BarleyNY

Difficult to argue with the Rams at 1, but I'd put the Bills over the Phins. The Jest would be in the running for top 2-3 if Sheldon Richardson wasn't an idiot. 3 stud DLs in the AFCE and one isn't the Cheatriots. That's worth noting.

If you have to THAT selective in your facts, then there's probably not much to be optimistic about.

Th 46 would definitely be a sub package in Buffalo. I expect that a lot of teams run it as such. I don't know how any team could run it as a base with today's pass-friendly rules and salary cap. It sure is a nice arrow to have in your quiver, however.

Doubtful that it happens, but if the Bills are set to cut Freddie they might be able to work a deal for a player who is slated to be cut elsewhere (and who isn't PS eligible). A team deep at OL but shaky at RB like Dallas would fit that. Sometimes things like that happen at final cut downs.

http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/depthchart/PHI Here's the Iggles depth chart. Honestly, what's scary about them this year? The RBs, sure. Bradford? There's a chance he does well in Chip's offense, but for how long? Then it's Sanchez. I like Agholor, but he's a rookie. I love Kiko and wouldn't want to be going across the middle against him. They still have some talent on the defensive side of the ball, but it isn't exactly loaded. I don't see a stellar unit on either side of the ball outside of the RBs. Teams aren't going to be caught off guard by their tempo or style of play this year either. They're lucky they play in the NFCE. I'm not saying they'll totally tank the season, but if things start to go South how bad is that locker room going to get?

A great LT's value is in protecting the QB so that QB can maximize their play. Sure, you can argue that Joe Thomas made the likes of Charlie Frye, Colt McCoy and Brian Hoyer better than if they'd have had a crappy LT. Yeah, but how good was their best going to be? But how much value would Thomas add if he was protecting Rogers, Luck, Brees or Manning? A hell of a lot more if you ask me.

Wow. Not remotely close on either, especially Mett. He's cheap, under contract for 3 more seasons and is backing up a rookie so why is Tenn going to trade him? And for so little? Cousins could get dealt since he's on the last year of his deal, but he's the backup for the oft injured RG3, so why is Wash trading him at all (much less during training camp for the joke of a 4th)? Get real.

To me Kelly looks to be a guy who can coach boys for a relatively short time, but not men for any real length of time. He looks to have a great offensive mind, but also has bitten off more than he can chew by thinking he can be a GM as well as a HC. He wouldn't be the first coach to go down in flames like this.

Too early to throw in the towel, but not too early to be very, very concerned. It's easy to ignore a big elephant in the room during the offseason, but it'll be a lot tougher by week 5.

Mettenberger is under contract through 2017 and making basically nothing on his rookie deal. Mariota hasn't even taken a preseason game snap and their third string WB is Charlie Whitehurst. Why is Tennessee trading him for anything other than a ridiculous offer?

Yup. Kelly has made a lot of stupid personnel moves, but somehow the Bills are his trade B word. It boggles my mind.

A LT's main job is to protect the QB. It's kinda pointless to use a team with a stud LT and no QB as an example. A quality LT is immensely important to teams with a quality QB.

Agree with both of you. Chip looks worse and worse as time goes by. He made that big power play to get control of personnel and appears way in over his head. He's not only going to fail, he's going to set that team back for a long time. The Iggles are just hemorrhaging talent under him.

The Steelers got a great deal on a very good slot corner - which they needed desperately. They gave up a 5th so they'll either end up signing this kid long term or get a comp pick for him if he signs elsewhere. That could easily be a 5th and could be better. Damn.

It's to prevent extortion, blackmail, witness tampering and bribery. It happens though, especially in situations where someone has money and/or a lot to lose. How many high profile athletes had rape charges dropped after the witness refused to cooperate? I remember that happening twice with Roethlisberger. As for Kromer, he could get suspended or fired. If I were Pegula I'd base that decision on a discussion I could now have with him as well as the opinions of those he works with. It'd more likely be a suspension if, for example, Rex thinks he brings a lot to the team than if he was planning on replacing him next season. I'd think it'd be a suspension since Rex hired him. If he'd have been a holdover I'd be leaning the other way.

Reasonably good QB play. The OL obviously effects that, but the bottom line is that this team will only go as far as a QB takes it.

That's exactly what happened. I'd bet my house on it. It's illegal to pay someone to drop charges, but it clearly happened here.

Nice write up on the deal here: http://overthecap.com/a-closer-look-at-russell-wilsons-massive-contract/#more-10408 His agent earned every penny of his commission and I'd expect him to pick up some additional clients due to this deal.

In this case Kromer is still getting his full pay so that actually alleviates the financial stress of the situation. There is always the worry that not being at work can show you are expendable, but it could also show that you aren't. That's the same reason many players try to cover up injuries. His real stress right now has to be whether this gets him suspended or fired so putting as good of a face on the situation has to be job one for him. That might mean a plea bargain. Pleading "Not Guilty" is in line with both that as well as a court fight. Legally I can't see him getting worse than a fine and probation. Maybe not even that. Something that I've not seen mentioned is this: Kromer's council would have told him not to discuss the case with anyone except him unless directed by him and only in his presence. So Kromer won't be able to say anything to the owner, FO or coaches until this is over. I'm sure they know better than to ask. It's a misdemeanor charge so it wouldn't happen, but technically someone could get subpoenaed if it came out that he talked to them about the incident. And you never know what's down the road. What if there is another incident? It wouldn't even have to be intentional. Heck, it could be unrelated or even made up. Crazy things happen. Best to steer clear and wait it out if you are the Bills. See what the courts say, see what he says and then make the call.

Looks like 8/12 was his court date for entering his plea. Since he entered it early things have moved forward. 9/2 isn't his trial date, it's a pre-trial hearing date. I honestly don't know what happens at that. It looks like Kromer wants to get this process moving though.

That's because his entire rookie contract is guaranteed. Not sure of the offsets in place if he was picked up. If the Bills were to part ways with EJ, I'm sure they'd try like hell to make it happen through a trade. Contract details: http://overthecap.com/player/ej-manuel/2197/ The Bills might actually lose cap space by cutting EJ because they'd owe him his whole contract just like if he was on the team PLUS they'd have to pay whomever took his roster spot so they'd add that player's cap charge to the books. It would be reduced by the amount of his new contract - or a portion thereof - if there are offsets in place. I don't know if there are or not though. Edited to add: There is offset language in his deal. http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/bills/2013/06/14/ej-manuel-contract-doug-whaley/2424191/

If they want to trade EJ look for him to be put in position to look good in preseason. My ears will pick up if I see the coaches do some real game planning for the other team when he's in there or if they put him out there with the rest of the Bills 1s going against 2s.

From presser: "I do declare! How dare you cast aspersions on my integrity! I am as pure as the driven snow!" Tom Brady said breathlessly as he fainted onto a nearby chaise.

Lol. Actually only one as I see 89 active players. I think Williams was on an injury list and didn't count toward the 90.

And a different situation. Incognito is on a vet minimum, one-year deal. Still a problem if he doesn't play well, but not nearly the same cap risk.