Archives for March 8, 2017

'Among the replacements the Bills could be targeting at kicker are Steven Hauschka of Seattle Seahawks, free-agent-to-be Robbie Gould (with the New York Giants last season), free-agent-to-be Phil Dawson (with the 49ers last season), free-agent-to-be Cairo Santos (with the Kansas City Chiefs last season), free-agent-to-be Greg Zuerlein (with the Los Angeles Rams last season), free-agent-to-be Nick Novak (with the Houston Texans last season), and free agent Garrett Hartley (who last played in 2015 with the Pittsburgh Steelers and worked out for the Giants last year).'

'In a post on his Facebook page, Christie, in wishing Carpenter well, mentioned that he had made an offer to Bills General Manager Doug Whaley to help Carpenter but was turned down.'

'Schmidt has been a decent, but certainly not outstanding punter for the Bills. He was in Buffalo three seasons and averaged 43.9 yards gross on 243 punts, with 73 downed inside the 20. In 2016, he ranked 30th in the NFL in the all-important net average at 38.1 yards.'

'As mentioned by Reed, Woods could reunite with Anthony Lynn in Los Angeles. Woods caught 51 passes for 613 yards and one touchdown in 2016 with Lynn as his offensive coordinator for the majority of the season.'

'Alshon Jeffery and Terrelle Pryor look like the top two wide receivers on the open market. However, both will likely be way out of Buffalo's price range. The same can likely be said for Kenny Stills and Desean Jackson. So which cost effective wide receiver could the Bills bring in to bolster their depth chart? Here are a few names to keep in mind.'

'Gillislee could draw some interest from other teams. He rushed for 577 yards and eight touchdowns while adding one receiving touchdown in 2016. It's not out of the realm of possibility that another team will be willing to give up the fifth-round compensation to sign Gillislee to an offer sheet. He has only 154 career carries, and his best football is likely in front of him.'

'Other teams will have a chance to sign Gillislee and Groy to longer contracts, but the Bills will have an opportunity to match any offer. If they do not match an offer to Gillislee, the Bills will receive a fifth-round draft pick.'

'Here are some options the Bills could attack in free agency for the offensive side of the ball…'.

'“He has all the physical attributes,” Reed said. “Sammy is a great athlete, a great player. It’s just unfortunate he’s really only had one full season. Hopefully things turn around for him.”'

'Gillislee has been a dependable backup behind LeSean McCoy since joining the Bills in November 2015. Last season, he had 577 yards rushing and scored nine touchdowns, including one receiving. He also led the NFL in averaging 5.7 yards per carry.'

'Enemkpali and Schmidt become unrestricted free agents when the NFL free agency period begins Thursday.'

'The original round/right of first refusal tenders for Gillislee and Groy mean both will be guaranteed $1.797 million this coming season on one-year deals. They can also sign a different deal with the Bills, for any length or dollars, at any time.'

'In the final days before the Bills' Tyrod Taylor deadline, conversation continues to swirl about which option is better, keeping Taylor or not. Certainly plenty of fans have lobbied for each option. But there's a large contingent of fans that don't believe in either option enough to invest in a comment. Bulldog said it all in three words just as the off-season was beginning and fans were starting to question what the Bills would do not just with Taylor but also in their search for a new head coach.'

'S/OLB Jabrill Peppers, Michigan.'

'Among the quarterbacks in attendance at the NFL Combine, Clemson’s DeShaun Watson was the overall winner of the week spent in Indianapolis. When he met the media he exuded a quiet confidence and leadership qualities. Reports indicated that he held up well in formal interviews with NFL clubs.'