The Bills have agreed to a 3 year, $12M deal ($6M guaranteed) with former Green Bay Packers' linebacker Nick Barnett.
At first glance, this sounded like a great signing and a definite upgrade at inside linebacker. Although still an upgrade over Torbor and Andra Davis, it is likely that Barnett's best years are behind him. He turned 30 in May.
He was drafted in the first round in 2003 by Green Bay. He had over 100 tackles in each of his first 5 seasons including 9 interceptions. He has had injury problems in 2 of the last 3 seasons. Barnett played only 9 games in 2008 with a torn ACL and only 4 games in 2010 with a wrist injury. Barnett joins Merriman as former all pro players hoping to resurrect themselves in Buffalo.
Starting linebackers for 2011: Marriman, Davis, Barnett, Kelsay. Could be worse, I guess.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Arthur Moats practicing at ILB
by Steve
So the Buffalo Bills replacement of Paul Posluszny is... Arthur Moats?!!? Does this make any damn sense at all? I know the team is cheap and no one (who isn't over paid) wants to come here but moving Moats, who seemed to sort of maybe kind of, starting to come into his own on the outside move inside?
Maybe this is just a blip in the training camp radar and there just aren't enough ILBs ready to fully practice. Or the football people who actually get paid are smarter than me(doubt it). Either way bring in another god damn ILB and keep Moats at his natural position.
In other news per bb.com:
Bills GM Buddy Nix said back in 2009 in preparation for the draft that spring they had Eric Wood, Andy Levitre and Kraig Urbik ranked as the top three guards in the class. Now they have all three.
draft pick jersey number assignments.
Dareus 99 Williams 23
Sheppard 55 Searcy 25
Hairston 75 J. White 35
C. White 50 Rogers 42
Jasper 69
and
So the Buffalo Bills replacement of Paul Posluszny is... Arthur Moats?!!? Does this make any damn sense at all? I know the team is cheap and no one (who isn't over paid) wants to come here but moving Moats, who seemed to sort of maybe kind of, starting to come into his own on the outside move inside?
Maybe this is just a blip in the training camp radar and there just aren't enough ILBs ready to fully practice. Or the football people who actually get paid are smarter than me(doubt it). Either way bring in another god damn ILB and keep Moats at his natural position.
In other news per bb.com:
Bills GM Buddy Nix said back in 2009 in preparation for the draft that spring they had Eric Wood, Andy Levitre and Kraig Urbik ranked as the top three guards in the class. Now they have all three.
draft pick jersey number assignments.
Dareus 99 Williams 23
Sheppard 55 Searcy 25
Hairston 75 J. White 35
C. White 50 Rogers 42
Jasper 69
and
Here’s the starting ‘D’ in today’s walk through.
DL – Dareus, Williams, Edwards
LB – Kelsay, Torbor, Davis, Merriman
CB – McGee, McKelvin
S – Wilson, Byrd
Friday, July 29, 2011
Next on the list: LB Kevin Burnett
by Steve
fail********* he signed with the dolphins****
The most glaring needs for the Bills while still shopping in free agency are linebacker and offensive tackle. The Bills whiffed on Tyson Clabo when he decided to stick with his previous team so it is now time to move down the list: former SD linebacker Kevin Burnett.
The Bills are reportedly one of five teams courting the 28 year old 6'3 240 pound inside linebacker. According to rotoworld the 5th best free agent ILB is a long shot to return to the Chargers with a $5 mil+ asking price.
The question is would Burnett seriously consider player for the Bills AND is he worth $5 mil per season. I say why not, especially since he would be cheaper than Posluszny and statistically had a better season AND has had a better career. The scrubs over at WGR think they'll be meeting in a "day or two" although the Dolphins are currently visiting with Burnett which doesn't seem to bode well for the Bills.
OBD we need something, step yo game up.
fail********* he signed with the dolphins****
The most glaring needs for the Bills while still shopping in free agency are linebacker and offensive tackle. The Bills whiffed on Tyson Clabo when he decided to stick with his previous team so it is now time to move down the list: former SD linebacker Kevin Burnett.
