Archives for May 3, 2017

'It means Watkins would become a free agent after the 2017 season, unless the Bills decided to give him a franchise tag (which would give him a guaranteed, one-year deal) or agree to an extension with him.'

'The team claimed Charles James off waivers from the Indianapolis Colts. James, 26, played in 12 games with the Houston Texans in 2016 and one with the Colts. He's entering his fourth NFL season, having also spent time with the New York Giants, and has appeared in 34 career games with 28 tackles and two passes defensed.'

'When he's back on the field, presumably at 100 percent, Watkins will be motivated to prove the Bills wrong and justify a massive contract extension. It's good to have hungry players. The guy throwing him the football, Tyrod Taylor, will be trying to justify a big deal, too.'

'Sean McDermott’s cast now is the third head coaching regime in the last five years. (We’re not counting interims.) Just look at the defensive scheme changes since Chan Gailey took over in 2010. The defense has gone from the 3-4 (George Edwards) to the 4-3 (Dave Wannstedt) to the 3-4 (Mike Pettine) to the 4-3 (Jim Schwartz) to the 3-4 (Dennis Thurman) to the 4-3 (Leslie Frazier).'

'McDermott and Beane not only worked together for the past six years while McDermott was the Panthers' defensive coordinator, but they also literally traveled together during the postseason interview circuit when McDermott was being considered for NFL head-coaching jobs and Beane was being courted for GM openings.'

'White fills an immediate need in the starting lineup, but what really improves this grade is the trade down. Originally slated to pick 10th overall, the Bills acquired the Kansas City Chiefs' 2018 first-round pick, in addition to a third-rounder, to move down 17 spots. That 2018 first-rounder will be valuable to the Bills, no matter how they decide to do it. White was considered a late first-round, or early second-round pick, by every measure.'

'Pictured above is Doug Whaley and Tim Murray, the recently fired general managers of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres, sitting at the bar of downtown restaurant Osteria 166. The website Deadspin originally published the image, which was sent to them from a commenter, Mitch Mirsky, who also provided it to The Buffalo News.'

'The fifth-year salaries are typically guaranteed for injury and is effective until the first day of the 2018 league year, at which point the option money on the contract becomes fully guaranteed. So, the Bills could have picked up the option, and rescinded it before the start of the 2018 league calendar, but they opted against it, an indication that McDermott — who was not in Buffalo when Watkins was drafted — isn’t completely sold on the receiver’s long-term viability.'

'James joins the Bills one day after the team signed free agent cornerback Shareece Wright. Buffalo's top three appears set with Ronald Darby, Kevon Seymour and first round pick Tre'Davious White, but James will battle for a depth role against Wright, Leonard Johnson, Marcus Cromartie, Marcus Roberson and Charles Gaines.'

'While Watkins has been efficient, he hasn't consistently dominated. Injuries and quarterback play have held him back, but Watkins only has one game with more than 10 catches. That game was the 2015 season finale, which meant nothing for the already eliminated Bills. Meanwhile, he's had three or fewer catches in 18 of his 37 career games. There's no question that Watkins has the ability to dominate when he's healthy. The Bills have seen that as recently as his seven-catch, 154-yard game against the Dolphins last season. But they need to see it more often before handing him more than $13 million in 2018.'

'"Peterman played in a pro-style offense at Pittsburgh, which is a boon, given all the passers coming out now who have to deal with an additional learning curve adjusting to the pro game. Peterman can throw the deep ball well, completing 46.2 percent of his vertical throws. Organizational confidence in Tyrod Taylor has been as up-and-down as the quarterback's play, although Taylor deserves another chance to take Buffalo to the postseason. If Taylor falters, this late-round steal could step in as a rookie and start."'

'All of this will be inconsequential if the Bills and Watkins are able to agree to a long-term contract. Before that happens, the Bills will want to make sure Watkins' foot is fully healed and he is able to produce at a level that warrants the price tag he will seek.'

'The Bills are expected to still have interest in retaining Watkins past this season. One option would be placing the franchise tag on Watkins, which would pay him $16 million.'

'Four teams below the Bills in terms of odds to win the Super Bowl via OddsShark.com are four teams who picked above the Bills in the 2017 draft as well.'

'We’ll find out soon if it’s a change for the better.'