February 28, 2007

Bills re-sign Williams; tender contracts to Hargrove, Anderson

The Buffalo Bills re-signed running back Shaud Williams and secured the rights to defensive linemen Anthony Hargrove and Tim Anderson by tendering both one-year contract offers Wednesday. Williams signed a two-year contract even though the Bills could have retained his rights with a one-year tender. He's a reliable third-stringer who appeared in only five games last season, finishing with two carries for 2 yards while used primarily on special teams.

Bills Keep Running Back

The Buffalo Bills have re-signed running back Shaud Williams to a new two-year deal. Williams is going into his fourth season in 2007. Last year, he played in five games.

Buffalo Bills Re-Sign RB Williams

Though Shaud Williams' role was reduced last season he still made a good impression on the new coaching staff as the 'do anything' tailback was signed by Buffalo to a multi-year deal Wednesday. Williams, a restricted free agent, was set to become an unrestricted free agent Friday had the Bills not presented him with a one-year qualifying offer. The Buffalo Bills however, decided to go a step further locking the running back up beyond the 2007 season.

Buffalo Bills Tender RFAs Hargrove and Anderson

The Buffalo Bills took another step in addressing their own free agents tendering a qualifying offer to two of their four restricted free agents, defensive tackle Tim Anderson and defensive end Anthony Hargrove. Anderson, a former third-round pick of the Bills in 2003 appeared in 15 games in 2006 including five starts compiling 38 tackles. Hargrove was acquired in a trade with St. Louis on Oct. 16 in exchange for a 2007 fifth-round pick.

Hargrove Tendered Contract

Sources tell WGR the Buffalo Bills have tendered restricted free agent Anthony Hargrove a one year contract worth $850,000. The 6-3, 272 pound Hargrove was acquired by the Bills last October from St. Louis for a 5th round pick in this year's draft. He played in 10 games, recording 25 tackles and 1 sack. Teams can still offer Hargrove a contract but the Bills have the right to match the offer and retain Hargrove's services. If they declined, the Bills would receive a 3rd round draft pick as compensation.

Big Willi style

McGahee, the starting running back for the Buffalo Bills with more children out of wedlock than 1,000-yard rushing seasons, will be a free agent after this upcoming NFL season. Instead of risking losing Big-Willy-Style to the highest bidder on the free agent market, the Bills are openly looking to trade him. There are reports of a trade in the works with the New York Giants. The Bills are on the cusp of playoff contention, yet they have several needy positions that must be sured up over the off-season.

James Harris Passed the Baton for Black QBs in NFL

In 1969, Harris became a professional player for the NFL. He was drafted in the eighth round by the Buffalo Bills. At the start of his career, he made a huge leap in black sports history by becoming the first black professional football player to start a season as quarterback, as well as being the second black player ever to start as quarterback, according to the American Football League Web site. "The fact that he did so many great things during his career really made it easier for quarterbacks in my position today," Bison junior quarterback Brian Johnson said.

Gym targets body, mind

Buffalo Bills player, Coy Wire is bringing his specialized sports training business to York. It will be called Most High Athletic Training at Leader Health & Fitness and will open on March 23. The business promotes training the "mind, body and spirit" of middle school, high school and college athletes.

D-tackle options in free agency are slim for Bills

The best option for Buffalo via free agency might be the Chicago Bears ' Ian Scott. The 6-foot-3, 302-pounder has spent the first four years of his career in the Windy City, where he's succeeded mostly as a rotational player. The 25-year-old was drafted by then-head coach Dick Jauron in the fourth round of the 2003 draft. Oddly enough, Jauron is now the Buffalo Bills' head coach, and that means the two are familiar with each other.

Another "Willis" may be on Bills' Radar

Now that the team is looking to move forward without their 2003 first round draft choice, their focus may be set on another player that bears the name Willis. Patrick Willis, the former Butkus Award winner, an award given to the nation’s best linebacker, may be who the Buffalo Bills are targeting come April's draft day. Certainly a "high character" prospect, Willis was also a Nagurski Award finalist, an award given to the nations best defensive player, after ranking second in the nation in solo tackles. At his combine workout, Willis solidified his status as a high first round pick running an impressive 4.49 40 time.

February 27, 2007

Already Scouting 2008 Draft Class

But for one member of Buffalo's scouting department his busy season is about to begin. BLESTO scout Tom Roth is about to hit the road for two months straight. "After the combine is over I'm gone," said Roth. "The next time I'll be at One Bills Drive will be the day before the draft." Roth is literally hitting the road on Wednesday when he begins the process of scouting next year's seniors for the 2008 NFL Draft. "Basically I'm providing the first looks for the seniors next fall," said Roth.

Kelsay signing is key

While Kelsay wanted to stay, it does not appear the Bills got a major "hometown discount." No team can get a starting player to take himself off the market the week of free agency without paying fair-market value. The Buffalo Bills did just that. While exact terms of the deal were not yet available, league sources said the contract averages about $5.75 million a year, and includes roughly $14 million in guaranteed money. That's in line with what some promising defensive ends at the same stage in their careers got last offseason.

Bills' Kelsay signs four-year deal

"Relieved, excited, it's just kind of an overwhelming feeling right now because Buffalo really exceeded my expectations and really did their part to get me back here," Kelsay said. "The stress that comes along with free agency and not knowing what lies ahead ..., that's all over and done with. It's a huge sigh of relief." It's also a relief for the Buffalo Bills, who managed to retain at least one of their top three defensive players eligible to become free agents on Friday.

Buffalo Bills may consider dealing McGahee

Buffalo Bills coach Dick Jauron said the team would consider trade offers for starting running back Willis McGahee. "It's in our best interest to listen to everybody, and no people are untouchable," Jauron told the Associated Press at the NFL's annual scouting combine at Indianapolis yesterday.

Buffalo's best bet to replace Clements? Nick Harper

Cornerback isn't necessarily a deep position in free agency, but there are some players out there who would mesh well with the Buffalo Bills' Tampa-2 defense. The best of the bunch is probably the Indianapolis Colts ' Nick Harper. Though not nearly the cover corner Clements is, Harper has flashed a good deal of playmaking ability during his time in the NFL. The 32-year-old has 15 interceptions during his six-year career, including four straight seasons of at least three picks. The 5-10, 182-pounder has also demonstrated tackling prowess, with at least 66 in each season since 2003 (75 in '06).

February 26, 2007

Jauron: Bills listening to offers for RB McGahee

It's in our best interest to listen to everybody, and no people are untouchable," Jauron told The Associated Press at the NFL's annual scouting combine at Indianapolis on Monday. "He's a good back. He's our starting running back right now. It's no surprise to me at all that people are interested." Asked specifically if McGahee is on the trading block, Jauron said: "Well, people talk. People talk in the league all the time."

Bills re-sign Chris Kelsay

The Buffalo Bills re-signed defensive end Chris Kelsay on Monday to a multi-year contract. Eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on Friday, Kelsay recorded a career-high 5 1/2 sacks, while finishing sixth on the team in tackles (62) last season. He has 151 career tackles, along with 12 1/2 sacks in his four- year pro career.

Buffalo Bills re-sign Chris Kelsay

Defensive end Chris Kelsay signed a four-year contract with the Buffalo Bills on Monday, avoiding the uncertainty of becoming an unrestricted free agent. A second-round draft pick in 2003 out of Nebraska, Kelsay emerged as one of the Bills' top defensive linemen last season. Starting all 16 games for the second straight year, he had career highs in tackles (88) and sacks (5.5), finishing third on the team in sacks and sixth in tackles.

Bills Re-Sign Chris Kelsay

Last week at the NFL Combine Bills head coach Dick Jauron said he would not resign himself to the fate of losing his three defensive starters that are scheduled to become free agents. Buffalo successfully retained one of their top three free agents Monday as defensive end Chris Kelsay was re-signed to a multi-year deal. Kelsay said he was "loyal" to Buffalo and followed through on his word. "This is a place that I've grown to love," said Kelsay of Buffalo. "Not just my teammates and the coaching staff and the administration, but the town and everything that goes into that, my neighbors and just the atmosphere here."

Kelsay Staying In Buffalo

With free agency slated to start this coming Friday at 12:01am, the Buffalo Bills have made sure defensive end Chris Kelsay is not going anywhere. Kelsay signed a new multi-year deal with the club today.

