Happy Days Lois & Clark

Bills | Henry for Shelton Trade Dead? - from www.KFFL.com Sat, 5 Mar 2005 05:50:37 -0800 ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reports a potential trade between the Buffalo Bills and Arizona Cardinals that would have sent RB Travis Henry to Arizona for OT L.J. Shelton appears dead. Bills | Won't Give Henry Away - from www.KFFL.com Sat, 5 Mar 2005 05:50:17 -0800 ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reports the Buffalo Bills are still interested in trading RB Travis Henry, but they do not plan to just give him away. The Bills are still looking for a first-day draft choice for him and nobody has been willing to give up that much for Henry thus far. Cardinals | Looking to the Draft for a RB - from www.KFFL.com Sat, 5 Mar 2005 05:50:01 -0800 ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reports the Arizona Cardinals appear likely to address their need for a running back through the NFL Draft. Bears | Landing Spot for Shelton? - from www.KFFL.com Sat, 5 Mar 2005 05:49:45 -0800 ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reports the Chicago Bears appear to be the likely landing spot for OT L.J. Shelton, of the Arizona Cardinals, who is on the trading block.

Maybe the Bills coould trade Henry, Proileau, & Reed for Shelton

Too bad Munoz is more prone to injury than Jennings

2001 was only his rookie year & he split time with other backs 2002 he ran for 1438 yards 43 catches and 14 Td's all behind a bad offensive line and he went to the pro bowl 2003 missed 1 game and played though injury but still put up excellent #'s. 1356 yards rushing & 11Td's on a team that did not score an offensive TD in 7 of their games that year. Moulds was playing hurt & Bledsoe was horrible. Travis Henry was the only good part of the offense that year & was the teams offensive MVP. 2004 was averaging a yard per carry more than Willis McGahee going into week 4 of the season. The team was struggling offensively trying to adjust to a new coaching staff & fans wanted a change somewhere on offense. The coaching staff put in McGahee as their starter. The offensive line began to play better under thier new offensive line coach Jim McNally and Lee Evens began to emerge as a premier rookie wide receiver. Travis Henry did not fumble at all in 2004. He is a premier running back in this league who is young (only 26), tough (played though injury), proven (just look at the #'s on a bad offensive team), a premier running back (went to the pro bowl), determined to succeed (wants to show everyone that he is a top 5 back in this league & that he should not have lost his job to Willis McGahee) Dennis Green should be Jumping at the opportunity to get this guy!!!!!

From arizona message board at nfl.com

He is scheduled to visit Buffalo tomorrow

Howard Simon is cool. Jeremy White is also okay.

I cannot comprehent what The Bils front office is thinking by spending an extra million dollars to keep Coy Wire on the roster How long do players such as C Wire and J Reed need before we realize they aren't worth it

Well since Travis Henry decided not to go to Arizona, he may have to deal with backing up McGahee for another season

Bills lose Jennings to 49ers, Williams to Vikings in Free Agency by BillsZone.com The Buffalo Bills have seen both of their top free agents sign with other teams in the first day of free agency. DT Pat Williams has signed with the Minnesota Vikings, according to a report by Fox Sports' Jay Glazer. FOXSports.com has learned that the Vikings have agreed to terms with former Bills defensive tackle Pat Williams on a three-year, $13 million deal that includes $6 million in bonus money. With incentives the contract can eventually reach $15 million OT jonas Jennings, the top OT remaining on the market, reportedly has signed a deal with the San Francisco 49ers, according to the NFL Network. No immediate details were available on contract specifics, but it was reported there was a $12 million signing bonus.

Pro Football weekly top 100 free agents http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/Featu...2005/top100.htm

