Archives for July 2003

‘The 27-year-old product of Pittsburg State signed with the Bills as a free agent before the 2001 season.’

This season is the final year in Winfield’s contract, and the way we hear it, there’s no rush on either end to get an extension done. It’s not because of dissatisfaction though. The Bills certainly want to re-sign him, but they may let it slide until next offseason, under the belief that Winfield or his agent won’t be pushing to get a deal done either. Winfield has been a fine cover corner for the Bills and an even better run supporter. He’s part of the team’s up-and-coming tandem of Ohio State corners along with Nate Clements, and there’s little doubt Buffalo would like to keep that intact, especially after this year’s overhaul on defense. However, one thing about apathy that could bite the Bills in the long run is, if the pass rush improves, Winfield’s numbers could spike, and that could cost the Bills more money to keep him.

The Bills announced that the team has agreed to terms on a new long-term contract with punter Brian Moorman. In accordance with club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. His 84-yard punt at Green Bay on 12/22/02 was the NFL’s longest of 2002 and ranks as the longest in Bills history.

‘"This team has a great attitude throughout the locker room," Moorman said. "Everyone is excited and anxious to start the season. This is going to be a big year for us. Anything less than making some damage in the playoffs is going to be a big disappointment."’

‘But in choosing to instead sign Moorman to a long-term contract, the Bills hope to gain the kind of stability they had at the punter position before 2001, when Chris Mohr owned the job for a decade. For his part, Moorman nearly trebles what he was scheduled to earn in 2003, and also gets future security.’

Even though he was named All-Border Conference three times at Arizona State University, when the AFL and NFL drafts took place in December 1961, George Flint, who played both offensive and defensive tackle, was not selected. As a free agent, he could have seemingly tried out with any of the 22 teams in the two leagues. He choose the Bills.

Kicker Jason Witczak now has #7, NFLE star RB Ken Simonton now has #40 and former Redskins/Cowboys Ross Tucker has #65. Ronald Boldin is no longer listed on roster although he was not a recent cut (previously was not assigned a number). Eighty-Four players are now listed on roster.

‘Rosenhaus and the Bills must find common ground on a deal that protects the team’s cap should McGahee fail to recover fully. Deuce McAllister’s 2001 rookie deal with New Orleans – six years, $6.2 million with a $3.9 million bonus that was delivered in portions – has given both sides a starting point. McAllister was also picked 23rd overall and had injury issues.’

‘Harris left Grambling as an eighth-round draft choice of the Buffalo Bills in 1969 and later became the NFL’s first African American quarterback to start a regular-season game.’

‘In addition, cornerback Jason Bostic has been waived/failed physical.’

‘Enyart was a second round NFL draft selection of the Buffalo Bills, playing two seasons, before his career was ended by a knee injury in 1971 while with the Oakland Raiders.’

‘The Bills today announced that the team has released the following four players: defensive lineman Andy Bowers, cornerback Ken Hilliard, offensive lineman Joey Hollenbeck, and defensive lineman Merceda Perry.’

With contract talks with rookies underway, veteran agent Ralph Cindrich provided this insight into how Bills GM Tom Donahoe is working his side of the table: "He’s extremely smart… He’s a pain in the butt to deal with. He has little or no patience in negotiations because his focus is on the whole picture and while negotiations are extremely important, it’s just a small part of the duties of a GM."

"I’m a competitor to the fullest, and I want to get my hands on anything they want," Shaw said.

"It hasn’t been spelled out but as of now, that’s part (return specialist) of what I’m here to do. If that’s the case, it’s fine with me. It’s another opportunity to get my hands on the ball and help anyway I can."

If Takeo Spikes is the next Cornelius Bennett for the Buffalo Bills, then what does that make Jeff Posey? Darryl Talley?

When the Bills played the Texans, Posey beat LT Jennings for a clean sack. Against Indianapolis’ top tackle, Tarik Glenn, Posey notched two sacks. Posey worked out of a 3-4 scheme with the Texans and will have to prove he can adapt to Williams’ version of the 4-3, which so far, has been abysmal in Buffalo.