An Ironclad Football Family

David (5'10 ½", 190) is projected to be a late second or third round pick, due in part to his pair of ACL knee surgeries in 2001 and 2004. He too is performing a full workout for NFL personnel evaluators knowing he has to prove his knee is sound. With Buffalo facing the likely possibility of losing Nate Clements to free agency, bolstering their secondary could be in order and David covered some of college's best wideouts in the SEC facing the likes of Robert Meacham, Dwayne Bowe and Sidney Rice.

Tim Anderson Tendered Contract

Sources tell WGR that the Bills will tender restricted free agent Tim Anderson a one-year contract worth $850,000. The defensive tackle was a third-round pick of the Bills in 2004, and has registered 74 tackles, one sack and four passes defended in 31 games with Buffalo in 2005 and 2006. Teams can still offer Anderson a contract. If the Bills decide not to match it, they'd receive a third-round pick as compensation.

Buffalo Jills Trip Journal From Kuwait & Iraq

"We visited a hospital while we were in Mosul and the doctors there told us that they treat Iraqi civilians that have been hurt by other Iraqi's. After that we boarded a black hawk helicopter and flew to where we our currently spending the night. We performed our first show tonight and it was amazing! A lot of people here are from Buffalo and Niagara Falls and are so happy to see us."

Thomas: Good Idea To Shop McGahee?

Hall-of-Famer-to-be Thurman Thomas joined The Howard Simon Show to talk a variety of topics, but his comments on the current Bills starting running back stood out...."He's everywhere else on NFL Network and ESPN and doing all those different things," Thomas said. "If he wants to be in a bigger city and be out there a little bit more, it probably is a good idea to shop him."

Fans turn out for collectors show, Buffalo Bills

The former Bills players, including Reggie McKenzie, Joe DeLamiellure and Mike Montler, were the big attractions Sunday. Hundreds of people, many wearing Bills-related apparel, waited in line to meet their sports heroes. Decked out in a J.P. Losman jersey, Nick St. Clair, 8, of Greece was there with his father, Richard. "His room is completely filled with Bills stuff," said Richard St. Clair, showing off an autographed photo of Ferguson and a soon-to-be autographed photo of DeLamiellure. "We're season-ticket holders."

Clements has Titans on his wish list

Buffalo Bills cornerback Nate Clements, soon to be an unrestricted free agent, has the Tennessee Titans high on the list of teams he is interested in playing for, according to a source at the NFL Combine. The Titans are not allowed by league rules to comment on players before they hit the free agent market, which opens March 2, but Clements is a player who would be a major upgrade for a defense that ranked near the bottom of the NFL this past season.

Buffalo Bills Team Report

Cincinnati's Eric Steinbach or San Diego's Kris Dielman would be upgrades at guard. Both are proven players, and either would bring a physical presence to the line. The Chiefs' Jordan Black or the Jets' Anthony Clement could be possibilities if the team decides RT Terrance Pennington isn't the answer. The team likes DT Kyle Williams but needs a bigger body to play over center; Michael Myers (Broncos) and Alfonso Boone (Bears) could be options. Colts OLB Cato June played in the same scheme as the Bills' and could be a good fit on the weak side.

Buffalo Bills won't find attacking MLB in free agency

Therefore, although many expect Buffalo to address the middle linebacker position in free agency, don't be surprised if the team ignores it until the draft in late April. One has to believe that former University of Mississippi star Patrick Willis, who will likely be available when the Bills have the 12th overall selection, would be the best choice. Willis has a chance to be a true attacker in the middle of the Bills' defense, which is more than anyone can say about Fletcher-Baker, June or Mitchell.

February 25, 2007

Bills Teammates back together

It was a line like no other in Buffalo Bills history. The electric company, named by OJ Simpson, who said they turned on the juice. "Anytime we get together, it is a special time," said Reggie McKenzie. "This is maybe the first or second time we have been back together as a group," added Joe Ferguson. They were together for an autograph signing in Rochester.

Former Bills players help out one of their own

Hundreds turned out today, including a number of retired NFL greats to help a former Buffalo Bill who now lives in a homeless shelter. The “Gridiron Greats” came out to Logan’s Party House on Scottsville Road to help out Donnie Green, a member of the famed “Electric Company” who paved the way for OJ Simpson. The “Gridiron Greats” are a group of NFL veterans who are fighting for improved pensions for older, retired players.

'Electric Company' Enlists Fan Help

Hundreds of football fans got a rare treat at a sports memorabilia trade show in Chili Sunday. Members of the Buffalo Bills offensive line known as the “Electric Company” were on hand to shake hands and meet fans. But the NFL veterans did more that just sign autographs. "It's exciting just to get a chance to meet them," longtime Bills fan Tom Wheeler said.

Bills' McGahee in play

A Bills source said that McGahee's unhappiness seemed to affect his play last season. McGahee didn't spend any time in Buffalo last offseason learning the new playbook under coach Dick Jauron. The Bills are expecting more of the same this offseason. "Willis literally didn't know what to do on the plays," a source said. "After the play was called, we'd have another coach signaling to Willis what to do because he didn't know. He'd miss blocks [in pass protection] a few times, not because he was beat, but because he didn't know what he was doing. "He just doesn't study. … His teammates noticed it, and it affected how they viewed him in the locker room."

McGahee Should Be Traded

If I am the Bills I set the bar at a second round pick. Mind you, I don’t think they will get it, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. If I got a 3rd rounder (especially in the first half of round 3) I am taking it faster than number 21 hits the hole at the line of scrimmage (not fast enough, by the way). Then at some point in April, I am selecting a back that can help me with the ball (running) without the ball (blocking) and in the locker room (staying in the O.P. to work out in the off-season) I can find that guy. My other move is to re- sign Anthony Thomas. I think he is a serviceable guy who will do what he is asked to do.

Buffalo Bills Shopping Willis McGahee

At the NFL Draft Combine the Buffalo Bills have begun exploring the option of trading running back Willis McGahee. On Saturday, New York Giants General Manager Jerry Reese said that his team is interested in acquiring McGahee to replace their recently retired back Tiki Barber.

Okoye Bulks Back Up For NFL Competition

While 302 pounds may not seem like enough anchorage to hold up inside against the dominating offensive fronts of the NFL, the 6'2" Okoye has a very low center of gravity and very good lower body strength. With good hand technique and a solid work ethic it's little secret why he's widely considered a mid-first round pick. Logic says the Bills would almost have to consider him in round one if he's still on the board at 12 with run defense an area in need of fixing. "He's going to be a very good football player," said Petrino of Okoye's NFL potential. "The ceiling is way up there for him."

Giants eyeing running backs

Reese's most interesting comments came when he confirmed that the Bills have contacted the Giants about trading three-year veteran Willis McGahee, who is unhappy in Buffalo. "He's really more of a full-time running back," Reese said. "But if we wanted to go that route, I think (Jacobs and McGahee) could make a good combo." A Bills spokesman declined to comment. One member of the organization, who requested anonymity because the trade discussions are ongoing, said Buffalo general manager Marv Levy was surprised by Reese's candor but not overly upset about the comments.

Giants focus on a runner

The Buffalo Bills reportedly have been shopping McGahee, their starting running back who is going into the final year of his contract. The Bills have called the Giants about him but did not identify what they want in return, Reese said. Buffalo officials reportedly were annoyed that Reese mentioned that McGahee is available, even though it's been widely rumored

McGahee could be on block

The Buffalo Bills are doing more than just assessing college football talent at the NFL Scouting Combine. New York Giants General Manager Jerry Reese indicated Saturday that the Bills have let it be known that running back Willis McGahee is available via a trade. Other NFL sources also confirmed that the Bills are actively seeking a trade partner for McGahee, Buffalo's 2003 first-round draft pick. It is not known if any teams have approached the Bills about McGahee, but at least one appears to have some interest.

There will be Bills to pay: Coach Jauron bracing for free agency period

Dick Jauron is inside the RCA Dome this weekend worrying about players who are not there. While the Bills coach is evaluating the top 323 draft-eligible college players in the country as they go through endless drills, physicals, testing, and interviews at the combine, what is really on his mind is what might happen to his team March 2. That is the opening day of free agency, the day he could see his defense disappear by nightfall.

Giants interested in McGahee

General manager Jerry Reese said yesterday at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis that he would explore trade possibilities with the Bills for McGahee, who is heading into the final year of his contract. McGahee wants an extension from the Bills, but general manager Marv Levy isn't inclined to accommodate the outspoken and injury-prone back. Even though McGahee would enter coach Tom Coughlin's locker room with those two strikes against him, Reese said he'd be willing to send a second-day draft pick Buffalo's way. But in no way would he give up a first-day selection.

