Archives for March 2014

‘Coming to the Bills by way of the St. Louis Rams, the six-year veteran started each of the team’s 16 games at left guard during the 2013 season. The Rams signed him in October of 2012 after Williams was released by the Chicago Bears.’

‘At the very least, Graham adds depth to the cornerback position that presently consists of Stephon Gilmore, Leodis McKelvin, Nickell Robey, Ron Brooks, Brandon Smith and Mario Butler.’

‘Rivers most recently was employed by the New York Giants, where he started 14 games over the past two seasons. He spent his first three years with the team that drafted him in the first round out of USC, the Cincinnati Bengals. Over the course of five seasons, Rivers has 275 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions.’

‘With the help of a league source, the numbers of that contract are now out there. Carpenter’s new four-year contract is worth a total of $9.95 million if he continues to play through the end of the deal. Only $2.15 million of the contract is guaranteed, and that was paid up front to Carpenter as his signing bonus.’

‘Fitting the mold of what most the NFL is looking for at cornerback, Carroll has the prototypical big frame (6-foot-1, 205-pounds).’

‘Buffalo made no secret that they were looking to fortify their offensive line this offseason. The Bills gave up the fourth-most sacks in the league in 2013 (48) and rotated three different players at the left guard position through the course of the year last fall.’

‘”No. Not at all,” he replied eagerly when asked if the snow scared him off. “I’ve spent four and a half years in Chicago. I like the cold weather.”‘

‘”Early in the free agency process, we identified Corey Graham as a player who would help our football team,” said Bills General Manager Doug Whaley. “Graham is a smart, physical and tough cornerback who has had success with both the Chicago Bears and Baltimore Ravens. He is playmaker defensively and on special teams. We believe he will help the Buffalo Bills improve in both areas in the years to come.”‘

‘Set to turn 29-years old this summer, Graham’s football career really showed promise while enrolled at Turner Carroll high school. The school unfortunately closed its doors right after he graduated in 2003 due to financial problems and declining enrollment.’

‘Rivers produced 42 tackles (22 solo) and one sack in 16 games (eight starts) with the New York Giants in 2013.’

‘Carroll (6-1, 217) is known as a physical cornerback with good size and length. A two-year starter for the Miami Dolphins, the four-year veteran has 26 career starts and posted a career-high three interceptions last season. The 27-year old had one of his better games against the Bills last season posting six tackles, a sack and an interception in the Dec. 22nd game in Buffalo.’

‘Byrd was upset last year because the Bills denied him the opportunity to test the open market. He refused to sign his $6.916 million franchise tag until every offseason workout and training-camp practice was over.’

‘Whaley doesn’t need to hit a bunch of home runs in the coming days and weeks. But he can’t afford to whiff, either. He’s nominally a first-time GM, but he’s no rookie. This roster is his; it reflects his football vision, and it’s time to show some real progress.’

‘Carroll meets with Bills coaches today. He’s a big, fast player who entered the NFL as a raw prospect but played pretty well as a starter in Miami last season. Is he good enough to get contract worthy of a capable NFL starter? Miami, with loads of money to spend, apparently didn’t think so.’

‘Wednesday could be an interesting day. A snowstorm expected to rock western New York could alter the plans of free agents hoping to visit One Bills Drive. Miami cornerback Nolan Carroll is one player known to be coming to town.’