Archives for March 2004

‘New Jets defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson wants to play a gambling, blitz-happy scheme that relies on man-to-man coverage and Winfield is the perfect fit. Winfield, a first-round pick in 1999, has played his entire career with the Bills and last season became the first cornerback in club history to lead the team in tackles. Opponents rarely threw to his side with success.’

‘As of last night, the two sides were trying to hammer out a deal. It’s believed the Jets offered a multi-year contract averaging at least $5.6 million per year, including a signing bonus that may top $10 million. One sticking point was the amount of money in the first three years, but there were late indications an agreement could be reached today.’

‘Winfield, 26, viewed as a good fit for the predominantly man-to-man system the Jets want to play, made the Jets his first stop on his free-agent tour. He has other visits planned, but he and his agent spent the night on Long Island and will continue talks with the Jets this morning.’

Clayton’s Quick Hits:

The Bills cut tight end Dave Moore to save $800,000 of cap room. Their plan was to cut him and re-sign him quickly to the minimum salary qualifier and get $450,000 in cap relief. The only problem is that the Bucs worked quickly to convince him to return to the Tampa area. Moore, a former Bucs starting tight end, accepted the minimum salary tender and joined Jon Gruden and the Bucs Wednesday.

Dave Moore always had a nose for the end zone at Raymond James Stadium. Maybe that helped him find his way back to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers opened their 2004 free agency efforts on Wednesday with the immediate signing of Moore, the 12th-year veteran TE. Moore played the majority of his NFL career with the Buccaneers before spending the last two seasons with the Buffalo Bills.

‘”First and foremost, they have great fans. The family atmosphere. Thirdly would be the coaching staff. I met with the staff and they’re excited. They want to win. They want to bring a winner here. I want to win. That’s our fit.”‘

‘Last season, he started all 13 games in which he played. Entering his ninth season, Villarrial has primarily played right guard with the exception of the 1997 season when he started 11 games at center. A three-year starter at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Villarrial was drafted by the Bears in the fifth round of the 1996 draft.’

‘The Bills also worked out cornerback Troy Vincent on Wednesday. Vincent, who has 42 interceptions in his 12-year career, has played with both Philadelphia and Miami. ”We had a good talk and it was a chance for him to visit with certain people,” Mularkey said. ”I think he’s still playing at a high level and is a very good corner.”’

‘Villarrial, 30, has spent his entire eight-year career with the Chicago Bears, starting 109 of the 116 games that he has appeared in.’

‘Whether it’s Drew Bledsoe’s confidence to stand in the pocket, or bigger holes for Travis Henry, improving the offense starts in the trenches, and that’s where I’d spend my money first.’

‘The Bills say reports on CNN/SI report that they’re close to coming to terms with free agent Damien Woody are false.’

‘The 30-year-old has proven to be durable while playing for the Bears. Villarrial will likely be plugged into Buffalo’s starting lineup, as he was a mainstay on the Bears’ offensive line. He started in 109 of the 116 games he appeared in, including 13 games last season. Villarrial also has experience at center, where he played 11 games in 1997.’

‘Villarrial, 30, had spent his first eight seasons with the Chicago Bears and started in 109 of the 116 games that he appeared in. Last year, Villarrial started all 13 games he played.’

‘The 12-year veteran spent the past two seasons in Buffalo, where he had 11 starts in 29 games. He had only seven catches for 82 yards last season.’

‘…Eagles’ five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Troy Vincent…Vincent, visiting Buffalo today and expected in Cincinnati Thursday according to agent Linda Bodley…’.