Giants Looking Into McGahee

With questions abounding as to whether Brandon Jacobs is capable of filling the void left by Tiki Barber's retirement, the Giants are interested in acquiring Bills running back Willis McGahee. Buffalo let it be known at the NFL scouting combine this weekend that McGahee is on the trading block, and first-year Giants general manager Jerry Reese appears to be interested.

February 24, 2007

Reese Wants Deeper Bond to Aid Giants’ Passing Game

McGahee, 25, who has rushed for more than 1,000 yards twice in the past three seasons, is threatening to hold out if he does not receive a new contract. If the Bills were to trade him rather than meet his demands, the Giants would be a potential suitor. "There is some Willis McGahee talk," Reese said. "There is some talk about Willis out there." When pressed, Reese said: "We'll investigate Willis. We'll do that." Because McGahee is under contract, it is considered tampering for other teams to talk publicly about him. Reese continued to discuss McGahee with reporters after the formal interview ended.

NFL Combine: Day Three, Saturday, February 24th

Day three yielded some interesting results, but the main players that were being highly touted coming into the Combine definitely showed up. One of the most intriguing stories of the day may have been Brady Quinn’s decision to lift against the advice of his agent. He completed 24 reps at 225 pounds, which is definitely a nice total. The real stars of the day were the linemen and tight ends, though, who went through all of their drills.

BILLS: Is signing Briggs an option?

Will the No. 12 pick in April's draft yield a player who fits the Bills needs as well as Chicago linebacker Lance Briggs? Buffalo might have to weigh the question if well-connected blogger Mike Florio is to be believed. The man who first reported Nick Saban's interest in the Alabama job wrote Saturday night on his ProFootballTalk.com Rumor Mill that the Bears applied the franchise tag to Briggs with the intention of trading him.

Efforts to help former Buffalo Bill left homeless, without pension

The Gridiron Greats fund was launched last year by former Green Bay Packers star Jerry Kramer to lobby for better disability and pension benefits from the league and the NFL Players Association. Joe DeLamielleure, a Bills Wall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame honoree for his role in the Electric Company, has joined the fund's board and organized an autograph fundraiser in Rochester Sunday to benefit Green.

With Barber gone, Giants show interest in McGahee

Jerry Reese, the first-year general manager of the New York Giants, acknowledged Saturday morning that his team has some interest in McGahee, a four-year veteran who has twice posted 1,000-yard seasons. "There is some talk about Willis out there," Reese said. "We'll investigate Willis. We'll investigate everybody out there with trade talks. We'll leave no stones unturned."

Giants Set Sights on McGahee

Brandon Jacobs could be getting some high-profile company in the Giants’ backfield if new Giants GM Jerry Reese gets his way. Reese said this morning that he is investigating the possibility of trading for running back Willis McGahee, who is apparently being shopped around by the Buffalo Bills. Reese is also investigating “rumors” that the Bears are willing to trade Thomas Jones, and he's also monitoring the situation with San Diego Chargers soon-to-be restricted free agent Michael Turner.

Rebuilding the Bills: Key Decisions

"Cash to the Cap" is the right decision for Buffalo according to Levy. After all, this is a rebuilding process that is in place through three years. Perhaps bringing in key free agents without overspending and damaging the team's financial future may be just what Buffalo needs to succeed in their master plan.

The fact is, the Bills will most likely be losing two key players; cornerback Nate Clements and one of the more under appreciated players in the NFL, middle linebacker London Fletcher-Baker. Clements has expressed interest in being the highest paid player at his position. Fletcher-Baker might strike gold in free agency, potentially falling victim to the annual Daniel Snyder frenzy of spending. Even if the Bills let their two defensive standouts walk, there remains plenty of options will be in place for the team.

Williams Has Brothers Watching

Williams, the youngest of eight brothers and sisters, saw one older brother excel at cornerback as J.D. Williams was a first round pick of the Buffalo Bills in 1990 after a stellar college career at Fresno State. After appearing in four Super Bowls with the Bills, the elder Williams has shared with his younger sibling what life in the NFL is like.

Newton & Rice Updates: NFL Combine Blog

The NFL Scouting Combine has kicked off in Indianapolis and Scout.com is there in full force with NFL Experts Tom Marino and Adam Caplan, a strong contingency of NFL publishers and a few of our college football experts Bob Lichtenfels, Miller Safrit and Scott Kennedy.

NFL Combine: Friday, February 23rd, Day Two

The second day of the NFL Combine saw more action, and thus, more items of interest. The day opened with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers losing a coin toss, while the Cleveland Browns earned the third overall draft selection.

Notes, quotes

It appears that the Bills will release backup QB Kelly Holcomb this off-season, giving Craig Nall the No. 2 job and more practice repetitions during workouts. Nall may have challenged J.P. Losman for the starting job last summer but suffered a severe hamstring pull early in camp that sidelined him two weeks. Nall's arm strength and mobility are superior to Holcomb's but Holcomb has the experience and demeanor to be a solid backup. Unfortunately for him, he's scheduled to earn $1.235 million in base salary, which is too much to pay a third-stringer.

Bills report: Strategy and personnel

The team is expected to get most of their lower-profile free agents, including DE Chris Kelsay, FB Daimon Shelton, OL Mike Gandy, RB Anthony Thomas, and WR Andre Davis, back into the fold without much trouble. The team is debating on whether to bring back Gandy or allow second-year pro Aaron Merz to compete with returning veteran Tutan Reyes for the job at left guard. Losing Kelsay would hurt, but Ryan Denney would slip into his starting spot and he's ready for full-time play.

Bills report: Inside slant

"(We're) going to spend what they call cash to the cap," Levy said. "By that, we're not going to amortize away the future. That's a decision we've made. The cap is $109 million and we'd spend cash to the cap, but I don't think we'd go beyond that." The philosophy won't prevent the Bills from signing free agents. But it will severely impact the quality and quantity of players they talk to. Last year they signed 13 free agents and spent about $18 million on bonuses but there were no blockbusters.

February 23, 2007

Free Almost Traded Football For The Farm

Northern Illinois left tackle Doug Free stands almost 6'6 ½" and weighs 305 pounds. His hands are like gigantic meat hooks with fingers that carry a ring size of 18. Free's neck is so thick his head seems to just melt into his shoulders. He looks like the quintessential farm boy from small town Wisconsin (Manitowoc), and the farm is where Free almost spent the rest of his working days. Free was playing football while in junior high school, but also began working on a farm near his home to make extra money.

Jauron vows to battle for free agents

Contrary to what some people believe, Jauron promises they will be a player in free agency. "This team will be competitive in the market," he said. "We have people we are very interested in. We've talked about it a good deal and we'll continue to talk about it. We'll go right down to the final day with a plan set and contingency plans. We'll do everything we can to make our football team better."

Assistant coach named in civil suit

McGee's Buffalo-based lawyer, J. David Sampson, said yesterday Gray is named in the lawsuit because he used his influence as a coach in an improper way. "As a coach, he is in a position of confidence and trust with the player and he should have been looking out for Terrence," Sampson said in a phone interview. "But he was looking out for Craig Curry and Terry Bolar." Gray and Curry played college football together and served as best man at each other's weddings. Sampson said Gray acted wrongly three times in dealing with McGee.

Kelly in Estero to promote annual charity golf event

“We’re trying to find the right permanent location, but everybody’s been so supportive of us down here,” Kelly said during a luncheon at The Embassy Suites announcing the field. “I saw Peter Jacobsen last night at dinner, and unfortunately he can’t make it this year, but he said people are starting to realize about the tournament down here and the name is finally getting out there.”

Clements' days with Bills reach unofficial end

The NFL's set deadline for teams to place the franchise tag on their players has officially come and gone, and it's no surprise that the Buffalo Bills didn't utilize the right on cornerback Nate Clements. Now that Buffalo officially decided not to tag Clements, the 27-year-old will hit the free-agent market early next month with vast amounts of fanfare.

February 22, 2007

Kelly charity golf tourney to draw big names

The event, a subsidiary of Hunter’s Hope Foundation, will be held at The Quarry on Immokalee Road in North Naples it was announced today. Celebrities in the event include Kelly’s former Buffalo Bills stars Thurman Thomas, Bruce Smith and Andre Reed; former NFL quarterbacks Bernie Kosar, Jim Hart and Earl Morrall; and several other prominent figures from outside professional football.

