cassel starts, odds are he'll get injured and have to be put on IR, just like in 3 of his last 4 seasons. Not keeping a 3rd QB (and I don't mean Simms) would be idiotic. Beyond that, Cassel won't be on the Bills next year. He has a 1-year deal and if he sucks and/or gets injured, he's gone, and if he has a good season, he'll want big bucks and the Bills won't pay him. So starting him would also be idiotic.

[Mace]

This is interesting.

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/buffalo-bills/matt-cassel/

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/buffalo-bills/e.j.-manuel/

If Manuel gets cut, his dead cap hit is $5.25 million.

If Cassel gets cut, his dead cap hit is a minuscule $600,000.

Regardless of money, Cassel has gotten the majority of reps all throughout training camp and Roman trusts him to run his offense.

I don't think Roman trusts Manuel to run his offense.

The $5.25 million dead cap hit is the only reason not to cut EJ Manuel.

You sort of misread it. If he stays (his contract is guaranteed,says so there). they pay him $2,423,264, if he leaves they pay him that plus 2,827, 141, which adds up to dead cap figure which they have to pay anyway, because he's fully guaranteed.

Dead cap is what it costs you anyway.

Edit : Never mind, I misread you !

[BillsImpossible]

Wrong. If Cassel starts, odds are he'll get injured and have to be put on IR, just like in 3 of his last 4 seasons. Not keeping a 3rd QB (and I don't mean Simms) would be idiotic. Beyond that, Cassel won't be on the Bills next year. He has a 1-year deal and if he sucks and/or gets injured, he's gone, and if he has a good season, he'll want big bucks and the Bills won't pay him. So starting him would also be idiotic.

When is the last time a 3rd string QB has taken their team to the playoffs?

[Goobylal]

When is the last time a 3rd string QB has taken their team to the playoffs?
How many many 53rd man on the roster players have taken their team to the playoffs? And how times have Cassel and Taylor taken their teams to the playoffs?

[HHURRICANE]

I think the Bills would trade EJ if they could. With that said if we have room, and that's a big if, having some insurance against injury isn't bad.

[k-oneputt]

EJ is gone.
Can't see them wasting a roster spot on a #3 qb.
I do think Rex is talking him up so they can try to trade him, as he is talking about keeping all 3 qb's.
If Whaley can get anything in a trade he will be doing well.

[trapezeus]

i think the politics of the the process will be the determinant. if the dead cost cap is so dramatic with EJ, they wouldn't do that. they have dareus and they'll need every dollar they can get to make this defense stay in tact.

i think the bills are hoping they stay injury free at the position and if other teams aren't as fortunate, ej or cassel are up for trading.

i also think EJ and tyrod have more in common in their ability to execute read run plays than cassel. so he is kind of the odd man out with the competition so close. do you want to run two seperate offsense and make 10 other guys consistently adjust, or do you want to have tyrod as starter and ej as the backup who can run essentially the same offense?

IF cassel had played so much better that he was a no brainer, than EJ could get cut.

at this point, i think they are open to moving a qb, and i don't think they want to cut one for no reason. with tyrod's small size and unproven track record, and cassel being over 30 and injured a bit during the last few seasons, i think you need 3 legist back up type qbs. it could be a long season.

[starrymessenger]

Rex has said he's going with three QBs. Maybe that's what he had to say when he was being asked about his QBs but I think he was probably speaking his mind.

[Victor7]

You're right... Cassel gets cut.

:rofl:

Ok

[Victor7]

A week or so ago I was 100% sure he was getting the axe. But he played a very nice game vs Cleveland. (albeit it was Cleveland's 3rd team). I guess it all depends on how he does this week vs Pitt.

I still think he could get cut if he puts on a stinker. But for now he looks safer than he did a couple of weeks ago. But make no mistake if the roster starts taking shape and Rex and Co. decide to only carry 2 qbs, EJ is the one that's getting the axe. No shot Taylor or Cassel get it.

[djjimkelly]

now that we know whos starting week 3 preseason..............


this thread looks real dumb lol.


but yasgurs farm,better days and myself are idiots :)

[Yasgur's Farm]

now that we know whos starting week 3 preseason..............


this thread looks real dumb lol.


but yasgurs farm,better days and myself are idiots :)Worth repeating.

[Jimkelly12203]

He will make the team. Many people have told you why. His cost is not great. He was a #16 overall pick in 2013. The team has a lot invested in him. He'll make the team this season.

He knows the offense. Injuries happen. The other players like him. If he has to go in as 3rd string, he can hand off, etc....
I think this

[Jimkelly12203]

Worth repeating.

Be honest. Lets say EJ Kills it in the first and only quarter he will start (I think they're all getting one quarter). And then he kills it with the 1s, 2s or 3s in the final game against Detroit. I mean he plays great. You think he will be the starter against Indy under those circumstances? I know you "want" EJ to be the starting QB. And that's fine. What i'm getting at here is that when I put myself into a vacuum and simply try to predict what will happen. Not what I want to happen. I'm coming up with a zero percent chance for EJ being named the starter week one. Baring injuries to both other QBs of course... So even though EJ is your preferred choice, would you at least agree that it's nearly inconceivable that it will play out that way in reality?

