Archives for February 20, 2015

'The Bills could place a franchise tag on him, but are unlikely to do so because it would mean a guaranteed one-year contract worth roughly $14 million, which would take too large a bite out of their salary cap.'

'“It’s deep. It’s one of those classes that we’re excited about,” Whaley said. “In the draft altogether, there’s some value in rounds 2 to 5 that you’re going to get some guys who will make an impact in this league.”'

'Asked whether the franchise tag is in play, which would cost about $14.8 million based on the NFL average of the top five salaries at that position, Whaley said, "We're trying to avoid that because we're trying to get him long-term for sure and keep everybody on the same page so they felt like, 'Hey, we got a good deal,' and we say as the Buffalo Bills, 'We got a good deal.'"'

'"This time of year is exciting for me," Ryan said. "This will really be my first time of watching them compete and then actually to get to know them. Excited about those interviews; we'll see how it goes."'

'New Bills offensive coordinator Greg Roman got a ringing endorsement from his old co-worker, 49ers general manager Trent Baalke. When asked about the 49ers' offensive struggles last season, Baalke said it was out of Roman's control and said he should have a bright future.'

'Here are some of the highlights from Whaley's chat.'

'So, when given the chance to address the Patriots’ Super Bowl victory against the Seahawks, Ryan at least tried to have some fun with it before clamming up and complimenting the only team that has won the AFC East during Ryan’s six-season tenure in the division.'

'Maybe he will eventually turn the Bills into the bullies of the AFC East for the first time since the early 1990s, but bringing in an aging offensive lineman of questionable character isn’t how he’s going to do it. The Bills need much more help at more important positions. So if Ryan is going to duplicate the early success he had with the Jets during his tenure in Buffalo, he’s going to have to do better than just that.'

'“They are the world champs, so you want to beat them,'' he said. “If you’re going to beat one, you want it to be the world champions. Obviously, we’ve got a lot of ground to make up.”'

'What were the biggest takeaways from the 11-minute conversation? The need-to-know information…'.

'“We’ve sent a proposal over to his representatives. His representatives have sent a counterproposal. I just got off the phone with Jim Overdorf, who talked with their representatives at length last night,” said Whaley. “There’s an open line of communication. I haven’t met with J.O. yet to see how close we are or if we’re close at all. I’ll meet with him soon.”'

'“Pretty close. Pretty close,” Polian admits. “In the end, it was not something that the family felt I should do. At this stage of my life, I had to abide by their wishes. But I came away immensely impressed with the Pegulas, with their commitment to the franchise, with their understanding of the business of professional sports. They’re going to get it right.”'

'“I’m excited about our coaching staff,” said Ryan flatly. “I think that’s the probably the best selling point that I have right now along with the players that we have. Obviously we have an outstanding group of players too that I like to show off to a lot of guys.”'

'“(Senior VP of Football Administration) Jim Overdorf, (President) Russ Brandon and (Contract Administrator) Kevin Meganck are meeting with his representation right here at the combine,” Whaley said. “We’re hoping we can close the gap and get the deal done.”'

'“When you look at the Bills draft the last couple of years, that’s all been solid,” he said. “The key to the NFL since 2011 is getting two and three starters out of each draft. This team has been doing that. This team has been able to get good defensive players, starting with Marcel Dareus in 2011. With Aaron Williams. With Stephon Gilmore and guys like that. You look at the talent base and it’s there. That defense didn’t finish as high as it did because it was just lucky. It was good.”'