Defense Could Be A Big Offseason Focus Again

If somehow Clements, Fletcher and Kelsay all depart via free agency, Jauron remains confident that the Bills will be a player in free agency prior to the draft. "This team will be competitive in the market," he said. "We'll do everything we can to make our football team better. We have people we are very interested in."

Kiper: Bills have eye on Louisville’s Okoye

In his latest mock draft, ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper has the Bills taking Louisville senior defensive tackle Amobi Okoye with the 12th overall pick in the NFL draft in April. Okoye is only 19, but was a Louisville captain last season.

Bills won't utilize their franchise tag

Because of the promise the Bills made to Clements, General Manager Marv Levy said there was no discussion on using the franchise tag on someone else. Tagging Fletcher would have cost $7.2 million in 2007, while Kelsay would have gotten $8.6 million if he were franchised. Like Clements, Fletcher and Kelsay, the contracts of fullback Daimon Shelton, offensive guard Mike Gandy, running back Anthony Thomas, cornerback Kiwaukee Thomas and wide receiver Andre' Davis will expire March 1.

Buffalo Bills Won't Use Franchise Tag

Last season the Buffalo Bills feared losing Nate Clements to unrestricted free agency, so that they chose to pay him top-five cornerback money by giving him the franchise tag, a designation they won't deal out this year, according to a report in The Buffalo News. London Fletcher-Baker, Chris Kelsay and Clements are all poised to hit the free agent market when it opens March 2.

Former Bill wants equality with NFL pensions

DeLamielleure, 55, and other old-timers are upset with National Football League Players Association President Gene Upshaw, and I don't blame them. Upshaw, a former star offensive lineman with the Oakland Raiders, has done a poor job of taking care of former players. Of course, why should he care about pensions when he's making $3 million dollars a year? After years of attempting to get Upshaw to do the right thing, some old-timers have taken the NFLPA to court.

Swap Raptors for Bills?

But what's to stop a little intra-city cooperation between Buffalo and Toronto? Why couldn't Larry Tanenbaum "give" Buffalo a couple of Raptors games – say two of the 41 for a couple of years – and in return, Toronto could get that 2008 regular season non-U.S. NFL game for which Toronto is a frontrunner?

Mediocre season means Levy's not sold on McGahee

Regardless of McGahee's off-the-field issues, there's no question Buffalo must get better production from its starting runners. Many are quick to blame the team's porous offensive line, but remember that certain backs in the NFL, such as the 49ers' Frank Gore, have thrived behind average to below-average blockers. Because of the former first-round pick's mediocre-at-best '06, the Bills could be in the hunt for a back during April's draft.

February 21, 2007

Buffalo Jills Flying to Iraq

Eight members of the NFL Buffalo Bills Cheerleaders "The Jills" are flying to the Middle East to participate in a military camp tour in Kuwait and Iraq. "It's all about bringing a little piece of home to the troops that are there", said Jills cheerleader Emily. "There's a lot of troops there from Buffalo, NY that have been sending us e-mail's and [we're] really pumped up about seeing them as well", said Jills cheerleader Kelli.

Buffalo Bills and The Barnes Firm Award Scholarships

The Buffalo Bills and The Barnes Firm teamed up this season to give away over $21,000 in scholarships in the Classroom Scholarship Program. Each week during the regular season, including the bye week, five Western New York classrooms were awarded a $250 scholarship to help purchase supplies and project materials.

Bolar Denies Any Knowledge And Wrongdoing

Terrence McGee's former agent, Terry Bolar, has told WGR Sports Radio 550 that he did nothing wrong when he negotiated his client's new deal and that he knows nothing about McGee's investments and dealings with financial adviser Craig Curry. "I had been negotiating the deal all through the year," Bolar said. "(McGee) knew that. He would call me from the locker room and ask me what the numbers were."

Combine Preview: Who Will Shine?

This year Mayock thinks a defensive back will be raising the collective eyebrows of NFL personnel evaluators. "Chris Houston corner, Arkansas," said Mayock. "A lot of people have him in the second round right now. I gave him a first round grade. I think he's going to go in there and run a sub-4.4 40-time, bench press 24 to 28 times, which is unheard of (for a cornerback). I think people are going to be going, 'Wow!'"

McGee sues ex-financial representatives and assistant coach

The lawsuit alleges that through forged documents and unauthorized secret wire transfers, Curry, a financial adviser with Houston-based Opulent Management, invested a significant amount of McGee's money in property in the Dominican Republic and diverted an additional $600,000 - without McGee's authorization - to purchase shares of stock in a non-existent company called Corporate Community Inc. in Austin, Texas. Curry's involvement with McGee began in October 2005. The money Curry allegedly took came from McGee's $5 million signing bonus he received in November 2005 and January 2006.

McGee Sues Jerry Gray, Others

Terrence McGee has a different kind of problem with his former defensive coordinator than most players. The Buffalo Bills cornerback is suing Jerry Gray, as well as former financial adviser Craig Curry and former agent Terry Bolar, for more than $1 million that he says was taken from him without his knowledge, according to a report by Allen Wilson in The Buffalo News.

Former Buffalo Bill Homeless, Living In A Rescue Mission

For the past three years, Donnie Green's home has been a rescue mission in a gritty neighborhood in Maryland. One of the top linemen in Bills' history is homeless and living in a mission. All told, 33 men live at the mission, bound together by their problems and their past.

Bills CB McGee sues former financial adviser over missing $1 million

Buffalo Bills cornerback Terrence McGee filed a lawsuit Tuesday accusing his former financial adviser of funneling more than $1 million into unauthorized investments. The player's Buffalo-based lawyer, David Sampson, accused Craig Curry of misappropriating the funds between November 2005 and last September, shortly after McGee signed a four-year contract extension that included a $5 million bonus.

Upgrading WRs not a concern for Buffalo

Outside of Buffalo's second and third receivers and Royal, another player who must step up in the passing game in 2007 is two-year veteran Roscoe Parrish. The 5-9, 168-pound wideout ended the season with 23 receptions and 320 yards. Parrish's 13.9 yards per catch was a solid number, but the ex-University of Miami star has to improve upon his meager touchdown total (two). The Bills signed Price and Reed to decent-sized contracts last March (to the surprise of most), but it appears they won't address the position in nearly the same manor during this year's upcoming free agency period.

February 20, 2007

Player Perspective: Combine Isn't About The Testing

Bills 2006 fifth-round pick Brad Butler attended the combine last spring even though shoulder surgery prevented him from performing any of the physical testing. The reason why was to interview with teams. "The combine is a week long event and for only about three to four hours of the whole thing you're testing," Butler said. "The rest of the time you're doing interviews and that's a huge part of it."

'Cash to cap' changes Bills' business plan

Ralph Wilson has been crying for years for the NFL to give the small-market teams a bigger share of revenues. Wilson says he can't compete on an uneven playing field. This is his way of confirming it - by taking the Bills out of the running for the elite free agents. "Cash to the cap" must be a blow to the gut of skeptical Bills fans. I don't imagine it'll go over well with players around the league, either.

Toronto Investors Court NFL Team

Godfrey tells WBEN he ultimately could see a team moving to Toronto from an existing US city, but adds that Buffalo Bills fans should not view his efforts as a threat. He says he has not spoken to Bills owner Ralph Wilson about ever selling him the team, and Godfrey envisions teams on both sides of the border. "I think it would be a healthy rivalry between the two cities," he says.

BILLS DOSE (2/20/07): Kuntuu to film NFL combine

Buffalo Bills video director Henry Kuntuu will be one of more than two dozen NFL team camera shooters later this week filming everything that every NFL prospect does over the seven days of the NFL Combine at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis.

Bills' LB corps could change significantly this offseason

Should the Bills not sign June and avoid shifting Crowell into Fletcher-Baker's soon-to-be vacated position, their best option is in Round One of April's NFL draft. With the 12th overall selection, there's a great chance former Ole Miss linebacker Patrick Willis will be available. The Bruceton, Tenn., native won the Dick Butkus Award for his excellent play last year, which is given annually to the nation's best linebacker. Levy often preaches his desire to build the Bills around players with character, and few have more than Willis.

February 19, 2007

Bills Team Report

OT Brad Butler will be a player to watch this offseason. The fifth-round pick was one of the few members of last year's draft class that didn't contribute in 2006. He had shoulder surgery in January of last year and it prevented him from participate during the minicamps. But he's fully healthy and should not be limited in spring workouts. He's got good size (6-7, 307), quickness and decent athletic ability. He needs to add more strength and develop his recognition skills. But the team loves Butler's potential. If he continues to improve, it's possible he could challenge for a starting job at either tackle or guard.