The Bills are reportedly one of five teams courting the 28 year old 6'3 240 pound inside linebacker. According to rotoworld the 5th best free agent ILB is a long shot to return to the Chargers with a $5 mil+ asking price.
The question is would Burnett seriously consider player for the Bills AND is he worth $5 mil per season. I say why not, especially since he would be cheaper than Posluszny and statistically had a better season AND has had a better career. The scrubs over at WGR think they'll be meeting in a "day or two" although the Dolphins are currently visiting with Burnett which doesn't seem to bode well for the Bills.
OBD we need something, step yo game up.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Tyson Clabo NOT to the Bufflao Bills
update*******
FAIL, Falcons signed him ****
Nothing is official yet per Atlanta Journal Constitution
Nftdraftupdate: Just talked to Tyson Clabo. He said. "We're still talking, D. Led. I'll definitely no something tomorrow." -
And our boys at QCS:
FAIL, Falcons signed him ****
Nothing is official yet per Atlanta Journal Constitution
Nftdraftupdate: Just talked to Tyson Clabo. He said. "We're still talking, D. Led. I'll definitely no something tomorrow." -
And our boys at QCS:
Update: Tyson Clabo is now saying a decision is coming tomorrow. It’s being said he wants to see if Atlanta changes their mind on their stance on the offer for him. Clabo has openly stated that he wants to remain a Falcon, but Buffalo’s deal is the better deal now.
Atlanta and Clabo were said to be far apart, Buffalo has offered Clabo more money and years, and we are being told that the only way Clabo doesn’t sign in Buffalo is if the Falcons change their stance. Which I’m being told is unlikely, although he is giving them the opportunity to match.
Tyson Clabo for those who do not know:
Walterfootball has him ranked as the #5 free agent tackle (he plays RT).
29 years old 6'6 331 coming off a pro bowl season (voted in as starter) and has played in all 16 games the last two seasons.
Bills ink WR/KR Brad Smith 4 years $15 mil
by Steve
Hmm, another kick returner is obviously the first thought that went through my head when I got the "Brad Smith 4 years $15 mil" text. My next thought was wait 'is that is the dude that seemingly murdered us every time we played against the Jets last season'?
He does seem to be saying all the right things, but who wouldn't after getting over paid to return kicks and throw a pass once every season or so? Alright so he is another interesting piece on an offense that still needs to greatly improve. But does he take the roster spot of another young receiver with potential? Does he take away touches from CJ Spiller?
I see this signing as a positive for Mr. Bust jr Spiller. First, we won't have to hold our breath every time he runs 40 mph into jacked dudes running 30 mph right into him. And secondly, putting Smith out there in odd formations (ie the wildcat) with Spiller also in the back field could be very interesting. Both dudes have talent and skill, combine them and figure out how to harness that skill and we could have a Ricky Williams/Ronnie Brown scenario cooking. Then you really have a stew goin on.
I'm just trying to take a slightly different look at this mediocre at best signing. Anger may take over my opinion if no big dudes on the offensive line or defensive front seven are brought it of course. But for now I'll give Nix the benefit of the doubt that they just want another piece on offense for defenses to game plan around.
Hmm, another kick returner is obviously the first thought that went through my head when I got the "Brad Smith 4 years $15 mil" text. My next thought was wait 'is that is the dude that seemingly murdered us every time we played against the Jets last season'?
He does seem to be saying all the right things, but who wouldn't after getting over paid to return kicks and throw a pass once every season or so? Alright so he is another interesting piece on an offense that still needs to greatly improve. But does he take the roster spot of another young receiver with potential? Does he take away touches from CJ Spiller?
I see this signing as a positive for Mr. Bust jr Spiller. First, we won't have to hold our breath every time he runs 40 mph into jacked dudes running 30 mph right into him. And secondly, putting Smith out there in odd formations (ie the wildcat) with Spiller also in the back field could be very interesting. Both dudes have talent and skill, combine them and figure out how to harness that skill and we could have a Ricky Williams/Ronnie Brown scenario cooking. Then you really have a stew goin on.
