Archives for March 4, 2015

'Consider: David Harris and C.J. Spiller.'

'Running backs are also among the most fungible players in any sport. They have been devalued in recent seasons — last year, no running backs were taken in the first 50 picks of the draft. It is not prudent for a team to carry a running back — any running back — making McCoy’s $10.2 million, more than seven percent of the salary cap for one player at a position that is inherently replaceable and health-averse.'

'In Buffalo, new Bills Coach Rex Ryan can try to go back to his once-successful formula with the New York Jets and attempt to win with a running game and an overpowering defense. The Buffalo defense was superb last season even without Alonso. Now Ryan gets a centerpiece runner to go with that defense. That’s fortunate for him, since the other thing that has followed him from his previous job to this one is quarterback woes. The Bills have EJ Manuel and, well, basically no one at this point, having tried but failed to sign Josh McCown.'

'Ryan is brash and aggressive in all walks of life. A week shy of free agency, he might have realized the Bills didn't have enough to sway Revis' opinion if the star cornerback does reach free agency, and today's trade might have been a last-ditch effort to swing for the fences with the goal of a reunion.'

'Brackenridge native Carlton Chester “Cookie” Gilchrist was part of a decision to boycott an American Football League All-Star Game in New Orleans in 1965.'

'McCoy had an inconsistent season last year after leading the NFL with 1,607 yards rushing in 2013. At his best, McCoy is an elite multidimensional running back who has been a proven threat as both a runner and receiver.'

'He led the NFL in both rushing yards and yards from scrimmage in 2013 but saw a dropoff in both categories last season. The six-year NFL veteran would have cost the Eagles close to $12 million against the salary cap in 2015.'

'The Eagles' second-round draft pick in 2009 out of Pitt, McCoy spent six seasons in Philadelphia and topped 1,000 yards four times. Overall, he compiled 1,461 carries for 6,792 yards (4.6 average) and 44 touchdowns.'

'An Oregon product, Alonso will reunite with his former college coach, Chip Kelly, who will enter his third season in Philadelphia. Without Alonso, the Bills' top options at linebacker next season will be Nigel Bradham and Preston Brown. They could also re-sign Brandon Spikes or add a free agent like David Harris, who played under Ryan with the Jets.'

'McCoy does have in excess of $25 million left on his contract over the next three seasons, but our Jason La Canfora is already reporting that McCoy and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, could ask Buffalo for an extension or threaten to hold out. If it's tough to see how possibly being the NFL's highest-paid back could be a problem for McCoy, consider that almost none of the future money he's owed is guaranteed. Buffalo can move on from McCoy nearly cost-free after this season if they wish, even if that would seem an immense waste of resources.'

'"If you can exert your will at the line of scrimmage, it's going to open a lot of other things in the offense," Roman said. "So to simply say, `Hey, we're just going to run the football,' well, nobody simply runs the football. But we want to run the football to a level of where people respect and fear us in our ability to do so."'

'The move to acquire McCoy spells the end for C.J. Spiller's tenure in Buffalo, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent. Spiller told NFL Network shortly after the trade news broke that the Bills called him to thank him for his services.'

'Now, if only they can find any ounce of average quarterback play, they can turn postseason dreams into a potential reality.'

'Of the remaining options in free agency, Locker is the only player a front office member should be ‘pounding the table’ for. Still only 26, the former first-round pick only has 23 starts to his name, and he actually showed signs of improvement in the starts over 2013 and 2014. There are clear examples of games that Locker, quite frankly, just didn’t have it (see: Cincinnati in 2014). However, if the Bills are looking for the lesser of the evils, and for the quarterback that could be the biggest hit of those available, it’s hard to look anywhere other than with Locker. The injuries are of course an issue, and should be considered for contractual purposes. Also, be prepared, he is not a perfect player, and likely will never be anything but average. However, with where the Bills are in terms of the rest of their roster, average will suffice in a bid for the playoffs.'

'The Bills would likely add more to the position, but Gresham could be a cost-effective option at tight end if they swing and miss on the upper-echelon of free agents like Julius Thomas, Jordan Cameron or Charles Clay. Buffalo absolutely should take a swing on one of the top three, simply because they can add an element to the passing attack that doesn’t currently exist on their roster. Gresham wouldn’t be a big step up in pass-catching, but he is more of an all-around player than Scott Chandler. He would be a suitable Plan B if all else fails.'