Filming the NFL Combine

Bills video director Henry Kuntuu will be one of more than two dozen NFL team camera shooters filming everything that every NFL prospect does over the seven days of the combine in Indianapolis. "We usually have about 25 shooters and we need 25 because there's a job for every one of them," Kuntuu said. "I shoot the 40-yard dash. You have another guy that's an editor for what I shoot for the 40-yard dash. There are guys that are on the three cone drill, guys that are on the shuttle, guys that shoot the skill drills, guys that shoot the quarterbacks. There are guys for everything. They have high angle video from above and from down on the field."

Bills have no need for Quinn

It would be tempting to use the No. 12 pick on Quinn, who almost certainly would be a long-term plus at the box office, but the Bills have invested too much time in J.P. Losman to give up on him now, particularly with the improvement he showed in the second half of last season. Buffalo has deeper holes to fill at other positions.

Levy's Friday conference fruitless at best

Levy's entire conference was indeed an odd affair. The most important aspect that came from it is that the Bills (not surprisingly) won't be big-time players during the free agency period. The brain trust's invented saying, "cash to the cap," means Buffalo will dole out average amounts of money to mid- and low-tier free agents. The Bills won't be active in handing out large bonuses, which is exactly what lands well-known commodities during free agency.

February 18, 2007

Marv steers organization in right direction

In addition to helping put a better product on the field, Levy has bridged the gap between the team and its alienated fans. He also created a more relaxed atmosphere at One Bills Drive that didn't exist under Tom Donahoe's autocratic reign as president and GM.

Hunter's Legacy Lives On to Help Others

In the past year, there's been progress in the fight against leukodystrophy diseases. In August, New York State began screening newborns for Krabbe's. In October, Senator Hillary Clinton introduced a bill to extend that screening nationwide. Jim Kelly says he's in the process of recruiting scientists for the Hunter James Kelly research institution at the University at Buffalo. “You have to have the right people, and we want to make sure that the scientists that come to Buffalo are exactly what we need,” said Kelly.

February 17, 2007

Levy sets the tone for Bills’ future

Listen to talk radio and you’ll be convinced Marv Levy said absolutely nothing in his 30-minute session with the Bills media on Friday morning at “The Ralph.” Since Buffalo’s general manager failed to lay out the team’s entire free agent strategy, he didn’t satiate the “We-need-it-right-now” appetite of a medium which wants a hot topic ... immediately. But in that half hour, for those who actually listened, Levy offered both some insight and inference for those able to connect the dots.

NFL: Clements not in Bills’ range

Following meetings with team owner Ralph Wilson earlier this week, general manager Marv Levy said yesterday that the Bills have budgeted about $30 million to spend on acquiring players when the NFL’s free agency period opens March 2. The $30 million figure might seem like a lot, but it’s very modest when considering Clements is seeking a deal that would pay him $18 million in bonus money alone. Spending that much on one player would severely handcuff Buffalo from adding other free agents.

Bills will spend money . . . to a point

Because this "cash over cap" issue gets complicated, we're going to hold off explaining it fully until later in this story. Here's the bottom line: The Bills' standing as one of the low-revenue teams in the NFL is affecting how they do business. They're in roughly the bottom fourth of the league in revenue, and it's a safe bet they will be in the bottom third in actual spending. There's no way they would get into a bidding war for cornerback Nate Clements, for example, even if he had made 15 interceptions last year.

Bills vow to stay within salary cap, not mortgage the future

"I don't think we're going to mortgage the future by going beyond the cap," said Levy, who openly admits the ins and outs of the salary cap for him are like trying to decipher hieroglyphics. "We're not going to liberally throw (money) around." It might be a breeze for accountants and financial wizards, but for everyone else, there really isn't a simple way to explain the ramifications, only to make it clear that the Bills will not be participating in bidding wars against the likes of the Redskins, Cowboys and Giants for potential free agents.

Bills report: Inside slant

The Bills feel they have their hard-hitting safety for the next decade in Donte Whitner, their first-round pick a year ago who posted 104 tackles, fifth best among rookies. What they lacked was a vicious run-stuffer in the middle at linebacker. Veteran London Fletcher-Baker has proven a terrific pursuit player and excellent in coverage but the Bills lost way too many one-on-one battles near the line of scrimmage. Without saying it, Levy seemed to hint that the club would prefer a change in the middle and will not re-sign Fletcher-Baker, an unrestricted free agent.

Bills report: Notes, quotes

The Bills are getting a new state-of-the-art high definition scoreboard for next season, something that will make fans happy. The existing 13-year-old Jumbotron video board at Ralph Wilson Stadium was less than reliable and had weekly breakdowns. The new scoreboard will be just 2 inches taller, but at nearly 83 feet, it will be twice as wide. The stadium will also be fitted with a ribbon message board, something that is standard in all new venues. Cost of the entire project: $5.2 million, footed by Erie County taxpayers.

Bills report: Strategy and personnel

The Bills are assuming CB Nate Clements and MLB London Fletcher-Baker, each an unrestricted free agent, won't be back. A dialogue remains open with Clements but he's the top corner entering free agency and the Bills, despite their cap room, aren't likely to get into a bidding war. That means they must decide to hand the job to second-year man Ashton Youboty, who has no NFL starts, or pursue a free agent.

February 16, 2007

Bills GM Discusses Off-Season Plans

Buffalo Bills General Manager Marv Levy says the team made progress in 2006 and they enter the 2007 far different than last year. Levy says there is a much more stable feeling now, and that they have a group of players who buy-in to the system. Levy also says he feels encourage by the work ethic of J.P. Losman. The quarterback is already in Buffalo working with the team.

Levy: Bills will watch spending closely

Buffalo Bills general manager Marv Levy said today that team owner Ralph Wilson has made the decision to use whatever available money he has under the salary cap to improve the team. And contrary to popular belief, that’s not as much money as you might think.

Bills unlikely to afford re-signing CB Clements

Under league rules, teams are allowed to spread guaranteed signing bonuses over the duration of a contract to reduce the cap hit. The Bills, however, count bonuses as dollars spent for that season no matter the contract's length. "I don't think we're going to, quote, `mortgage the future,' type of thing," Levy said. "That's the decision that was made." That puts the small-market Bills at a competitive disadvantage when it comes to re-signing Clements. A six-year veteran and one-time Pro Bowl selection, Clements is projected to become among the most coveted defensive backs to enter free agency this offseason.

Quick Hits From GM Marv Levy

Levy was asked what kind of hole would be left by a potential Nate Clements departure. His answer? "It would be considerable. We don't know that much about Ashton Youboty. We would hope he matches what the two other rookie defensive backs did a year ago. The coaches say they like him and he's an intelligent kid, but he hasn't been under fire yet. That's one place to start, there is the draft, there is free agency, but I don't know that there is another corner out there that we prefer over Nate. There isn't."

Bills To Spend "Cash To The Cap"

Bills general manager Marv Levy addressed the media Friday, and said the team will spend "cash to the cap" for the 2007 campaign, also touching on the Bills' free agents, draft philosophy and the blackout issue.

Bills To Spend "Cash To The Cap"

The Buffalo Bills are one of many NFL teams with a lot of room under the league's $109 million salary cap. But as free agency approaches Buffalo's approach to the open market will deal more in absolute dollars than it will in cap space estimated to be around $30 million. After meeting with Bills owner Ralph Wilson, treasurer Jeff Littmann, executive Vice President Russ Brandon and head coach Dick Jauron for three days in Wilson's winter home in West Palm Beach, general manager Marv Levy explained how Buffalo will approach free agency with the cap room available to them.

Fewell impressed, defenders didn't for Buffalo

In his first season with the Bills, Fewell's defense improved over Gray's. The young group -- led by pass-rushing force Aaron Schobel, middle linebacker London Fletcher-Baker and safety Donte Whitner -- advanced to 18th in total yardage and an impressive 10th in points allowed. The 'D' finished a terrific seventh overall against the pass, but that was shaded by a ghastly 28th rating versus the run. Because Buffalo's defensive tackles were consistently pushed around by enemy offensive lines, running backs had their way against the Bills. That wasn't necessarily the fault of Fewell, however. Not many defensive coordinators would have succeeded with Buffalo's lack of quality at the DT position.