I'm just trying to take a slightly different look at this mediocre at best signing. Anger may take over my opinion if no big dudes on the offensive line or defensive front seven are brought it of course. But for now I'll give Nix the benefit of the doubt that they just want another piece on offense for defenses to game plan around.
Buffalo Bills talking with Tyson Clabo RT
Per the Atlanta Journal Constitution the Bills are talking turkey with former Falcons right tackle Tyson Clabo. Walter Football has him ranked the 5th best tackle heading into free agency.
Also read more at Buffalo Rumblings.
Also read more at Buffalo Rumblings.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Paul Posluszny signing with Jacksonville?
Per PFT and confirmed by NFL.com writer Jason La Canfora:
Jay Glazer of FOX writes via Twitter that Paul Posluszny will sign with the Jaguars.
Losing Posluszny would be a big blow to the Bills defense, who already struggles against the run. The move could also signal that Kirk Morrison won’t return to the Jaguars.
UPDATE: Jason La Canfora reports Posluszny will join the Jaguars on a six-year deal.
Surprising but not shocking, this wouldn't be a huge blow considering "Poz" is the personification of mediocre but it does create another hole for the Bills
-steve
Monday, July 25, 2011
Who are the 2011 Buffalo bills
by Coast
(if you missed it here is Steve's break down of free agency)
Wow, so the NFL lockout is over. This means my 7 month blog hiatus is over. It is football season, finally. I actually had to spend time paying attention to the NHL regular season in March-June without free agency, mini camps, etc. I was starting to learn the names of players NOT on the Sabres, something that I would have found embarrassing in years past. It was a brutal 4 plus months. Please, never let this happen again.
(if you missed it here is Steve's break down of free agency)
Wow, so the NFL lockout is over. This means my 7 month blog hiatus is over. It is football season, finally. I actually had to spend time paying attention to the NHL regular season in March-June without free agency, mini camps, etc. I was starting to learn the names of players NOT on the Sabres, something that I would have found embarrassing in years past. It was a brutal 4 plus months. Please, never let this happen again.
So, now that the lockout is over, I need to re-learn who actually is under contract on this football team that is worth a damn, if anyone.
Quarterback: My boy Levi Brown and my boy times 2 Ryan Fitzpatrick. I have never loved a duo of quarterbacks more than these two. Levi Brown is a perennial 3rd string NFL QB at best and my boy Fitz is, well, he is a future hall of famer and the man to lead this football team back to the promise land. Since these two are the only two QBs on the roster going in to training camp, the Bills will surely be in the hunt for some quarterback help...maybe someone like Tyler Thigpen who has a history with Chan.
Running Back: The Bills only have 2 starters on the team this year going into camp, not 3. Yeah, Spiller has been a bust, but if you are drafted 9th, you best be starting. Fred and the whole county of Erie still think he is as good as Barry Sanders circa 1992. I believe Corey McIntyre is still on the roster and the Bills, of course, drafted their token running back when they should have drafted an offensive lineman or linebacker in Johnny White. He might actually be good. Quinton Ganther is a RFA. Who knows or cares if he will be on the team.
Wide Receiver: I think this is the Bills strongest position. They have about 300 receivers on the roster and most of them got solid game action in 2010. They are Easley, Evans, Hubbard, Huggins, Johnson, Jones, Nelson, Parrish and Roosevelt. Marcus Easley is a wild card since he missed all of 2010 after being a reasonably high draft pick last year. Lee Evans and Steve Johnson are probably shoe ins to start. Roscoe Parrish, David Nelson and Donald Jones are locks to make the team. The 6th receiver spot will have to be earned in training camp and the preseason...hopefully Naaman Roosevelt, the UB alum, earns the spot. I don't think there is any way the Bills bring anyone in from the free agent wire to help at wide receiver.
Tight End: The Bills have no tight end for the 12th consecutive season. Scott Chandler is a RFA who we have tendered. Jonathan Stupar is an exclusive rights FA who we have not tendered. David Martin is certainly not the answer and Shawn Nelson is looking like a bum. The Bills drafted Mike Caussin (who?). He isn't going to be replacing Pete Metzalaars any time soon. The Bills HAVE to find a tight end with a pulse in free agency. Zach Miller anyone?
