Archives for March 14, 2012

‘The Bills’ aim was to prevent Williams, the top defensive player available in free agency, from leaving town to visit another team.’

‘Respected analyst Michael Lombardi of NFL Network tweeted that the Bills are the frontrunners in the Williams Sweepstakes because he thinks with approximately $40 million available under the salary cap, they will come up with the most lucrative offer.’

‘Nice of Gailey to show such confidence. But if his team is to back up such talk, management has to make some bold moves in free agency. Getting Williams, the most coveted defender on the market, would be a bold move.’

‘Williams was the top pick in the 2006 draft by the Houston Texans, who elected against re-signing him this offseason. A two-time Pro Bowl starter, Williams has 53 sacks in six seasons, but was limited to playing just five games last season as a result of a torn chest muscle.’

‘Both players went to dinner with many pieces to the Bills’ brass, including Nix, CEO Russ Brandon, Head Coach Chan Gailey, Wannstedt and defensive tackle Kyle Williams.’

‘While the Buffalo Bills expected wide receiver Robert Meachem to sign in Buffalo, the former New Orleans Saint elected to ink a four-year, $29.5 million deal with the San Diego Chargers, according to an official team release.’

‘The dinner meeting continued until shortly after 10pm. Bills CEO Russ Brandon had no official comment for cameras outside the restaurant. Bills defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt was asked by a group of fans how the meeting went with Williams and replied “Good, very good”.’

‘Perhaps some players around the league wonder about Buffalo as a landing spot, considering its suspect climate and small-city vibe, but Nix believes when available free agents speak with today’s Bills stars, that problem is addressed. “I’m excited that (our) players have enough faith in our program that they reach out to their peers to speak well about the Bills,” Nix said.’

‘A former first-round pick of the Saints in 2007, Meachem has logged 40 receptions or more in each of the past three seasons along with 20 touchdowns catches despite playing in an offense where the ball is spread around a lot.’

‘The top pass rusher in this year’s free agent class is expected to command a hefty price tag, but in an interview on Bills flagship station WGR Sportsradio 550 earlier in the day Brandon indicated that money would be no object this time around.’