Archives for April 17, 2009

‘Peters, who has two years remaining on his existing deal worth $3.8 million in 2009 and $3.4 million in 2010, has appeared in 65 games — including 55 starts — for the Bills over parts of the past five seasons with Buffalo.’

‘The trade is contingent upon Peters passing a physical and he and the Eagles agreeing on a contract extension. Negotiations with Peters’ agent, Eugene Parker, began today.’

‘Peters, who has two years left on his contract with Buffalo, had been seeking a long-term deal with the Bills that would average $11.5 million to $12 million a year, sources said. The Bills had been in talks with him since he returned last September from a holdout but had made such little progress that the club recently resolved to consider dealing him. Sources said the club never had serious offers until late Thursday, when the Eagles approached them about making a deal.’

‘The basics of the deal were agreed to Friday, a person familiar with the trade talks told The Associated Press. The Eagles are attempting to work out undisclosed final details before completing the trade, said the person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the deal has not been announced.’

‘The trade was agreed upon late Thursday night. It’s not expected to be officially announced Friday. The Eagles have asked Peters to come to Philadelphia to talk about a new contract.’

‘The Eagles have acquired Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters from the Bills for the 28th overall pick in next week’s draft, FOXSports.com has learned.’

‘The Philadelphia Eagles had no comment on this meeting and Peters’ agent has yet to return our phone calls.’

‘For Peters, the Bills will receive a first-round pick (the 28th selection in the round), a fourth-rounder and an undisclosed pick in 2010, according to a source.’

‘Rogers Communications officials in Toronto have confirmed what observers on both sides of the border have been saying for weeks and months – that the communications company wants more Buffalo Bills games in Toronto the next few years.’

‘So, what will life for him and this team that was nowhere near the mainstream be like when that daily interruption called T.O. arrives full-time in the summer? “I really haven’t thought about it,” said Edwards, talking on the telephone while driving down the QEW from Buffalo. That, of course, is a little white lie.’

‘"It’s hard to say when and where it will happen, but over time we hope there’ll be more games here and Buffalo (ownership) hopes there’ll be more games here," Lind said.’

‘As a versatile player adept both as a receiver and blocker, Pettigrew would seem to fit in nicely with a team that got little production from the tight end spot last season, and let its 2008 starter, Robert Royal, go to the Cleveland Browns via free agency. "[Pettigrew is] a catch-and-block candidate, which is hard to find," Modrak said. "A big, rangy guy who will improve his route running and he’ll block which isn’t always the case." But Pettigrew was arrested in January for assaulting a police officer – an incident that is gaining considerable attention given Bills players other off-season troubles. Modrak, however, looked flustered when pressed on the issue of Pettigrew’s off-field conduct. And when asked pointedly if the Bills would avoid Pettigrew because of this factor Modrak responded: "No, he’s not off the board."’

‘One customer, holding six tickets in the 500 level for Buffalo’s Dec. 3 game against the New York Jets at Rogers Centre, received an e-mail Thursday announcing he was eligible for a cash rebate of about $450. The company offered the choice of a merchandise credit – of about $680 in food, beverages and apparel – or a gift card redeemable for a slightly more than $560 in Rogers-related products.’

‘If the Bills can complement a pass-rushing end with a force at outside linebacker, it will be a very good first day. The team needs an upgrade over Keith Ellison on the weak side. They need speed and size from the position. Fast-rising Cincinnati DE/OLB Connor Barwin — who ran a sub-4.50 time at this pro day — is an intriguing prospect but he could be gone when Buffalo selects in round 2 (42nd overall).’

‘But despite his great explosiveness, Parrish has been unable to become a consistent contributor at wide receiver, partly due to his slight size (5-9, 168 pounds) and partly due to lack of imagination by Buffalo’s offensive coordinators.’