I find it interesting, as a outsider, how (generally speaking) fans whom aren't worried about losing Peerless Price in free agency point to Josh Reed as a reason his loss wouldn't hurt that much. However, is that opinion really warranted?
Everyone knows Price has had a breakout year and, while Moulds is most definitely the #1 guy in Buffalo, he will be an attractive option for a team looking for a WR in free agency this offseason. Price is going to be looking for a deal along the lines of 6 yrs/$36M with a $10M+ signing bonus. That is what top WR earn in the NFL, and Price considers himself a top guy.
That is the quandry Buffalo is in, as they are already paying Moulds that kind of money. Teamed with Moulds, Price gives Buffalo one of the best, if not the best, WR combo in the NFL.
However, what if he signs elsewhere and Reed becomes the starter? Wouldn't that hurt the Bills offense? I like Reed as a player and think he is fine, but he hasn't shown anything as a rookie which makes you think he can replace Price. Most disturbing is how his performance has tailed off as the season progresses. In fact, other than a big game against a Vikings team that is the worst pass-defending team in the NFL, Reed hasn't been very impressive.
For the year Reed has produced a decent 30 catches for 375 yards (12.5 average) and 2 TD. However, in the last 6 games he only has 11 catches for 112 yards (10.2 average) and zero TDs. Take out the game against an awful Minnesota defense and he has only produced 22 catches for 265 yards (12.0 average) and 1 TD in 11 games. That is despite the fact that teams are paying extra attention to guys like Moulds, Price, Centers and Henry. Reed should be open all-day long. When you get right down to it, his performance has been spotty.
Has Reeds performance really warranted the idea that he could step in next year and perform anywhere near the level Price has in 2002? I say no, and if Buffalo lets Price go, which I think they should if he commands #1 WR money, they should look for a more proven but cheaper player in free agency to replace his production.
Everyone knows Price has had a breakout year and, while Moulds is most definitely the #1 guy in Buffalo, he will be an attractive option for a team looking for a WR in free agency this offseason. Price is going to be looking for a deal along the lines of 6 yrs/$36M with a $10M+ signing bonus. That is what top WR earn in the NFL, and Price considers himself a top guy.
That is the quandry Buffalo is in, as they are already paying Moulds that kind of money. Teamed with Moulds, Price gives Buffalo one of the best, if not the best, WR combo in the NFL.
However, what if he signs elsewhere and Reed becomes the starter? Wouldn't that hurt the Bills offense? I like Reed as a player and think he is fine, but he hasn't shown anything as a rookie which makes you think he can replace Price. Most disturbing is how his performance has tailed off as the season progresses. In fact, other than a big game against a Vikings team that is the worst pass-defending team in the NFL, Reed hasn't been very impressive.
For the year Reed has produced a decent 30 catches for 375 yards (12.5 average) and 2 TD. However, in the last 6 games he only has 11 catches for 112 yards (10.2 average) and zero TDs. Take out the game against an awful Minnesota defense and he has only produced 22 catches for 265 yards (12.0 average) and 1 TD in 11 games. That is despite the fact that teams are paying extra attention to guys like Moulds, Price, Centers and Henry. Reed should be open all-day long. When you get right down to it, his performance has been spotty.
Has Reeds performance really warranted the idea that he could step in next year and perform anywhere near the level Price has in 2002? I say no, and if Buffalo lets Price go, which I think they should if he commands #1 WR money, they should look for a more proven but cheaper player in free agency to replace his production.
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