Offensive Line: The starters from 2010 look to be the same going in to 2011. Demetrius Bell hasn't really impressed (see the film against the Vikings from last year). The Bills are at least decent in the interior with Hangartner, Wood and Levitre. Eric Wood is the team's best center so hopefully he will at least switch with Hangartner for 2011. I think Cornell Green was the starter opening day in 2010 at RT and at this point in time I have no idea who will be starting there this year...is it Mansfield Wrotto? The Bills depth at offensive line is, well, I haven't heard of most of these guys. I know that the Bills drafted Ed Wang, the only Chinese player in the NFL. Is he ever going to be good enough to actually play? I think Cordero Howard got some action in 2010 also so he can provide some depth. Chris Hairston, the 4th round pick from 2011, is most likely at least a year away from contributing. The Bills have some other guys that aren't worth mentioning as well. Basically, I think the Bills will do themselves well by picking up some help at offensive line.
Defensive Line: The Bills run defense in 2010 was possibly the worst run defense in the history of the league. The Bills addressed this need with the 3rd pick in the NFL draft by taking 'Bama defensive lineman Marcell Dareus. Dareus could be the best player in the 2011 class and from what I have seen, he actually seems like he has a solid head on his shoulders. Kyle Williams, the Bills best lineman from 2010 will return along with 2010 free agent pick up Dwan Edwards to complete the starting defensive line in the "hybrid 3-4," what ever that means. The Bills also will return Alex Carrington, Spencer Johnson and Torell Troup to provide solid depth in the interior. Hopefully Troup and Carrington can step their games up in their 2nd seasons. Don't forget about Michael Jasper...the 394 pound rook from Bethel College...he could be the next Ted Washington. One player almost certain to be off the team, finally, is John McCargo. Remember when we actually traded UP into the FIRST round to draft this guy? Good one, Marv.
Linebacker: Paul Posluszny is the UFA and allegedly will test the free agent waters. He wants to stay a Bill and hopefully the Bills can keep him. I don't think Pos is that great but he is a lot better than the alternative, whatever that would be. Also UFA are Akin Ayodele and Keith Ellison. Hopefully these guys are gone, especially Ellison...I am so sick of this dude...somehow he has been on the team for 5 years. I am not really sure what the deal is with Andra Davis...is he on the team still/going to be starting opening day at ILB? I sure hope not. I am banking on the 3rd round pick out of LSU, Kelvin Sheppard, winning a starting job next to Pos in the interior of the Bills linebacking core. Unfortunately, Chris Kelsay is still on the team and will be starting on the strong side. Oh yeah, the Bills have Shawn Merriman, who has more sacks than anyone on the Bills times 10 combined. Can he return to 2006 form? Probably not. Will he ever play a down for the Bills? Probably not. We can only hope he shows up and is ready to do the lights out dance all over Tom Brady. Waiting in the wings at outside linebacker are Arthur Don't Cross the Moats and Antonio Coleman (although he might play middle, I don't really know). Either way, I think the linebacker corps looks better than last year...which isn't saying much.
Defensive Back: Dante Whitner is finally going to be off this football team. He is somehow going to get paid top 5 or 10 safety money and he barely warrants starting in the league. The Bills were no different on defense with him in there or with George Wilson in there along with Jairus Byrd. Finally I won't have to watch Whitner drop pick 6s (like he did against the Ravens) or get run over by running backs because he is like 5'9 123 pounds. I am done with Whitner. Jairus Byrd better have been going through a sophomore slump last year. How do you go from 9 INTs to 1 INT in week 17 in garbage time when the Jets were already up by 30? Bryan Scott will also be returning as a veteran strong safety presence along with George Wilson and will provide quality depth at safety. So who will be replacing Whitner in the starting lineup eventually? It's gotta be rookie 2nd round pick Aaron Williams...or OP native John Corto...I just puked when I saw his name on the roster. As far as cornerback goes, its looking like Terrance McGee and Leodis McKelvin will be starting opening day. Florence is a UFA and most likely will be gone. Also gone will be Ashton Youboty...who underachieved his entire Bills career. Reggie Corner will be returning as a backup and the Bills drafted Da'Norris Searcy in the 4th round...not really sure if he will play corner or safety or both...I haven't done my homework. Either way, it looks like the Bills may be thin at corner at the present time.
