Archives for March 1, 2009

‘Jim Kelly, 1986-96. Is there any argument?’

‘The Carolina Panthers recently signed Jordan Gross to a six-year contract for nearly $60 million. Last year, the Miami Dolphins gave No. 1 draft pick Jake Long a five-year deal worth $57.5 million with $30 million guaranteed. But that is the going rate for quality left tackles. Gross and Long are very good players, but I can make a strong case that Peters is better than both of them.’

‘Bills Chief Operating Officer Russ Brandon had this to say about Fitzpatrick: "Over the course of Ryan’s career, he has been a very productive player." Brandon’s standards aren’t very high.’

‘Hence my rule: if you’re in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, you’re a member of the Bills’ 50th Season All-Time Team.’

‘”I feel like I’ve got a lot of experience and I’m ready to be a starter. That’s really been my goal for a while.”‘

‘”It’s not a sick, ridiculous contract,” he said, a tinge of embarrassment in his voice. “But it’s more than I thought I’d make in my whole life.”‘

‘It’s likely that Hangartner will play center for the Bills. Most of his action with the Panthers has come at the guard spot, but Hangartner can play both positions well.’

‘But the teams didn’t agree on a deal until minutes before the 4 p.m. deadline. By then, it was too late to file the paperwork to push back the bonus. The Bills released Dockery to avoid paying the bonus, making him a free agent.’

‘There’s still time for the Bills to do something. Problem is, the other three AFC East teams probably aren’t done yet either.’

‘The question on Hangartner is can he be stout enough in the middle, since the Bills play rugged nose tackles in the AFC East.’

‘"Playing in the division is going to be a challenge every week because there are some great nose guards," Hangartner told Buffalo reporters Saturday. He said he was 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds. "But I really like the challenge of playing against guys that are Pro Bowlers. And I know Kris really well from our three years in Carolina together. He’s a heck of a player and I know the other guys are, too. But it’s just something I’m looking forward to, the challenge. It’ll be fun."’

‘Hangartner made eight starts at center and guard for the Carolina Panthers in 2008. According to the Bills’ website, he will likely play center in Buffalo.’