Archives for March 2015

'Clay, a four-year veteran the Dolphins selected in the six-round of the 2011 NFL draft, will be guaranteed $7.057 million for the 2015 season because of the transition tag. But it appears the Bills will offer a substantial multi-year deal, trying to lure the Clay from a rival AFC East team.'

'McCoy's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, confirmed in a text to The Associated Press on Sunday that his client has agreed to the new contract. McCoy is guaranteed to make $26.5 million, including $16 million this season, making him the NFL's highest paid running back, Rosenhaus said.'

'Forget the friends Garth Brooks might have in low places. The country music star has some high-profile buddies he can count on as well. Like Jim Kelly and Thurman Thomas, for example.'

'McCoy had three years worth $25 million remaining in his existing deal with only $1 million of his $10.25 salary for 2015 guaranteed. With his new contract, the first year is guaranteed for $16 million and he will get a total of $26.5 million guaranteed of $40 million overall.'

'The deal will start once McCoy is officially traded to the Bills by the Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday. The deal will add two years to McCoy's existing contract, and includes an increase in base salary for 2015 from $10 million to $16 million. He will earn $21.05 million over the next two years.'

'So while Whaley has checked a few items off his shopping list, he’s still got about $14 million in salary-cap space left to use on the rest of those needs. Another guard, a tight end, potentially more competition at quarterback and a veteran receiver are all options for an offense that needs to be rebuilt, while inside linebacker and a pass rusher if Jerry Hughes departs could be on the menu defensively.'

'The final numbers on a restructured McCoy contract could also have an impact on what the Bills are able to do in free agency. McCoy's current contract is scheduled to carry a cap hit of $10.25 million in 2015. If the Bills are able to lower that by converting some of McCoy's salary to guaranteed money, they will have more flexibility when it comes to bringing back defensive end Jerry Hughes or aggressively pursuing other free agents.'

'Yet Cassel has made more than $50 million while compiling a 80.1 career passer rating. To put that in perspective, Chad Henne was benched last year with an 80.5.'

'At least seven teams have interest in the former Buffalo Bills running back who is set to hit the open market on Tuesday, multiple league sources told Yahoo Sports. Among them are the three other teams in the AFC East – the New York Jets, New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins. The Jets might be the team to beat given the familiarity Chan Gailey, their offensive coordinator, has with the running back. As head coach with the Bills, Gailey drafted Spiller in 2010.'

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<a href="http://www.twobillsdrive.com" target="_blank">Two Bills Drive</a> (Two Bills Drive)<br />

'Depending on how the Bills plan to move money around in those deals, they could have anywhere from $13 million to $16 million in remaining cap space based on NFLPA figures. Meanwhile, Hughes isn't going to come cheap. After the Chiefs pass rusher Justin Houston and Giants pass rusher Jason Pierre-Paul both received the franchise tag from their respective teams, Hughes just became a bit more valuable on the open market.'

'Hogan came into his own last season, passing Mike Williams on the depth chart and catching 41 passes for 426 yards and four touchdowns as the Bills' No. 3 receiver. He played primarily in the slot and quickly earned the trust of veteran quarterback Kyle Orton due to his route running and reliable hands.'

'Ryan's inability to find a quarterback was his downfall in New York, but he still managed to get the Jets to the AFC Championship Game in 2009 and 2010 with Sanchez under center. How did he do it? The way he's trying to do it in Buffalo. By relying on a dominant defense and having the Thomas Jones and the running game carry the offense.'

'But as Bills fans like Dennis Henry have said to me in recent days, Ryan's the type of coach whom we all hated, sure, when he coached the Jets, but he's exactly the type of coach this promising team on the cusp needs.'

'The dice are rolling. We'll have to wait until September, at least, to see how they turn up.'