BILLS: 'Skins reportedly covet Clements, Fletcher

Multiple sources claim the Washington Redskins will target unrestricted free agents Nate Clements and London Fletcher once free agency opens March 2, according to the Washington Post. The Lions will also go after Fletcher, according to a speculative report on ProFootballTalk.com.

February 15, 2007

Schumer Urging NFL to Rework Bills Schedule

"Because the Bills had seemingly slipped from the playoff race and were facing less popular or talented teams, the Bills failed to draw the requisite number of fans in order to have the games broadcast on network television" Senator Charles Schumer said in a press release.

Schumer asks NFL help with Bills schedule

“Last year, thousands of Rochester-area Bills fans couldn’t see the team they love because the last games of the season were blacked out,” Schumer said. “Rochester fans are just as passionate for the Bills as fans in Buffalo, and they deserve to see the games. It is in the best interests of the Bills and the NFL to have to the widest possible fan base for this team. The NFL needs to do everything it can to prevent blackouts next season.”

Butler Could Make Impressive Jump In Second Year

Bills head coach Dick Jauron has said many times that young players often make their greatest degree of improvement between year one and year two of their playing careers. The player poised to make the greatest leap in season two however, may surprise you. Buffalo's fifth-round pick Brad Butler didn't contribute to the team's success as much as most of his other fellow draft class members in 2006, but there was a good reason. Butler wasn't fully recovered from shoulder surgery performed in January.

Schumer Asks NFL For "No-Blackout Season"

The Buffalo Bills were responsible for four of the NFL's seven blacked-out games during the 2006 campaign. Chuck Schumer is asking the NFL to help knock that figure down to zero. "It is in the best interests of the Bills and the NFL to have the widest possible fan base for this team," Schumer said. "The NFL needs to do everything it can to prevent blackouts next season."

Bills' Fairchild stuck to his plan, succeeded in '06

Ultimately, Steve Fairchild's greatest strength was the fact that he stuck to his original plan of playing smash-mouth football with occasional trickery and deep passes mixed in. When Mularkey and Clements were in Buffalo, they often preached the idea of a run-first offense, but it never came to fruition. Instead, the tandem was too busy trying to reinvent the proverbial wheel, calling an excess of complicated trick plays that never paid off. Losman, the Bills' young QB, succeeded under Fairchild because he was brought along properly.

February 14, 2007

Bills Release Practice Squad Receiver

The unconventional road to the NFL for wide receiver Troy Bergeron hit a bump in the road Wednesday when he was released by the Bills from the team's practice squad. Bergeron, a former Arena League standout with top end speed, was signed to Buffalo's practice squad for the final three weeks of the season.

Bills waive WR Bergeron

Receiver Troy Bergeron was waived by the Buffalo Bills on Wednesday after spending the final three weeks of last season on the team's practice squad.

Pete Metzelaars' long wait pays off

That which is worth waiting for, no matter how long it takes to get, has to be one of life's special achievements. Peter Henry "Pete" Metzelaars knows how true it is. That huge Super Bowl ring that he is now entitled to wear is a shining example of the talent, hard work and perseverance that leads to success.

Neufeld and Stamer Attacking the Offseason

Though Neufeld and Stamer are proven veterans and valuable components on Bobby April's special teams units, they also know they can very easily become expendable. That's why both blue collar players were very happy to be physically ready for an offseason that requires them to put in the extra time that's needed to make the difference. "Being one of those guys on the bubble, every year you have to prove yourself," said Neufeld. "And for me this season coming up the big thing for me is to prove that my feet aren't going to be a factor. Coming off surgery I don't believe they will be a factor so that's good. I'm confident I'll be ready to put forth a strong showing for the coaches."

Champion has nice ring to it

Pete Metzelaars...Super Bowl champion. "It finally hit me with about nine minutes left in the game and we were up 12. Then, I quickly put that out of my mind," said Metzelaars, the third-year offensive quality control coach for the world champion Indianapolis Colts. "Up in the (press)box, one of the coaches asked if we should go down on the field and I said, 'No way. Not until this thing is over. No way.' You're always thinking the worst."

Internet Rumor Involving Bills a Doozy

One thing you've got to love about the internet; there is information available on just about anything, and sometimes that information goes inside areas normal journalists can't touch. Such is not the case, however, with a recent internet piece of "inside information" concerning the Bills and Sabres owner Tom Golisano and Ralph Wilson's intention to (or so it says) move the Bills to Toronto. So pervasive is this supposed disclosure of a recent meeting involving Golisano, that I figure rather than answering a ton of emails about it, as I've done, I'd just address it right here.

Unsung Thomas would be key loss for Bills' secondary

He's a former fifth-round pick from Georgia Southern. He's never intercepted a pass in seven NFL seasons. He's a 29-year-old journeyman who's already been part of three different organizations. Those may seem like damning statistics for most, but not Buffalo Bills cornerback Kiwaukee Thomas. The 5-foot-11, 192-pounder turned in a career season in 2006, amassing 50 tackles and emerging as a solid cover corner for the Bills.

BILLS: The fogotten four: Buffalo's restricted free agents

When trading for Anthony Hargrove this past season, the Buffalo Bills assumed very little risk. That’s because the team gave up just a fifth-round pick to acquire Hargrove, who’s set to become a restricted free agent. If the Bills make a low tender offer on Hargrove, which would guarantee him a salary of $850,000, another team would be forced to give Buffalo a third-round pick as compensation, the round Hargrove was selected in.

February 13, 2007

AFC East offseason analysis

NEEDS:  If Clements moves on, the Bills need corner Terrence McGee to step up his game. The Bills could also use some help along the offensive line at the guard spots and -- if Fletcher-Baker leaves -- a middle linebacker becomes a high priority. They could also use some depth behind Willis McGahee at running back.

Bills report: Strategy and personnel

The Bills are plotting for life without MLB London Fletcher-Baker, 32, an unrestricted free agent not likely to re-sign. One option being discussed is moving Angelo Crowell from weak-side linebacker to the middle and signing a top free agent to play on the outside, such as Chicago's Lance Briggs, who played for defensive coordinator Perry Fewell. Another name to consider is Indianapolis' Cato June, who knows the "Tampa-2" scheme playing for Tony Dungy.

New Landscape For Restricted Free Agents

A year ago the Buffalo Bills made their share of free agent signings, but lost in all the activity surrounding the players they did sign was Buffalo's less than common approach to acquire other young talent. The Bills, in an effort to improve their offensive and defensive lines, signed restricted free agent lineman Reggie Wells (Arizona) to a five-year offer sheet and restricted free agent defensive end Israel Idonije (Chicago) to a four-year package. If the Cardinals chose not to match the Wells deal Buffalo would've surrendered just a sixth-round pick. Idonije would have required no compensation. Unfortunately both Arizona and Chicago matched, and that is what has kept more teams from venturing into the restricted free agent market in the first place.

The James Harris story: a long, painful road

They didn't draft me the first day. All these guys I'd played against in the SWAC were getting picked. What chance did I have? I decided I wasn't going to play. Coach called me and said he wanted to talk. We went out to the bleachers, just me and him, sat down, and I told him that being from the segregated South, understanding that no blacks were playing quarterback, I couldn't see any reason to go to Buffalo. He said, "I know you can play quarterback in the NFL. The decision is yours, but if you don't go, if guys like you don't go, it's going to be that much more difficult for the next guy." That touched me.

Buffalo would be unwise to part with Holcomb

One year ago at this time, the Buffalo Bills were preparing for an offseason battle between J.P. Losman and Kelly Holcomb for the role of starting quarterback. Losman ended up besting Holcomb during summer's training camp and preseason, winning the job and having a promising regular year. Holcomb, who started half the 2005 campaign for the Bills, was relegated to a backup role, but he took it in stride. The 33-year-old Holcomb provided Losman with much help during the three-year veteran's first full season as a starter.

February 12, 2007

Don’t assume Phillips will fail as coach of Cowboys

The question has been asked of me a dozen times since last Thursday. How do you think Wade Phillips will do as coach of the Cowboys? The query has been invariably tendered by Bills’ fans who don’t remember his Buffalo tenure fondly. My answer: “He’ll do fine.” Start with the fact Wade doesn’t have a lot to follow. To be sure, Bills Parcells is a Hall of Fame coach, but in recent seasons, he’s been living on reputation.

