Archives for February 2005

‘He could get that opportunity in Dallas, with the Cowboys needing a starter because neither Vinny Testaverde nor Drew Henson proved to be the answer for them this past season. Testaverde is eligible for unrestricted free agency and could be headed back to the New York Jets, and Parcells does not seem ready to go with Henson or fellow youngster Tony Romo as his starter. Parcells coached Bledsoe for four seasons, between 1993 and ’96, with the Patriots, and the two reached a Super Bowl together. The Cowboys went 6-10 this past season but could improve rapidly, with two first-round draft choices and abundant salary cap space to sign free agents. The Browns also could be in the running to sign Bledsoe. New coach Romeo Crennel was the Patriots’ defensive line coach for four seasons under Parcells when Bledsoe was in New England.’

‘Team officials have not returned several messages left by The Associated Press.’

‘The impending release of Bledsoe will save the Bills $2.2 million in cap space. Had he remained on the team at his scheduled pay, he would have counted $6.5 million this year.’

The Buffalo Bills have called a 1 p.m. news conference Wednesday amid reports that quarterback Drew Bledsoe is about to be released.’

The Bills braintrust have made a major decision that will impact the Bills in 2005 and beyond. The Drew Bledsoe era is over in Buffalo and the reigns are being turned over to J.P. Losman, now the question remains, is it the right move at the right time?

‘Had Bledsoe been willing to embrace the likelihood that Losman will be the starter in 2005, the Bills would have brought him back at a lower salary. But Bledsoe is determined to remain a starter in the NFL. The Bills invested first-, second- and fifth-round draft choices in Losman last April. After the Bills’ non-playoff finish, the team is ready to get its quarterback of the future on the field.’

‘NFL quarterback Shane Matthews and his father, Bill Matthews, took home separate honors for the All-American Football Foundation’s 67th annual Banquet of Champions.’

‘One possible stumbling block is Bledsoe’s desire to be a starter. He was given the option to stay with Buffalo as backup to second-year quarterback J.P. Losman but declined. If he signed with Dallas, Bledsoe could find himself in the same situation with Henson.’

‘Per NFL rules, the Bills can’t officially cut Bledsoe until Feb. 22, the start of the league’s waiver system. But FoxSports.com reported that the Bills were expected to announce the move today.’

‘Bledsoe started all 48 games for the Bills in his three-year stay. The Bills went 23-25 in that span, missing the playoffs all three season. Bledsoe played better during the second half of last season, getting the Bills back into playoff contention, but struggled in the season finale against Pittsburgh as the Bills lost to end their postseason hopes.’

‘Playing in 12 games for Buffalo last season, Greer recorded 12 tackles and one sack and started one game. After a rough start to the season, the Bills won six of their final seven games to finish 9-7. Greer parted saying he wants to start a foundation to aid in all kinds of programs. In part, he wants to give back to the community that gave so much to him, starting when he was an aspiring 6-year-old football star.’

‘The decision to move forward with Losman, a first-round choice in 2004 who missed most of the season while recovering from a broken leg, was actually made weeks ago. But club officials, particularly in discussions between Bledsoe and coach Mike Mularkey last week, afforded the classy veteran the opportunity to consider returning to the team as a backup, and at a reduced salary.’

‘ESPN.com also reported that there were discussions between the Bills and Dallas Cowboys in recent days about a trade. If Bledsoe lands in Dallas, he would be reunited with coach Bill Parcells, who selected him first overall in 1993 while with the New England Patriots.’

‘Losman, injured for much of last season, played in just four games and threw only five passes.’

‘Certainly the Bills wouldn’t have been contemplating about bringing Losman in during the Bills late season win streak, if they didn’t seriously think he was ready. Obviously this kid is showing strong signs or they wouldn’t have put off Bledsoe.’