Archives for February 2017

'“Derek brings a wealth of NFL experience to the Bills organization and will be a very valuable addition as the leader of our communications department,” Brandon said. “On behalf of the Bills organization, I would like to thank Scott for his class and dignity while steering our communications efforts for close to three decades. As we welcome Derek and his successful track record to the organization, we also look forward to the continued benefit of Scott’s experience, as he will oversee a number of important projects in his new position.”'

'“You can fit into any scheme, it’s all about the want to,” Humber said. “I don’t think size matters. Schemes do matter for certain players, but it’s the want and will to beat a block, to even get open. I like the 4-3 system a lot better than the 3-4, but I think you have to understand your players and what they’re capable of doing.”'

'His odds are as follows: Buffalo 1/1, Cleveland 7/2, Chicago 4/1, San Francisco 4/1 and the N.Y. Jets 6/1.'

'An injury clause in Taylor's contract means, if he can't pass a physical examination by the March 11 deadline the Bills have to decide whether to pick up the option on extending his deal, the team would automatically owe him his $27.5 million guarantee.'

'One of Mills' biggest supporters was Aaron Kromer, the team's former offensive line coach who is now with the L.A. Rams. While it's unclear what the new coaching staff, including offensive line coach Juan Castillo, thinks about Mills, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the team try and upgrade at the position. If Mills is willing to come back on a cheap, one-year contract, he would provide solid depth up front. If he's looking for a longer deal with starting money, however, it's time for him to move on.'

'McDermott’s input carries substantial weight, because what the Bills do with the quarterback’s contract extension will reveal whether he feels the urgency to try to win now or build long-term. His ability to keep something as big as that under wraps is telling about the new way business is being conducted at One Bills Drive.'

'"The feeling here is that Clemson's Watson is the first quarterback taken in the draft, to the Bills at No. 10 overall. It could also be North Carolina's Mitch Trubisky, but we're giving the edge to Watson. The Bills are reluctant to pay Tyrod Taylor $18 million per year, so he's likely to play elsewhere in 2017. Some in the organization believe Cardale Jones could start, but Watson has a better body of work."'

'The Buffalo Bills recently received good news on quarterback Tyrod Taylor according to a report. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Wednesday that Taylor has been medically cleared from groin surgery.'

'With that, here’s a third look around the NFL mock draft scene ahead of April’s draft…'.

'At this point, the only certainty on the Bills quarterback depth chart is that 2016 fourth-round pick Cardale Jones will be in the mix in one form or another in 2017.'

'Buffalo has a decision to make on Taylor and his contract for the upcoming season. The Bills have until March 11 to decide whether or not to exercise the contract extension he signed during training camp, which would kick in the remaining five years of the deal.'

'With less than three weeks until that deadline, reports can be expected with increased frequency. One of those came Tuesday morning from one of the league's most plugged-in reporters, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.'

'He won't come with a big price tag, so keeping Bryant on a short-term, low-money deal should be a priority.'

'Gilmore allowed 60.3 percent of passes thrown his way to be caught this past season for 15.6 yards per catch, and while he has often been seen as a shutdown corner for the Bills, he has allowed 16 touchdowns over his career, and 12 over the past three seasons. The lack of other true No. 1 options will likely still see Gilmore's value pushed up because of the ceiling he has shown at times."'

'Jefferson, 25, made 14 starts in 2016 with the Arizona Cardinals. He registered 96 total tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles and five passes defensed. Jefferson would be a great fit in Sean McDermott's defense, but Buffalo's ability to add a top safety in free agency will come down to cap space.'