Archives for March 2, 2016

'While Williams enjoyed three productive seasons with the Bills after inking a historic six-year contract worth up to $100 million — the richest-ever for a defensive player at the time — he wasn't a fit in Rex Ryan's defense and his effort was called into question by teammates. He was not the same impact player as a 3-4 end, finishing with only 19 tackles and five sacks. As early as October, he called Ryan's scheme into question, saying he had dropped into coverage this much in his career.'

'The non-exclusive tag means that, at the minimum, Glenn is assured of a guaranteed one-year contract worth $13.706 million — the average of the top five salaries at his position — to play for the Bills in 2016. The two sides would have until July 15 to work out a long-term deal. Otherwise, Glenn would either have to play at the rate dictated by the tag or a negotiated one-year contract.'

'Yet the Bills' salary-cap problems are not Incognito's problem and he'll be 33 years old in July. After having arguably the best season of any guard in the NFL, Incognito will want to maximize his worth — this could be his final shot at the free-agent market. Not to mention, multiple teams are expected to be interested in the guard.'

'The use of franchise tags had to be done by 4 p.m. and because a long-term deal has not been finalized with Glenn, the only way to prevent him from getting to the open free agent market on March 9 was to use the tag. Thus, he will be in line to make $13.7 million in 2016, and the Bills have until July 15 to work out an extended contract which would likely reduce Glenn’s 2016 salary cap figure.'

'In his two seasons with the Bills, Dixon rushed for 476 yards and three touchdowns. His bigger contribution was on special teams, where Dixon was like a coach on the field.'

'Meanwhile, the team also informed tight end MarQueis Gray that they would not be extending a restricted free agent tender to him this offseason. Gray had just nine catches for 120 yards in his Bills career and ended 2015 on injured reserve.'

'Well, Williams might finally get his wish. He is now a street free agent free to sign with any team he chooses. Williams just turned 31 years old and still believes he's a double-digit-sack player. Now he gets a chance to prove it outside of Buffalo.'

'By tagging Glenn, the Bills will have to make some other roster moves in order to get under the salary cap by the start of the league year. The Bills already restructured Charles Clay's contract and could rework deals for Leodis McKelvin and Corey Graham to free up more space. The most obvious potential cap casualty is defensive end Mario Williams, who carries a cap hit of $19.9 million for the 2015 season.'

'Buffalo rightfully gave Incognito a prove-it deal last offseason, but he more than proved himself and was one of the top guards in football. The Bills are pressed up against the salary cap and also have to take care of left tackle Cordy Glenn, who is expected to be given the franchise tag at some point Tuesday.'

'Ryan’s Bills are transforming, and he’s had to shed some of the team’s original appeal to cater to his schemes. So while one of his biggest critics is out of the locker room, the heat is on Ryan if 2016 doesn’t work out.'

'Williams, who expressed his disappointment at several points this season with his role in Buffalo’s defensive scheme, was due a roster bonus of $2.5 million at the start of the new league year.'

'Neither move was a surprise.'

'The Bills also released guard Kraig Urbik, who took a pay cut to stay with the team last spring, and running back Boobie Dixon.'

'"I'm prepared for anything because I know I'm going to prove a point, and that is not even a question in my mind," he said. "At the end of the day, if I'm not – I'll show you that I'm better than what I've been before. Like, that's just a chip on my shoulder regardless of whether I am there or not, because given the opportunity, I'll get back to what I was."'

'Immediately after news of the Bills placing the franchise tag on offensive tackle Cordy Glenn was hitting social media, so were tweets from several Bills players letting fans know of their release from the team…'