‘Rookie contracts in the NFL are slotted based on draft position. That means the hardest part of a usual negotiation – money – isn’t an issue. There can still be some minor hang-ups over contract language and structure.’
Archives for June 2018
Editorial: The Bills call foul
‘We get that a football game isn’t Disney on Ice. We have no illusions that alcohol won’t be part of many NFL patrons’ pregame rituals, that fans will refrain from profanity during the heat of a game, or that tailgaters will hold hands and sing hymns in the parking lots. But the pendulum has swung much too far in the other direction.’
Buffalo Bills’ 10 most important players under-25 entering 2018 season
‘Offensive guard John Miller would have made the cut, but his 25th birthday will come in August before the start of the regular season. Miller will look to win back his former job at right guard this season.’
Jim Kelly encourages student athletes to never give up
‘He encouraged the young adults to enjoy the banquet, noting that for some, it would be the last time they might be honored for their athletic ability. “You can’t get to be the best without sacrifices in your life,” he told them.’
Josh Allen enters Bills’ minicamp third on the depth chart, while AJ McCarron gets the reins
‘People often discuss the effect sitting behind quarterbacks has on a rookie, and how the Bills handle this season will be interesting. Will they give McCarron a bit of rope? Or will they listen to the inevitable calls to play Allen. It will likely all depend on the stakes for the Bills this season, but only time will tell if the risk to move up for Allen will pay off sooner, later or never.’
7 observations from 2018 Buffalo Bills minicamp, Day Three
‘It is difficult to get a gauge on running backs in the spring, but one thing you can’t ignore is usage. Murphy was out on the field quite a bit and all across the board — sometimes getting some first, second, and third-team run. He’s an intriguing name to watch — especially if they do keep four running backs on the roster.’
Bills Today: McDermott on developing QBs this offseason
‘“All three young men have worked extremely hard,” said McDermott. “They’re active learners and they’re really excited to grow, and they love to take coaching, they’re leaders in their own respective ways. As I’ve said before, Nate and A.J. are working with the ones and twos, and Josh is working with the threes. Josh did work some with the ones throughout this week. We will continue to do that periodically through training camp, and we’re just going to stick with the plan and adjust it when and where need be. I’ve been pleased with the work they’ve put in to this point.”’
Minicamp’s a wrap: Josh Allen’s big arm and other Bills observations
‘”Cam’s got a strong arm,” said Proehl, referring to Carolina star Cam Newton. “I was a ball boy so I used to always have to catch him. At first I thought nobody could beat Cam. But throwing with Josh and seeing the way that ball comes out of his hand, it’s close. I can’t. I don’t know. It’s close.”‘
Sideline to sideline: College hoops coaches Witherspoon, Hartman visit Bills minicamp
‘“I absolutely did pick up some tips,” Witherspoon said afterward. “The pace of it, the rhythm of it, the tempo of how fast it moved and how guys got from place to place.”’
Five things we learned during the Bills’ offseason program
‘The Bills’ first-round draft pick was eased into his transition to the NFL, and McDermott made no bones about it — Allen operated with the third-team because at this early stage, he was behind A.J. McCarron and Nathan Peterman not only in experience and NFL status, but in viability. It figures to be a long haul for Allen in his quest to become what the Bills are hoping for, their long-term franchise quarterback. And it may not happen in training camp, either.’
7 things to know following Buffalo Bills’ final minicamp practice
‘Buffalo may want to bring the quarterback along slowly, but he could change their plans if he continues to perform well.’
Jim Kelly’s fight for tomorrow
‘Speaking with a noticeable slur but getting his message across clearly during the 30-minute Q&A, Kelly stressed the need to encourage others who might be going through struggles of their own, no matter how big or small.’
Benjamin eagerly catching up in 2nd season with Bills
‘The Bills’ passing attack ranked no better than 22nd in three seasons under Tyrod Taylor, who was traded to Cleveland this offseason. Buffalo hasn’t cracked the top 10 of the NFL in yard passing since finishing fifth in 2002 during Drew Bledsoe’s first season.’
A Spectator in Minicamp Week: Eric Wood on Retirement
‘“The second I want to play again and get upset my career’s over is the second I need to think back to how close I was to really being messed up for the rest of my life, and not being able to live a normal life and raise a family the way I want to,” Wood says now. “So yeah, the timing stunk. But all things considered, we come off a playoff berth, I get out, and I can walk and play golf and run around with my kids.”‘
Allen has best day yet as Bills end minicamp
‘For the most part, the starters stood on the sidelines for any offense vs. defense work. The second and third-units seemed to get almost all of the reps, although all three quarterbacks rotated again.’