Six seasons after leaving Buffalo, Wade Phillips get shot at redemption

Phillips was more than smart enough to orchestrate some of the league's top-ranked defenses in Atlanta and San Diego, just as he'd done in Buffalo, Denver and Philadelphia. And to emerge from an almost-infinite field of interviewees to land the highest-profile job in the sport. His hiring has drawn fire from some Cowboys fans and media, who charge that owner Jerry Jones wanted someone whom he can order around, a coach who wouldn't bristle at being forced to keep the radioactive Terrell Owens on the roster.

Hunter's Day of Hope will be held Wednesday

The 10th annual Hunter's Day of Hope for Children will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the Buffalo Bills Field House at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park.

Cowboys go backward with Phillips

When I heard that Jerry Jones had hired Wade Phillips to be the Dallas Cowboys' new head coach, I had the same reaction as when Jones signed Drew Bledsoe two years ago: Good luck, fella. Is this what it's come to for the once-great Dallas franchise? When times get tough, go out and grab a castoff from the Buffalo Bills' recent, sorry past? Maybe Jones' next move will be luring Rob Johnson out of retirement to compete with Tony Romo for the quarterback job.

Bills Team Report

It looks like Coy Wire's late-season move from strong safety to outside linebacker may be permanent. Wire, who recently signed a three-year contract extension, saw spot duty at weakside linebacker the last five games of the season after Angelo Crowell suffered a season-ending injury. The 6-0, 220-pound Wire played linebacker at Stanford and has the quickness, power and agility to play the position in the Bills' scheme, which emphasizes speed over size.

Thoughts on Losman, free agency and the draft

Bills quarterback J.P. Losman is by no means a Pro Bowl quarterback, but wouldn't the three-year veteran have been more appropriate for this past weekend's Hawaii festivities than the Titans' Vince Young? Losman threw 19 touchdowns against 14 picks this past year, finishing as the NFL's 11th-rated passer. Young, on the other hand, was a train wreck through the air, compiling a horrid 66.7 efficiency rating (30th in the league). While the rookie Young utilized his athleticism and mobility to perfection and won games for Tennessee, he isn't yet a Pro Bowl QB. Neither is Losman, but the 25-year-old would have been more qualified to appear in the game. Young, by the way, completed just 4-of-10 passes for 71 yards and an interception in the AFC's 31-28 win.

February 11, 2007

BILLS: Kelly shares his story in California

Former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly was one of three guest speakers for the fifth Miracle League of Visalia, Calif., banquet at the Visalia First Assembly of God Church on Saturday night. Kelly spoke of his son Hunter, who died in 2005 due to complications from Krabbe Leukodystrophy, the fatal nervous-system disease he was born with.

Kelly shares his personal life at Miracle dinner

Jim Kelly knew he couldn't engineer a magical comeback this time, as he had done 23 times during his Hall of Fame career as the quarterback of the Buffalo Bills. That's why Kelly admittedly went into a shell after learning in 1997 that his infant son, Hunter, had been diagnosed with Krabbe Leukodystrophy — an inherited and fatal nervous-system disease.

As revenue-sharing talks drag, no one's paying Bills

Almost a year after the adoption of a new collective bargaining agreement, NFL owners still are haggling over how to funnel expanded revenue-sharing money from the high-revenue teams to the low-revenue teams. Nuclear-arms treaties have been struck more quickly.

Losman's upside gives him the edge against Grossman

Chicago Bears quarterback Rex Grossman was the NFC Offensive Player of the Month for September and played in Super Bowl XLI, but if I were Buffalo Bills general manager Marv Levy, and the Bears offered me Grossman for J.P. Losman straight up, I'd say, "Thanks, but no thanks."

February 10, 2007

Bills Are Big Part of AFC's Last Second Pro Bowl Win

Bills punter Brian Moorman put his hand out to take the snap from San Diego long snapper David Binn to hold for what proved to be the game-winning 21-yard field goal as San Diego kicker Nate Kaeding put the ball through the uprights as time expired in a dramatic 31-28 AFC victory over the NFC.

February 09, 2007

MELARO: Some notes on Clements and Dale Jr.

So, Nate Clements wants to test the waters of free agency. Should we be surprised? I think not. Viewed as one of the best cornerbacks in the National Football League, Clements has earned that right. That’s the good news. At least it is for him. The bad news, if you are a Buffalo Bills fan, is the fact that he wants to be the top-paid player at his position. And that standard was set when Champ Bailey signed a seven-year deal with the Denver Broncos in 2004 worth $63 million, including an $18 million signing bonus.

Brian Moorman Pro Bowl Blog: Friday

"Being out here in the second time around I've found I'm a lot more comfortable being around some of the bigger names in the league. Last year it was a little awkward, but more guys around the league have come to recognize me more so that always helps. I've found that people are recognizing me a little bit more too. I can't hang out at the pool and go incognito like I did last year. But I'm having a good time hanging out with the players and interacting with the fans. So I'm soaking up the sun and the atmosphere and having this opportunity has been cool."

If Kelsay cashes in, so, too, would Bills' Hargrove

Buffalo Bills defensive end Chris Kelsay will hit the free-agent market on March 2, where he'll no doubt receive lucrative offers from teams in need of capable D-linemen. But if Kelsay leaves, the Bills may not have difficulty replacing his production.

February 08, 2007

Clements to test free agency

Cornerback Nate Clements plans to test free agency next month, leaving the Buffalo Bills potentially without their top defensive play-maker. "One hundred percent, yeah," Clements' agent, Todd France, told The Associated Press on Thursday, when asked if his client plans to test the market once the NFL's free-agency period opens March 2.

Buffalo Bills To Host USA Football Coaching School

The USA Football Coaching School presented by the Buffalo Bills is set for Saturday, March 17, 2007, inside the Buffalo Bills Fieldhouse from 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM. USA Football has partnered with the Buffalo Bills to host a coaching clinic designed exclusively for youth football coaches. Youth coaches will learn effective ways to develop and organize a football team, teach proper fundamentals, implement drills and communicate with players, parents and other coaches.

Brian Moorman Pro Bowl Blog: Thursday

Well, I have to tell you that my brother-in-law emailed me and was giving me a hard time about bringing up the nice weather here in Honolulu to all of you back in Buffalo. He thought I was rubbing it in a little. I just want to be clear that was not my intention at all. (maybe to a few of my close friends there, but I would expect the same from them.).

Buffalo's forgotten man on the defensive line

A forgotten player who could go a long way toward repairing the Bills' woes against the run is defensive tackle John McCargo. Under a year after Buffalo made the ex-North Carolina State star its second first-round pick of the '06 draft (after safety Donte Whitner), McCargo has already become somewhat cast aside in western New York. The 6-foot-2, 295-pounder failed to make his presence felt during playing time last preseason, and that carried over into the Bills' regular schedule. Eventually, though, the Drake's Branch, Va., native started to progress.

February 07, 2007

Brian Moorman Pro Bowl Blog: Wednesday

It's already Wednesday and the first two days have flown by as I figured they would. We never did make it over to the north shore like we had planned so I have no pictures to share. We ran to K-Mart and got some snacks for the room and then decided we should take advantage of the day and hang out on the beach and by the pool. It was a good choice.

O-line aide jumps from Boise to Bills

Sean Kugler says he's been getting the question a lot since Boise State won the Fiesta Bowl. Kugler was the assistant head coach, a key member of the offensive staff. So did he take any credit for the three late, amazing plays that stunned Oklahoma on Jan. 1?

Safeties give Bills' secondary plenty of hope for future

Even if the Buffalo Bills lose No. 1 cornerback Nate Clements to free agency this March, there's still reason to believe their defensive backfield will be a future bright spot. The team's safeties, Donte Whitner and Ko Simpson, are players capable of keeping the secondary afloat for a long time sans Clements.

Kugler comes home to join Bills staff

Lockport’s Sean Kugler is coming home to help coach the Buffalo Bills next season. A former high school football great and graduate of DeSales Catholic High School, Kugler was introduced formally on Tuesday as the new Buffalo Bills assistant offensive line coach.

February 06, 2007

Bills Add Kugler As Assistant Offensive Line Coach

Buffalo's offensive line will now be overseen by a two part Western New York operation. Assisting Kenmore native Jim McNally with the offensive line will be new assistant offensive line coach Sean Kugler, a native of Lockport.

