Archives for June 13, 2015

'Keep in mind, the Bills are planning to sign defensive tackle Marcell Dareus to a massive contract extension sometime soon, and would need to rework at least one other contract (probably the one belonging to end Mario Williams) to make that happen. More contract maneuvering and perhaps a big-money cut or two are expected to happen between now and the start of the season, but none figures to be done to make cap room for a guard where they are feeling they’ve made an upgrade with third-round draft pick John Miller and free-agent signee Richie Incognito.'

'There's also the financial issue. Mathis was due to make $5.5 million this season, and while he may not be able to command that type of salary, he won't come cheap. According to Spotrac.com, the Bills have a little over $7 million in space for 2015, so they could make it work. However, if Mathis is hoping for a multi-year contract, things could get complicated. Buffalo has a lot of expiring contracts and can't afford to commit any more money to their 2016 salary cap than it already has. Does Mathis think the Bills are enough of a contender to take a one-year deal? Are the Bills willing to pay him enough to go for it in 2015?'

'"Booker Edgerson is the power behind this," Ed Rutkowski, the alumni foundation president, said. "For years, we've thought about doing something for prostate cancer. That's the disease for men. The NFL has done it for women with breast cancer, so we're trying to convince the NFL to give the same kind of dedication and support for prostate cancer that they've done for breast cancer with women."'

'"There wasn't a brighter guy I've known than Van Miller," Levy said. "The last time I talked to him his voice wasn't as strong and he wasn't as mobile as he was before. But he still had that great sense of humor and he was still very warm-hearted, liked by everybody he knew and that includes me."'

'The Bills have six tight ends on the current 90-man roster. Aside from Clay there’s third-year veterans Chris Gragg and MarQueis Gray, rookies Nick O’Leary and Clay Burton, and former Canisius basketball player Chris Manhertz, who’s officially listed as a second-year player because he signed before last season ended, but has never actually played organized football before.'

'“I think Powell is the one that jumps out to me on defense,” Ryan answered immediately. “He had four interceptions through these camps and you can ignore it you want, but he makes plays. He’s smart.”'