Archives for April 2016

'The Bills will then host the New York Giants, the first preseason matchup between the two teams since 2014 when the Bills and Giants squared off in Canton in the annual Hall of Fame game. The matchup will mark the sixth time that the Bills have met the Giants in preseason play.'

'He spent the past two seasons with the Carolina Panthers serving mainly in a backup capacity, though he did make eight starts between 2014 and 2015. Prior to that Velasco was a starter for Pittsburgh in 2013 (11 starts) and Tennessee in 2012 (16 starts) mostly at center.'

'Velasco, 31, began his career as a practice squad player in 2008 after signing as an undrafted rookie with the Tennessee Titans. He worked his way up the Titans depth chart over the years eventually earning a starting job at center in 2012, making all 16 starts. The following year he signed as a free agent with Pittsburgh and started 11 games in the pivot for the Steelers.'

'In 2015, there were 19 players 31 years old or younger who retired from the NFL, including 24-year-old Packers wide receiver Adrian Coxson, 25-year-old 49ers offensive lineman Anthony Davis and 24-year-old 49ers linebacker Chris Borland, and 26-year-old Titans quarterback Jake Locker. All cited concerns about concussions, though Davis has now reconsidered and wants to return to play.'

'“This decision is the hardest I’ve made yet, but after much research and contemplation I believe it’s what is best for me going forward.”'

'If Wentz and Goff go in the first seven selections, as expected, the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 8 and the Los Angeles Rams at No. 15 are the next two teams most linked to possibly taking a quarterback in the first round.'

'Tarpley, who suffered the third and fourth concussions of his career in 2015, made the announcement on his Instagram account. He's just 23 years old.'

'With both Tyrod Taylor and EJ Manuel entering the final seasons of their respective contracts, Whaley has made no secret about the fact that the Bills need to add a quarterback or two to the roster heading into the offseason. With little progress on a new contract for Taylor, the Bills might be wise to plan for the future by taking a quarterback at 19 and providing themselves with some insurance at the position.'

'"To my family, I'll never be able to repay your unwavering support and love, I just hope that I can continue to show how gracious I am and make you proud. I also want to thank the Buffalo Bills organization, coaches, and teammates for helping me fulfill my lifelong dream in the NFL.'

'"After months of introspection, I am retiring from football," Tarpley wrote. "I suffered the 3rd and 4th concussions of my career this past season and I am walking away from the game I love to preserve my future health.'

'Tarpley leaves the game just shy of his 24th birthday. He was scheduled to make $525,000 this coming season.'

'Lynch is expected to be the third quarterback taken in this year's draft, behind (in either order) North Dakota State's Carson Wentz and California's Jared Goff.'

'In his post on Instagram, Tarpley cited the fact that he suffered his third and fourth concussions of his career, and has proactively decided to step away from the game.'

'According to ESPN's Sal Paolantonio, the Bills flew down to Memphis to have dinner with quarterback prospect Paxton Lynch. Lynch is one of the three quarterbacks projected to be selected in the first round, along with North Dakota State's Carson Wentz, and Cal's Jared Goff.'

'In his time as a head coach, Rex Ryan has gone to the well of defensive linemen early in drafts. The way the Bills roster is constructed, Ryan could once again bring in a top defensive linemen to help his scheme — it just depends what the Bills are looking for.'