Archives for May 2012

‘plays and just trying to work on my technique, but today went pretty good. I felt pretty good. It was my first day back on the field actually guarding people since probably my Bowl game, so I felt pretty good. I’m just trying to get my feet wet and compete.”‘

‘If Fitzpatrick isn’t delivering, how short is the leash? I asked Buddy Nix about what exactly happens if his starting quarterback struggles and the fans start to get a little antsy.’

‘The coaches only get these guys for three days and then they’re off. Gailey said, “You try to see the effort that a guy gives. You want to see if a guy is a lazy guy or if he is a worker. You’re trying to figure that out. You try to figure out does a guy retain what you teach him, can he hold own from day one to day two what you taught him day one and add on day two, so you’re looking at that. Those are the two main tings. They’re talented guys or they wouldn’t be here to start with. So they’ve got talent. It’s a matter of trying to evaluate right off the bat. What level of talent a little bit, but really work ethic and retention.”‘

‘The deal also has $1 million in playing time bonus incentives.’

‘Bills top overall pick Stephon Gilmore reflected on his first official day with the team. “With the blue and red on. It felt good and I’m happy to be a Bill.”‘

‘Tanney said the video was not intended to try and gain attention for himself as a small school star who might otherwise not have gotten a look. “It was really just me and my friends fooling around,” he said.’

‘Young is set to make $2 million, with another $1 million in incentives, according to ESPN. There was no mention of guaranteed money. Young will have to earn his way on the team, much less challenge Fitzpatrick for playing time.’

‘Let me just say this to start with: He won’t be a distraction here and neither will anybody else. It may start out but it won’t last. I promise you. That’s not a problem. I think he is a guy that with our – we’ve got two of the best quarterback coaches in the business starting with Coach Gailey and then David Lee – those guys are good teachers. They will (have him) do what he can do best and trust me he’s a big, good athlete. You know he can do a lot of things for you.’

‘”We think adding Vince to our roster will create more competition for the backup quarterback position,” said Bills General Manager Buddy Nix. “He brings with him some unique physical abilities that most are aware of and that will make the competition interesting. It’s all about improving our team.”‘

‘Tying up a running back that just turned 31 would normally raise eyebrows, but Jackson’s case is unique. He’s a "young" 31, graduating from Division III Coe College in 2003 and spending four seasons playing indoor league football and in NFL Europe trying to get his shot in the NFL.’

‘Why Florence and not fellow veteran Terrence McGee to be let go at this time? A contributing factor was Florence’s $4 million base salary. McGee, coming off knee surgery, had reworked his deal to take less money.’

‘"All three of us bonded over that right away about three years ago," Fitzpatrick said. "It’s cool for us. Outside of all the football talk and how excited we are about the upcoming season, just in terms of the lessons, you look at Fred and what’s he’s done. Just as a life lesson, somebody that’s chased his goal for so long … and now to be rewarded for everything’s he’s done."’

‘"I’m not looking to waste anyone’s time. I really think I can do this, and that’s what I’m looking to show this weekend," Mulkey said.’

‘Rookie signings are coming at a fast pace this spring. The new collective bargaining agreement signed in 2011 included a rookie wage scale that simplified the structure of deals for drafted players and made negotiations easier. Furthermore, the salary cap remained roughly the same as last year, which means rookie deals will be similar to last year’s.’

‘That leaves Buffalo with its top three picks unsigned, including South Carolina cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who was selected 10th overall. Unsigned prospects can participate in minicamps, but must be under contract before reporting for training camp.’