Archives for March 2007

‘Walker became expendable when the Eagles agreed to terms on a three-year contract with defensive tackle Montae Reagor last Wednesday. Walker, who spent the first seven years of his NFL career in Philadelphia, has 27 1/2 sacks, including six last year.’

‘The trade had been reported as being imminent through the weekend, but it wasn’t until Monday evening that ESPN.com’s Len Pasquarelli reported the partner in the trade would be the Eagles.’

‘”This is something that has been brewing,” Bills general manager Marv Levy said. “Takeo is a good person, but we wanted to strengthen our defensive tackle. They’ve been looking for a linebacker and I think they wanted an experienced backup quarterback.”‘

‘The Buffalo Bills announced they traded linebacker Takeo Spikes and quarterback Kelly Holcomb to the Philadelphia Eagles Monday for defensive tackle Darwin Walker and a conditional draft choice.’

‘Moving Spikes has effectively revamped the team’s entire starting linebacking corps. London Fletcher, Jeff Posey and Takeo Spikes all were incumbent starters entering the spring camps last year. A year later none of them are on Buffalo’s roster.’

‘”Takeo Spikes is a proven playmaker in the National Football League,” Eagles general manager Tom Heckert told the AP. “He has the ability to play all three linebacking positions and were happy to add him to our defense.”‘

‘Never let it be said that Buffalo Bills fans aren’t well-informed and loyal to a fault. In response to a piece run here at RealFootball365.com, “On Ralph Wilson, the CBA and the small-market Bills,” the virtual mailbox was stuffed with e-mail from experts on the salary cap and sportswriting.’

‘Bills owner Ralph Wilson and a cross section of seven other team owners have agreed on a new plan that would level the playing field for the small market teams. Now it goes to all the NFL owners for a vote, which could happen Monday in Phoenix.’

‘Overtime – Move kickoff to the 35-yard line instead of the 30-yard line…’

‘The Buffalo Bills have shopped Spikes and are down to talking to two of three teams, general manager Marv Levy said Sunday at the NFL annual meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Cincinnati is not one of them.’

‘Thomas briefly returned to pro football when then-Bills head coach Gregg Williams persuaded him to join his staff. The job lasted three seasons, but the move to Buffalo ended up leading him to the schools project.’

‘WR Josh Reed is coming off a solid season, one in which he firmly established himself as one of the team’s most reliable receivers. Reed won’t beat most of the team’s wideouts in a foot race, but he may be the best route runner of the group. He is the prototypical possession receiver because has a knack for moving the chains.’

‘Everyone who has watched Spikes — who’s rumored to be on the trading block — knows he has been a freakishly exciting player, and anyone familiar with his work ethic has to be optimistic he’s got a handful of prime years left.’

‘Trade negotiations gained steam Friday and Saturday, and a deal might be consummated within the next day, a league source told The News.’