Brian Moorman Pro Bowl Blog: Tuesday

After my controversial disqualification last year in the Pro Bowl Skills challenge, I'm hopeful I can be part of the competition again this year. It's listed among the week of activities on our Pro Bowl itinerary. I don't know if it's in the cards for me or not this week. I definitely did ask right from the start. I was in contact with the NFLPA and told them that I'd be willing to fill in if they needed anybody because I highly doubt that I was on the top of their list for marquee players to be in the skills challenge.

Polian has credentials for Canton

Bill Polian has always been a leader, but as the Indianapolis Colts accepted the Vince Lombardi Trophy after winning Super Bowl XLI he needed a little guidance. "I said to the commissioner [Roger Goodell] I didn't know what to do up on that podium because I hadn't been there before," Polian said with a hearty laugh. "It's nice to get to go up there after all these years."

Ex-players take action

He had hoped to leave his six children his mementos - but instead may sell them on eBay. "It's time to quit the bitching and put together an organization to get help where the players need help," Dobler said. "By God, if nobody is going to take care of us, we will do it ourselves." That's why Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame guard Joe DeLamielleure is auctioning off a bracelet that former teammate O.J. Simpson gave him, one valued at about $1,500. He was moved to do so after seeing the state of former teammates - one of which he just visited in a shelter - and considering "we have realized the union and league will do nothing about this."

Bills sign Wire to three-year deal

Buffalo Bills special teams ace and reserve linebacker Coy Wire has signed a three-year contract to return to the team. Wire was scheduled to become a free agent in March but opted to return for what next season will be his sixth with the Bills.

Ex-Als coach Levy praised by Thomas

Thurman Thomas, one of six players elected Saturday to the Pro Football Hall of Fame at Canton, Ohio, gave thanks to former Alouettes coach Marv Levy, who was his coach with the Buffalo Bills. On hearing the news, Thomas told Tom D'Angelo of the Palm Beach Post about how he dreamed as a youngster of one day spiking the football after scoring a touchdown in the NFL.

Bills should follow playoff teams' example in backfield

Whether they retain McGahee for 2007, his contract year, a dual-back system could be the right path to take for the Bills. In the current NFL, having two runners who are above average has proven itself as a major benefit. Both Super Bowl participants from this past Sunday, Chicago and Indianapolis, had multiple ball carriers capable of shouldering the load. The Colts rode rookie Joseph Addai and veteran Dominic Rhodes to a 29-17 victory over the Bears, even more so than perennial Pro Bowl quarterback Peyton Manning, in fact.

Former Panther makes donation

Kiwaukee Thomas hasn’t forgotten about his alma mater, even after seven seasons playing in the National Football League. Perry High School head football coach and athletic director Andy Scott announced that Thomas made a $4,000 donation to the school for the purpose of improving the weight room.

February 05, 2007

Brian Moorman Pro Bowl Blog: Monday

Well we're probably a bit fortunate that we got out here last night. My wife Amber and I were delayed flying out of Buffalo yesterday. As a result we missed our connection for our direct flight in Chicago. So we had to make an extra connection to get out to Honolulu. Other than that and not getting our luggage until this morning everything was pretty smooth.

Wire Back In The Fold With Bills

Coy Wire was adamant about wanting to stay in Buffalo as a member of the Bills as he was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March. Wire fulfilled his wish as he successfully re-signed with the club Monday agreeing to a multi-year deal just a month after the conclusion of the 2006 season.

BSU assistant head coach takes Buffalo Bills job

Boise State football assistant head coach and offensive line coach Sean Kugler stunned his players Friday by telling them he is leaving the Broncos after one season to return to the NFL. Kugler has accepted a job as an offensive line coach with the Buffalo Bills. The school announced the move Sunday.

Bills' Thomas earns well-deserved place in Canton

The National Football League announced its newest inductees into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. Among them was former Buffalo Bills great Thurman Thomas, who was voted into Canton in just his second year of Hall eligibility. Thomas is the third member of the Bills' organization from the team's 1990s AFC dynasty to make the Hall of Fame, joining quarterback Jim Kelly and head coach Marv Levy.

February 04, 2007

Brown has fit bill in Chicago

Ruben Brown finally made it to the Super Bowl. If things had gone differently, he would have sooner. The Bears' nine-time Pro Bowl guard's career with the Buffalo Bills came to a dramatic end before the final game of the 2003 season, although it is described in dry terms in the Chicago media guide: "Selected to his eighth Pro Bowl after starting the first 15 games of the campaign at LG and helping clear the way for RB Travis Henry to rush for over 1,300 yards for the second straight season . . . Inactive for the season finale at New England due to personal reasons; snapping his career-long streak of 71 consecutive starts."

Grossman is capable of leading Bears to an upset

From the moment the Chicago Bears entered the postseason, the question was, can they win it all with Rex Grossman at quarterback. It's a fair question. When Grossman is good, he's really good. His quick release and strong arm have scorched many defenses this season. But when Grossman's evil twin shows up, he's unwatchable with his fumbling and penchant for completing passes to the wrong colored jersey.

Thomas joins list of NFL's best

As the clock ticked down toward 2:30 Saturday afternoon, the time that the Pro Football Hall of Fame would be announcing its induction class for 2007, Thurman Thomas was laying on the bed in his Miami hotel room watching college basketball and waiting for the phone to ring.

Thurman's latest wait comes to an end

Given how it all started there was a symmetry Saturday to the way it ended, with Thomas receiving word of his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Once again, he'd been snubbed until the second round, his eligibility having commenced last year. Once again, he'd been made to fidget longer than reason would have dictated. The 40-member voting committee had passed him by on his first go-round, having decided that there are varying degrees to deserving, which might hold true in some cases, this not being one of those.

Thomas going in Hall of Fame

Thurman Thomas was lying on his hotel room bed Saturday afternoon watching a college basketball game on television when the good news came. "I heard a loud scream, and it was my mom coming down the hallway saying, "We're in! We're in!' " Thomas said.

Super Bowl Losers Paraded as Champions in Faraway Places

In some parts of the world, the Seattle Seahawks are the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Buffalo Bills are the last great football dynasty and Tom Brady is some frustrated quarterback from New England who can never win it all. So say the T-shirts and the caps worn in Niger, Uganda and Sierra Leone.

February 03, 2007

Reaction to Saturday's Pro Football Hall of Fame election

Reaction to the announcement Saturday that Michael Irvin, Thurman Thomas, Bruce Matthews, Gene Hickerson, Charlie Sanders and Roger Wehrli will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame:

Irvin, Thomas Elected to Hall of Fame

Michael Irvin wrapped his arms around Thurman Thomas in the kind of hug that new Hall of Famers share. Somewhere, Paul Tagliabue could only envy their emotional display. "That embrace Thurman and I had, we talked earlier, we were falling apart on the phone," Irvin said. "We don't sound like cool people that played a tough game right now."

February 02, 2007

Replacement of scoreboard for Bills OK'd

Erie County will borrow the remaining $2.75 million needed to replace Ralph Wilson Stadium's aging JumboTron with a high-definition scoreboard twice as large. County lawmakers voted, 13-0, Thursday to borrow the money and repay it with county tax dollars over 15 years.

Super Bowl-bound Smith could have been Buffalo's

The Buffalo Bills , who pathetically haven't made the playoffs since the 20th century (1999, to be exact) in this era of widespread parity, had their chance to hire Smith in January 2004. Their former general manager, Tom Donahoe, interviewed Smith at One Bills Drive but made one of the most incompetent decisions of his five-year tenure, electing to pass on the Texas native for Mike Mularkey, who failed in Buffalo.

February 01, 2007

Like a Broken Record, Bills Increase Ticket Prices Again; Focus Continues to be on Cheap!

The annual ticket price hike news regarding Bills games just broke with the organization announcing the hike today. Y-A-W-N! Naturally, accompanying the notice is the complimentary sidekick announcement that the team still has the least expensive ticket prices of any team in the league.

Steve Tasker Super Bowl Blog: Thursday

The big buzz down here this week has been Peyton Manning. It's the biggest story there is, but Chicago defensive tackle Tank Williams has garnered some attention too with his whole situation with the gun arrest. Even though I've been a part of Super Bowls as a player and now as a member of the media, I'm still awed by the amount of coverage for this game. It is just so over the top.

Buffalo's 'D' will have difficulty reaching Bear-like heights

Unfortunately for the Bills, whose 'D' finished last season ranked a decent 18th overall, they're nowhere near ready to rise to the Bears' level. Luckily for Buffalo, its level-headed general manager, Marv Levy, and soft-spoken head coach, Jauron, are wise enough to know their roster is currently a work in progress.