Free agency will begin in full force Friday at 6 PM...that is the time that veteran free agents can sign with teams. Follow the blog for the latest Bills news and opinions once this crazy shortened offseason gets fully underway.
The Bills heading into free agency
by Steve
I broke down the Bills free agents wayyyy back in February which I'm sure you all remember so I won't regurgitate everything. Instead here is Part 1 free agents to be and Part 2 decisions.
With a small amount of big name free agents but $35.9 million to spend the Bills could be a major factor in free agency, just don't hold your breath. Wait, how do we have the 2nd hardest strength of schedule, wtf? Uh, wow this team may need another 11 years of rebuilding.
The obvious positions of need are anything on defense, OT, QB, TE. John Clayton lists the Bills as a dark horse for Cullen Jenkins. I say why not other than maybe stunting Alex Carrington's growth. Dwan Edwards is nothing special neither is Spencer Johnson . Another no brainer would be free agent TE from Oakland Zach Miller (and no I didn't steal that idea from ESPN). 60 rec 685 yards and 5 TDs. Have the Bills tightends combined for those stats in the last 5 years total? Todd Heap wouldn't be a bad consolation prize either.
Offensive tackle, hmm how about Jared Gaither or Matt Light? One is young and sort of an asshole the other is old and played for an asshole team. Jeez, does this list really have Langston Walker as the #11 ranked OT free agent? Yikes. A right tackle is a bigger need and I believe Demetrius Bell could make a big leap in 2011 so I'd take a flyer on Gaither if he can pass a physical.
That leaves us with quarterback. Don't even mention the name Tyler Thigpen either. GIVE ME THE VY. Dude flat out wins. Yes I am discounting the alleged suicide attempt and his general inability to work hard because I blame ol' Jeff Fisher. Well I already laid out the case hereso go there for more. Plus it has been reported that the Bills want an athletic Qb, case closed.
Alright fine none of that will happen and we'll resign Posluszny and Drayton Florence and no one will complain. At least Whitner will be over paid somewhere else and we have Marcell Dareus right? 6-10 it is
I broke down the Bills free agents wayyyy back in February which I'm sure you all remember so I won't regurgitate everything. Instead here is Part 1 free agents to be and Part 2 decisions.
With a small amount of big name free agents but $35.9 million to spend the Bills could be a major factor in free agency, just don't hold your breath. Wait, how do we have the 2nd hardest strength of schedule, wtf? Uh, wow this team may need another 11 years of rebuilding.
The obvious positions of need are anything on defense, OT, QB, TE. John Clayton lists the Bills as a dark horse for Cullen Jenkins. I say why not other than maybe stunting Alex Carrington's growth. Dwan Edwards is nothing special neither is Spencer Johnson . Another no brainer would be free agent TE from Oakland Zach Miller (and no I didn't steal that idea from ESPN). 60 rec 685 yards and 5 TDs. Have the Bills tightends combined for those stats in the last 5 years total? Todd Heap wouldn't be a bad consolation prize either.
Offensive tackle, hmm how about Jared Gaither or Matt Light? One is young and sort of an asshole the other is old and played for an asshole team. Jeez, does this list really have Langston Walker as the #11 ranked OT free agent? Yikes. A right tackle is a bigger need and I believe Demetrius Bell could make a big leap in 2011 so I'd take a flyer on Gaither if he can pass a physical.
That leaves us with quarterback. Don't even mention the name Tyler Thigpen either. GIVE ME THE VY. Dude flat out wins. Yes I am discounting the alleged suicide attempt and his general inability to work hard because I blame ol' Jeff Fisher. Well I already laid out the case hereso go there for more. Plus it has been reported that the Bills want an athletic Qb, case closed.
Alright fine none of that will happen and we'll resign Posluszny and Drayton Florence and no one will complain. At least Whitner will be over paid somewhere else and we have Marcell Dareus right? 6-10 it is
Thursday, July 14, 2011
The Buffalo Bills need to trade for James Harrison
by Steve
I never thought the day would come that this blog would actually like a Pittsburgh Steeler let alone admit it publicly. As far as I can tell there are no pigs flying around Buffalo's West Side and the cows have yet to come home. I like James Harrison.
