Archives for March 2007

Ninth-year vet Jason Whittle, who appeared in 16 games for the Vikings with two starts in 2006, has signed a one-year contract with the Bills, agent Joe Linta said early Friday morning. The deal includes a base salary of $720,000, and Whittle received a $40,000 signing bonus.

‘If a trade can’t be completed, the Bills would consider releasing Spikes, a person familiar with the discussions told The Associated Press on Friday. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the talks and because the Bills have not announced their intentions for Spikes.’

‘Whittle’s agent, Joseph Linta, told The Associated Press that the deal was completed after the Bills contacted him shortly after midnight.’

‘But his departure remains a distinct possibility. The trade or release of Spikes would save $4.6 million in actual cash he is owed this year and about $2.8 million against the salary cap.’

‘As for the four restricted free agents, cornerback Jabari Greer and running back Shaud Williams were both re-signed to two-year contracts. The other two – defensive end Anthony Hargrove and defensive tackle Tim Anderson – were tendered the required one-year qualifying offers. This means if a team signs either player to an offer sheet, the Bills have the right to match the offer. If they choose not to match, they will receive draft pick compensation.’

‘Middle linebacker London Fletcher could become a member of the Washington Redskins as early as today…’.

‘The Redskins also figure to make a serious run at cornerback Nate Clements, the top corner on the market and Fletcher-Baker’s teammate. Clements reportedly wants a signing bonus that exceeds the record bonus for the position the Denver Broncos gave to Champ Bailey in 2004. Clements, a Pro Bowl pick in 2004, isn’t in the same class as Bailey, a perennial All-Pro, but he’s clearly the top available corner and is just 27 years old.’

‘Whittle is an eight-year veteran, having played for the New York Giants, Tampa Bay, and — last season — Minnesota.’

‘Finally, the main name to watch for the Bills could be Indianapolis’ Jake Scott. The three-year veteran entered the offseason as a restricted free agent, but he didn’t receive a tender offer from the Colts. That means Scott, a right guard, will hit the unrestricted free-agent market, where he’ll no doubt be actively pursued. Scott has started in 32 consecutive regular-season contests for Indy, and he’s one of the linemen chiefly responsible for keeping Peyton Manning upright. The 6-5, 295-pounder would be a vast improvement over Preston on the right side of the line.’

‘Villarrial, an 11-year veteran, has struggled with injuries the past several seasons. He missed the final seven games of the 2006 season after surgery to repair an overextended tendon in his right ankle.’

‘NFL Network’s Adam Schefter is reporting that Takeo Spikes is being placed on the trading block by the Buffalo Bills.’

‘"It isn’t likely we’ll bring in that many," said Marv Levy in reference to the team’s free agent signings last spring. "I think we can be more specific. Our staff that was here didn’t know the current players on the team as well as they know them now. It’s not very likely that we’ll have as many signings. Maybe we get four guys."’

‘Villarrial was set to enter the final year of a four-year contract with the Bills that he signed back in the 2004 offseason. The offensive lineman was the starting right guard for the club as soon as he arrived in Buffalo, but the past two seasons Villarrial had trouble staying healthy as injuries began to catch up with the 11-year veteran.’

‘"It was phenomenal," said Eakin of his experience working with Van Pelt. "He’s a great coach. Obviously he brings a player perspective to the game and relates well with not only the quarterbacks, but all the other positions on the field."’

‘The Bills also released veteran safety Matt Bowen, who failed to make an impact a year after the team signed him as a free agent and had one year left on his contract. Bowen appeared in only five games last season, hampered mostly by a broken bone in his lower right leg, which he hurt in training camp.’