Archives for February 2013

‘ “I always said from Day One when Mr. Wilson drafted me in 2003 that I wanted to end my career a Buffalo Bill and that came to fruition today and I feel very blessed to have that opportunity,” said Kelsay, who traveled in from his offseason home in Nebraska and met with General Manager Buddy Nix on Wednesday afternoon to inform him of his decision.”‘

‘”I felt like now was the right time to do it with the draft coming up and free agency right around the corner; you don’t want to drag it out,” said Kelsay. “It’s been weighing on my heart for quite a while and this was the right time to do it.”‘

”’As I kind of went back and forth on it, I believe if you think about retirement that much, you’re already retired,” Kelsay said during a conference call. ”So I’m happy with the decision and look forward to the next chapter of my life.”’

‘Kelsay’s 2012 season was cut short due to a torn ligament in his neck. He registered 14 tackles and two sacks while starting four of the nine games he played last season.’

‘It is something that has been kind of on our minds for a couple months really. My wife and I discussed different options really since the neck injury. Other factors weighed into the overall decision. I just felt like as much as I kind of went back-and-forth on it, I believe if you are thinking about retirement that much you are already retired. I am happy with the decision that we made. I look forward to the next chapter of my life.’

‘”Chris has been the consummate professional throughout his career and we will miss him,” said general manager Buddy Nix. “He always gave 100 percent, regardless of the situation and regardless of the score. He did everything with class and was an excellent team leader. Everyone in our organization from the players to the coaches to the front office personnel have the utmost respect for Chris. I know he will be successful in whatever he chooses to do next and I speak for everyone at One Bills Drive when I say that we wish him and his family nothing but the best.”‘

‘In addition to quarterback, Nix has also talked about targeting linebacker and wide receiver. You can also make a strong case to address the cornerback position, where the Bills are extremely young. Tight end has nothing to offer in terms of pass catching behind Scott Chandler who tore an ACL two days before Christmas. The Bills might also be in the market for a guard if they are unable to re-sign Andy Levitre.’

‘If Barkley and Wilson had each declared for the 2012 NFL Draft, there is a possibility that they would have parlayed a significant junior season in to being a first round pick. Instead, both felt they had a team worthy of National Championship consideration and returned to their respective schools.’

‘His 61 receptions and 658 yards in 2011 were second on the Bills to Stevie Johnson. Nelson also had five touchdowns, including a dramatic 6-yard grab with 14 seconds left to beat the Oakland Raiders in the home opener. The receiver was credited with starting 13 games in 2011.’

‘Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee. Positional need grew larger with the departure of David Nelson. Patterson has limited major college experience but has the measurables teams like. Sunday’s 40-yard dash time of 4.42 seconds is a great sign for his chances of being the No. 1 receiver selected.’

‘At 6-foot-5 and 204 pounds, Nelson became a dependable contributor during his first two seasons with a combined 92 catches for 1,011 yards and eight touchdowns. Last year, his season ended in the opener with a torn right knee ligament.’

‘In three seasons, Nelson totaled 94 catches for 1,042 yards and eight touchdowns. With both he and Jones now off the roster, the Bills are left with only three receivers that started 2012 on their opening game roster. That list includes Stevie Johnson, T.J. Graham and Brad Smith.’

‘”We spoke with David Nelson’s agent this morning and informed him that we will not tender David,” said Bills GM Buddy Nix.’

‘”We are very pleased with the structure of our football operation and look forward to working with Buddy, Doug and the entire staff for many years to come,” Brandon said. “As we have stated previously, there is no timetable for the transition. Our focus continues to be on building the foundation for a winning program.”‘

‘Whaley, who also serves as the Bills’ director of player personnel, completed his third season in Buffalo after spending 12 seasons in various scouting positions with the Pittsburgh Steelers.’