Archives for March 9, 2017

'Common sense, which has never been in large supply at One Bills Drive during the current 17-year playoff drought, prevailed. If you’ve examined the list of available college players and NFL free agents, you know Taylor is the best option — as new coach Sean McDermott put — “at this time.’'

'They also have reportedly reached an agreement on a four-year, $8.5 million deal with fullback Patrick DiMarco of the Falcons. DiMarco would replace Jerome Felton, and is considered in some circles as the best blocking fullback in the league.'

'Ducasse most recently played for the Baltimore Ravens but came into the league with the New York Jets back in 2010. Ducasse also spent time with the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears. He has mostly played guard during his career but has some experience at tackle dating back to his days at the University of Massachusetts.'

'The safety posted a picture on Instagram with Tyrod Taylor after it was announced that the quarterback would return to Buffalo on a restructured deal. Along with the picture, Williams said that his suit and cleat game battle with the quarterback would continue in 2017.'

'"At this time," is the operative phrase here. The Bills operated with little conviction when deciding on Taylor, who would have been guaranteed more than $30 million and had a modest $15.9 million cap hit on his original contract signed last August.'

'Well, really, I go back to the process and the methodical approach that we have been taking since day one back in January. We've looked, really, at every option and explored every opportunity, at this time, available to us and we just feel like this was the best move for the Bills at this time.'

'During his career with the Bills, Easley appeared in 42 games. He was originally drafted by the Bills in the fourth round of the 2011 draft. In his career, Easley caught three passes for 71 yards and one touchdown. Although he never emerged as a receiving threat, Easley stood out on special teams. Easley led Buffalo in special teams tackles in 2013 and 2014.'

'The option on Taylor's previous deal, signed last August, was the point of much debate at One Bills Drive. The option would have paid Taylor more than $30 million in guaranteed money and carried a cap hit just shy of $16 million for 2017.'

'While the Bills will be looking for a new kicker after cutting Dan Carpenter, the new coaching staff appears content to move forward with Schmidt as the team's punter heading into 2017.'

'In 2015, Pro Football Focus named DiMarco as a first-team All Pro fullback. He has the ability to be a threat as a receiver out of the backfield as well. He has 37 catches for 273 receiving yards and four touchdowns in his career.'

'Brown had a career-year with the Bills in 2016. He finished second in the league with 149 total tackles in 16 starts. Brown also had four sacks, one interception and four passes defensed with the Bills. At the end of the season, Brown was named a second-team All-Pro and made the AFC Pro Bowl team.'

'In short, Taylor isn't going anywhere any time soon. Unless the Bills pull off a blockbuster trade, they will be moving forward with Taylor as their quarterback for at least 2017.'

'Wagner was one of Pro Football Focus' top-graded right tackles in the NFL in both 2014 and 2016. He didn't allow a sack or a quarterback hit in his final eight games of the season. He's not the mauling run blocker some other right tackles are, but his pass protection is as steady as they come. He also played under Buffalo Bills offensive line coach Juan Castillo when Castillo held the same position with the Ravens.'

'Juszczyk's 465 snaps in 2016 would have ranked 27th among all running backs in the NFL. He's a dynamic receiver out of the backfield and a reliable lead blocker in the running game.'

'Whether it's through free agency or the draft, the Bills have no choice but to bring in a tackle for competition at the very least. Ricky Wagner and Riley Reiff will be out of the Bills' price range, so here are a few bargain option for Buffalo.'