Archives for March 18, 2006

‘Bears defensive lineman Israel Idonije shopped his talents on Friday in Buffalo, and the Bills are expected to sign the restricted free agent to an offer sheet.’

‘After the movie wrapped up filming in 2000, Voight bought up a bunch of Bills jackets, his manager, Dorothy Koster, said. "He wears it, and his whole family wears the jackets," she told Off Main.’

‘According to NFL sources, Reed got a four-year, $10 million contract that includes a $2 million signing bonus. That’s a significant raise from what he received as a second-round draft pick in 2002.’

‘The contract is for five years and $17.6 million, ESPN.com reported, including a $3 million signing bonus and a $2 million guaranteed roster bonus. It would be a hefty raise over the “low” $712,000 tender offer the Cards gave Wells, when a tender of $1.55 million would have cost the Bills a first-round pick to go after Wells.’

‘”I felt that I was improving vastly from my second year to my third year and it was a shame that I got hurt,” said Wells. “I really wanted to finish the season with my guys.”‘

‘Haggan led the Bills with 25 special team tackles in 2005. The Mississippi State product was selected in the seventh round of the 2003 NFL Draft.’

‘Buffalo’s depth on offensive line was reduced when they cut former first-round draft pick Mike Williams last month. The team also does not appear to be interested in re-signing free agent center Trey Teague.’

‘Five free agents visited the Bills Friday. While the Bills didn’t sign any of their visitors, they did sign two of their own free agents.’

‘The Buffalo Bills have tendered an offer to Arizona restricted free agent Reggie Wells, a 6’4″, 320 lb., offensive lineman out of Clarion. The Bills also re-signed wide receiver Josh Reed and linebacker Mario Haggan, and also hosted five free agents today: quarterback Craig Nall, running back Anthony Thomas, guard Steve Neal, defensive lineman Israel Idonije and linebacker Paris Lenon.’

‘Arizona has the right to match the offer and retain Wells. If the Cardinals elect not to match the offer, they will be compensated with a sixth round draft choice, the round in which they originally selected Wells, 177th overall in the 2003 NFL Draft.’

‘Reed was an unrestricted free agent, while Haggan was a restricted free agent.’

‘Haggan was a seventh round pick in 2003 and has developed into one of the team’s key contributors on Buffalo’s top-ranked special teams unit. The Mississippi State product led the Bills with 25 special teams tackles in 2005. Haggan has seen action in all 32 games in the 2004 and 2005 seasons.’