Dude is straight filthy/nasty, has no filter, and hates everyone. What isn't to like? He publicly murdered ol' Rog the commissioner and even threw his own players under the bus.
Yes he is entering the final year of his contract and Jimbo "murda" Harrison is 33 but he has averaged 11+ sacks per year the last four years. He plays a brutal style which could shorten his shelf life and he thrives in a system that allows him to thrive but the time could never be better to swap something/anything to attain this stud.
The Steelers in all likelihood are going to be looking to dump the guy after this latest episode and are negotiating from a position of weakness. Furthermore it isn't like I am making this up, google "trade James Harrison" oopps did the work for you, people want to get rid of him and experts think it is possible too.
Lord knows linebacker is a major position of need for the 'ills and who better to fill that void than a straight stud, sorry Shawne Merriman and Paul Posluszny you don't cut the mustard.
I never thought the day would come that this blog would actually like a Pittsburgh Steeler let alone admit it publicly. As far as I can tell there are no pigs flying around Buffalo's West Side and the cows have yet to come home. I like James Harrison.
Dude is straight filthy/nasty, has no filter, and hates everyone. What isn't to like? He publicly murdered ol' Rog the commissioner and even threw his own players under the bus.
Yes he is entering the final year of his contract and Jimbo "murda" Harrison is 33 but he has averaged 11+ sacks per year the last four years. He plays a brutal style which could shorten his shelf life and he thrives in a system that allows him to thrive but the time could never be better to swap something/anything to attain this stud.
The Steelers in all likelihood are going to be looking to dump the guy after this latest episode and are negotiating from a position of weakness. Furthermore it isn't like I am making this up, google "trade James Harrison" oopps did the work for you, people want to get rid of him and experts think it is possible too.
Lord knows linebacker is a major position of need for the 'ills and who better to fill that void than a straight stud, sorry Shawne Merriman and Paul Posluszny you don't cut the mustard.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Buffalo Sabres sign Ville Leino 6 yr $27 mil
by Steve
It is no Brad Richards, although I did not want him any way, but Ville Leino and his $4.5 mil for the next six years is a consolation prize. He allegedly will play center but he isn't the top line center most Sabres fans dreamed of.
It seems Buffalo over paid for the former Flyer (then again anyone remember OT game 6 in Buffalo?). Leino will be 28 before the season starts and hasn't had a prolific career thus far. Who knows maybe he will be another diamond in the rough but are we really expecting him to have more points on a line with say Stafford and Ennis than without Hartnell and Briere? Eek.
Also it appears the Sabres never even met with Richards and his posse. What gives? I thought Pegula and co were gonna go all out guns blazing for the guy? At 31 he wasn't all that desirable paying a guy coming off an injury plagued season and on the down slope of his career.
Bottom line the Sabres had few options, appear to have spent a little too much but are far better than they were ten days ago. The onus now falls on Ryan Millsie Miller and Lindy Ruff to prove they can do something they haven't been able to before, win.
It is no Brad Richards, although I did not want him any way, but Ville Leino and his $4.5 mil for the next six years is a consolation prize. He allegedly will play center but he isn't the top line center most Sabres fans dreamed of.
It seems Buffalo over paid for the former Flyer (then again anyone remember OT game 6 in Buffalo?). Leino will be 28 before the season starts and hasn't had a prolific career thus far. Who knows maybe he will be another diamond in the rough but are we really expecting him to have more points on a line with say Stafford and Ennis than without Hartnell and Briere? Eek.
Also it appears the Sabres never even met with Richards and his posse. What gives? I thought Pegula and co were gonna go all out guns blazing for the guy? At 31 he wasn't all that desirable paying a guy coming off an injury plagued season and on the down slope of his career.
Bottom line the Sabres had few options, appear to have spent a little too much but are far better than they were ten days ago. The onus now falls on Ryan Millsie Miller and Lindy Ruff to prove they can do something they haven't been able to before, win.
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