Archives for March 2007

‘ESPN is reporting that the Bills and Ravens have agreed to a deal that will send Running Back Willis McGahee to Baltimore. In exchange, the Bills receive a 3rd round pick and a 7th round pick in the upcoming draft. Buffalo also gets the Ravens 3rd round pick in next year’s draft.’

‘McGahee is coming off his worst season, gaining 990 yards last season (although some observers say that was a result of a poor offensive line). He has never consistently produced big runs, totaling 18 runs over 20 yards in his career, including just four last season.’

‘The Ravens and Bills agreed to a trade Thursday that will send running back Willis McGahee to Baltimore in exchange for the team’s third and seventh-round picks in this year’s draft, along with the Ravens’ third-round pick in 2008.’

‘Buffalo is the first visit for Dillon, who asked for and received his release from the Patriots last week. The 10-year veteran wants to be a team’s featured back after splitting time last year with Laurence Maroney, who will be the Pats’ top ball carrier in 2007.’

‘Levy has the right idea. But he hasn’t played his hand all that well. By auditioning running backs while McGahee is still on the roster, he has weakened his leverage in a trade. Teams know the Bills are eager to unload McGahee. It’s reminiscent of 2004, when everyone knew they had to move Henry or allow him to be a distraction in training camp.’

‘Since the team’s all-time leading rusher signed with their AFC North rival, the Ravens no longer have the leverage of going back to the former NFL Offensive Player of the Year as a secondary option. The Bills could try to demand a second-round draft pick instead of a third-round choice for the disgruntled former University of Miami star. It might even take the exchange of a second-round choice and a fifth-round pick to finalize the trade for the 6-foot, 228-pound former first-round draft pick.’

‘Saying goodbye to McGahee is the right move. Adding Brown’s finesse and Dillon’s power is, too.’

‘Running back Jamal Lewis agreed to a one-year contract with the Cleveland Browns tonight, which likely means the Ravens will look to trade for the Buffalo Bills’ Willis McGahee by the end of the week.’

‘Clayton also reports that talks between the Bills and Ravens regarding Willis McGahee are heating up, saying that if Buffalo were to deal with Baltimore, it would likely happen soon.’

‘Last season Brown made just three starts and appeared in just five games as Travis Henry unseated him as the Titans’ starting tailback.’

‘Pitts interned with the Bills during training camp last summer, and previously worked with Max Sports, a strength and conditioning company based in Columbus, Ohio.’

‘The Buffalo Bills announced that Kenne Pitts has been named Strength and Conditioning Assistant.’

‘"It’s just getting the chance to play football," he said. "I had one opportunity to play in a game last year and got a little taste of it, but being on the field and competing is what I’m used to. I just didn’t have many opportunities to do that last year."’

‘But the conclusion is obvious. A 25-year-old back with speed and power isn’t put on the market if a team sees an upside in him.’

‘Rhodes and Brown are angling to be No. 1 running backs and want contracts worthy of an NFL starter. It’s hard to imagine either co-existing with McGahee, and their visits offer further evidence that McGahee’s days likely are numbered in Buffalo.’