Archives for February 25, 2007

‘"Willis literally didn’t know what to do on the plays," a source said. "After the play was called, we’d have another coach signaling to Willis what to do because he didn’t know. He’d miss blocks [in pass protection] a few times, not because he was beat, but because he didn’t know what he was doing."’

‘So thank you again, Jerry Reece. You did Marv Levy and the Bills a favor. Now if you don’t mind, you could do the Bills another favor. You know that second round pick that you have burning a hole in your pocket? If you wouldn’t mind sending it to the Bills, they would be glad to send you a good, slightly above average running back. By the way, have you met his agent, Mr. Rosenhaus?’

‘McGahee has one year left on his current contract. He rushed for 990 yards last season in 14 games and averaged 3.8 yards per carry. He rushed for over 1000 yards in 2004 and 2005.’

‘"I played at 317 as a freshman, 305 as a sophomore, 312 as a junior and between 295 and 300 as a senior," Okoye said. "I feel like that’s probably my best playing weight. I felt explosive and fast (senior year) and everything about my game was a plus."’

‘Reese’s most interesting comments came when he confirmed that the Bills have contacted the Giants about trading three-year veteran Willis McGahee, who is unhappy in Buffalo.’

‘Buffalo officials reportedly were annoyed that Reese mentioned that McGahee is available, even though it’s been widely rumored.’

‘Whether McGahee remains in Buffalo or not, the Bills intend to draft a running back, preferably one with speed. The position isn’t considered very deep this year.’

‘While the Bills coach is evaluating the top 323 draft-eligible college players in the country as they go through endless drills, physicals, testing, and interviews at the combine, what is really on his mind is what might happen to his team March 2. That is the opening day of free agency, the day he could see his defense disappear by nightfall.’

‘It’s possible that could be enough to land the 6-foot, 228-pound McGahee, because he’s entering the last year of his contract and has already asked the Bills for a long-term deal. That’s something they’re not likely to give him due to his injury history and the fact that in five NFL seasons he’s never topped 1,247 yards.’

‘General manager Jerry Reese said yesterday at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis that he would explore trade possibilities with the Bills for McGahee, who is heading into the final year of his contract. McGahee wants an extension from the Bills, but general manager Marv Levy isn’t inclined to accommodate the outspoken and injury-prone back.’

‘With McGahee entering the final year of his contract in 2007, the Bills are concerned about seeing him walk away next summer without them getting anything in return. McGahee’s agent is Drew Rosenhaus, a notoriously aggressive negotiator.’

‘Signing Briggs to an offer the Bears don’t match would cost a first- and third-round pick. In 2003, the Bills franchised receiver Peerless Price, then traded him to Atlanta for a first-rounder.’

‘Reese, who was promoted from director of player personnel to replace the retired Ernie Accorsi, showed his lack of polish when asked whether there had been any indication that Buffalo was shopping running back Willis McGahee, who has one year left on his contract. McGahee, 25, who has rushed for more than 1,000 yards twice in the past three seasons, is threatening to hold out if he does not receive a new contract. If the Bills were to trade him rather than meet his demands, the Giants would be a potential suitor. “There is some Willis McGahee talk,” Reese said. “There is some talk about Willis out there.” When pressed, Reese said: “We’ll investigate Willis. We’ll do that.”‘

‘Electric Company alums Reggie McKenzie, Paul Seymour, Dave Foley, Mike Montler and their quarterback, Joe Ferguson, will join DeLamielleure at the event.’

‘Buffalo officials seem to have soured on McGahee, who has not asked to be traded, but who is entering the final year of his contract in 2007. McGahee could depart as a free agent after the 2007 season and the Bills, wary of the possibility he could exit with them getting nothing in return, have taken a active stance in trying to find him a new home.’