[Mr. Pink]

From what we have seen out of EJ and Tyrod, I'd rather see EJ starting out there in week 1 and that's saying a lot considering what my opinion of EJ is.

Tyrod is a running back playing QB. Wait til the games count and a linebacker spies him, those 15 yard scampers will turn into 3 yard gains. And the fact he's now a very good passer will kill this team. That's just based on what I've seen out of him so far, maybe he's holding back.

But I wouldn't bet the season on a guy who basically goes one read and if it's not there, he runs.

[The Jokeman]

From what we have seen out of EJ and Tyrod, I'd rather see EJ starting out there in week 1 and that's saying a lot considering what my opinion of EJ is.

Tyrod is a running back playing QB. Wait til the games count and a linebacker spies him, those 15 yard scampers will turn into 3 yard gains. And the fact he's not a very good passer will kill this team. That's just based on what I've seen out of him so far, maybe he's holding back.

But I wouldn't bet the season on a guy who basically goes one read and if it's not there, he runs. I fixed it for you and agree with everything you said.

[Night Train]

Manuel could be on display for other teams.

[BillsImpossible]

now that we know whos starting week 3 preseason..............


this thread looks real dumb lol.

I'm either dumb, or spot on.

I don't view EJ Manuel starting on Saturday as any kind of promotion or endorsement for him making the team.

If anything, he's being put on the hot seat going up against the Steelers starting defense in full dress rehearsal mode.

They're going to game plan against EJ Manuel.

I think this is Rex Ryan's more than fair way of saying go out there and prove you're better than Taylor and Cassel, EJ.

This is Rex Ryan's way of having every excuse in the world to cut EJ Manuel.

If he doesn't perform well, he's gone.

[JoeMama]

EJ's fate is in the hands of the football gods now.

May they smile upon him Saturday!

I'd feel a lot better about the season if all three of our QB's came out of the preseason looking sharp.

And so far they've all exceeded my expectations.

[Goobylal]

I'm either dumb, or spot on.

I don't view EJ Manuel starting on Saturday as any kind of promotion or endorsement for him making the team.

If anything, he's being put on the hot seat going up against the Steelers starting defense in full dress rehearsal mode.

They're going to game plan against EJ Manuel.

I think this is Rex Ryan's more than fair way of saying go out there and prove you're better than Taylor and Cassel, EJ.

This is Rex Ryan's way of having every excuse in the world to cut EJ Manuel.

If he doesn't perform well, he's gone.
And what if Taylor and/or Cassel don't perform well? Do they get cut immediately as well?

[BillsImpossible]

And what if Taylor and/or Cassel don't perform well? Do they get cut immediately as well?

No, because they've performed better than Manuel has all throughout training camp.

[Goobylal]

No, because they've performed better than Manuel has all throughout training camp.
Who cares if they suck in the dress rehearsal? Practice means ****.

[BillsImpossible]

Who cares if they suck in the dress rehearsal? Practice means ****.

Less than 48 hours until we find out if practice means nada.

[Goobylal]

Less than 48 hours until we find out if practice means nada.
...and?

[djjimkelly]

I'm either dumb, or spot on.

I don't view EJ Manuel starting on Saturday as any kind of promotion or endorsement for him making the team.

If anything, he's being put on the hot seat going up against the Steelers starting defense in full dress rehearsal mode.

They're going to game plan against EJ Manuel.

I think this is Rex Ryan's more than fair way of saying go out there and prove you're better than Taylor and Cassel, EJ.

This is Rex Ryan's way of having every excuse in the world to cut EJ Manuel.

If he doesn't perform well, he's gone.

so is he gonna be cut?

[Goobylal]

so is he gonna be cut?
Cassel? Yes. EJ? Hell no! In a fair QB competition, he'd be the starter. But I can live with TT knowing Cassel will be gone and his money put to better use.

[BertSquirtgum]

http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/showthread.php/230342-Buffalo-News-Tyler-Dunne-Regarding-Manuel-Taylor?p=4123732&viewfull=1#post4123732

[Jimkelly12203]

He was fantastic. He's not my starter, but there's no way in hell i'm letting him go either.

TT should start IMO. EJ just might be a great QB a few years from now. We've seen all the flashes. I'm still scared to death that he's going to do something goofy with the ball, but today he was damn near perfect. He is CLEARLY getting better.

And when you have the kind of base-line physical talent and mental maturity that EJ has, you can't just let that walk out the door.

If he could play like he did today 100% of the time, or even 80% of the time, he's a dangerous starter in the league. I don't think he's got that consistency yet, but he may very well get it sooner than later.

He must stay.