Rule No. 1 of NFL free agency: Don't get caught up in names. Rule No. 2: Don't give big money to any player over the age of 30. Samari Rolle has the kind of coverage skills many teams badly need. (Getty Images) Naturally, a lot of teams don't follow those rules. But they should. As the free-agent period is about to begin Wednesday, teams are preparing to strike fast (if you don't think many of these deals are done already, then I have a piece of swamp land I'd like to sell you). In some cases, that means name players will be signing. In others, it's players over 30, which means on the downward slope of their careers. That's where cap problems come into play. Signing a player for big money who is over 30 can blow up a team's cap. That's why teams that are close to getting to the Super Bowl have to be careful whom they pay. The lure of winning can sometimes cloud prudent thinking. "We've seen that before with a lot of teams," said one NFL personnel director. "They get so close, and it's killing them to get it that they pay a player they have no business paying, thinking he will fill a key spot. Then that player struggles, the team doesn't get to the Super Bowl and they're on the books for a big contract that they don't want." So in compiling our Top 50 list of free-agent players, we took age very much into account. There is no player 30 or older in our top 10. Of the 10, two are 28, two are 27, four are 26 and two are 25. They all fall into the key target age. And there are no players who have been slapped with franchise tags because that takes them off the market. The top player on this board is Tennessee Titans cornerback Samari Rolle. He is a premier cover player who was set free for cap reasons. The Titans coaches love the guy, as will the team that gets him. He isn't a great tackler, but in terms of coverage skills he's outstanding. He'll be 29 when the season starts, which is a little older than I would prefer, but he can give a team 4-5 good years of coverage play. That's too valuable to ignore. There are two other corners in the top 10: Fred Smoot of the Redskins at No. 3 and Anthony Henry of the Browns at No. 8. That's because in my book, good, young corners have a lot of value. Hope you enjoy the list. And if your team violates one of the two main tenets of free agency, don't say you weren't warned. 1. Samari Rolle, CB, Titans: At 28, he is a premier cover player. Even if he isn't a great tackler, that is a valuable ability to have on your defense. 2. Mike Wahle, G-T, Packers: The Packers plan to cut him for cap reasons Wednesday. This 27-year-old is a heck of a guard, but some teams have him targeted as a tackle. 3. Fred Smoot, CB, Redskins: At 25, he's an outstanding cover player who talks a big game, too. Some like their corners more physical, but we like this kid a lot. 4. Plaxico Burress, WR, Steelers: This is the best receiver available, even if he didn't put up big numbers last year. Plus, he's only 27. 5. Antonio Pierce, LB, Redskins: This guy is coming off a heck of a season in which he played every play for the Redskins. At 26, his best football is ahead of him. 6. Reggie Hayward, DE, Broncos: In a league desperate for pass rushers, he had 10 1/2 sacks last year, which makes him a hot commodity. Plus, he's only 25. 7. Edgerton Hartwell, LB, Ravens: Played next to Ray Lewis the past couple of years, but will leave his shadow for bigger things. He's 26. 8. Anthony Henry, CB, Browns: He's an underrated corner the Browns' new brass wants back, but he may get too pricey. Plays the ball well, although at 28 he's a little older than most in this top group. 9. LaMont Jordan, RB, Jets: There aren't a lot of carries on his body, which makes him appealing. He's a power back who has his best days ahead of him. At 26, he has five good years left of taking a pounding. 10. Ken Lucas, CB, Seahawks: A quality younger corner who will get some play on the market because he's been a consistent starter. Has good size and speed and he's just 26. 11. Derrick Mason, WR, Titans: At 31 years old, he has a few years left. But it's risky giving an older receiver big money. The Ravens quickly snapped him up anyway. 12. Marco Rivera, G, Packers: Rivera went to the Pro Bowl in 2004, but he's not as good as Wahle. But he is an above-average starter. 13. Ben Hamilton, G, Broncos: Has played guard with the Broncos, but he was a college center and some teams think that's his best position. 14. Gary Baxter, CB, Ravens: Here's another player with versatility, having started at both corner and safety. The Ravens want him back badly. 15. Kendrell Bell, LB, Steelers: Injuries have derailed his career, but if he's healthy he's a force inside or in the middle. 16. Chike Okeafor, DE, Seahawks: A speed rusher who will get play in large part because there aren't a lot of them. 17. Dwight Smith, S, Bucs: Has played corner in the past, but he is a free safety who loves to tackle. A recent arrest may impact his value, although it's doubtful. 18. Jermane Mayberry, G, Eagles: He missed a lot of time with injuries last year, but he is a quality guard. Can also play tackle. At 31, age is an issue. 19. Ty Law, CB, Patriots: He is coming off a major injury and he's 31 years old. That's two red flags. But for a team that is close, and willing to risk money on an older player, he might be worth it. 20. Jason Ferguson, DT, Jets: He had a good season in 2004, but he's getting up there in years. Somebody will pay him well, though. 21. Kurt Warner, QB, Giants: The Cardinals will make a strong push to get him, and that will be a great fit. He can still play. 22. Oliver Ross, T, Steelers: He was a 16-game starter for the second-best running team in the league. Says something about his drive-blocking ability. 23. Pat Williams, DT, Bills: A wide-body in the middle who can plug the run, but he's getting up there in years. 24. Andre Dyson, CB, Titans: If he were two inches taller, he'd be higher on this list. He's a scrappy little corner who will start for somebody. 25. Jonas Jennings, T, Bills: He's not a top-grade tackle, but he is a consistent starter. Has also played guard. 26. Rick DeMulling, G, Colts: Here's a player we like more than most. He's a battler who knows what it takes to get the job done. 27. Kareem McKenzie, T, Jets: With quality right tackles at a premium, he will get some play. He's a good run blocker. 28. Kenoy Kennedy, S, Broncos: A big hitter who clearly outplayed John Lynch, who went to the Pro Bowl playing next to him. 29. Stockar McDougle, T, Lions: The Lions would like him back after signing center Dominick Raiola. 30. Morlon Greenwood, LB, Dolphins: He is a smallish linebacker who can run. But he has trouble when teams run at him. 31. Casey Rabach, C/G, Ravens: He played center last year when Mike Flynn went down, which is his college position, but he can also play guard. The 'Skins quickly pounced on him. 32. Derrick Burgess, DE, Eagles: Don't let his postseason success fool you, he's had problems staying healthy. If he can stay on the field, he's a quality speed rusher. 33. Corey Bradford, WR, Texans: He is a guy who can stretch a defense with his speed, even if he isn't consistent. 34. David Terrell, WR, Bears: So maybe it didn't work out for him in Chicago, but this guy still has good skills. A new venue might do him well. 35. Victor Riley, T, Saints: In 2003, he had an outstanding year. Then he tailed off last season. He is capable of bouncing back. 36. Allen Rossum, KR, Falcons: Normally, I wouldn't have a return man on the list, but Rossum is coming off a heck of a season and he won't cost all that much. 37. Tommy Polley, LB, Rams: This is a kid (27) with loads of potential who hasn't quite lived up to it. Maybe a fresh start will be a good thing. 38. Mark Fields, LB, Panthers: He played well in 2004 after missing 2003 with cancer, but age (32) is a factor for any team signing him. 39. Anthony Thomas, RB, Bears: The A-train doesn't have big-time speed, but he can be a tough runner for a team looking for that type of player. 40. Jeremiah Trotter, LB, Eagles: He played well for the Eagles when he was inserted into the lineup last year, but he has bad knees that will scare off some people. 41. Vonnie Holliday, DE, Chiefs: If the Chiefs' woeful defense doesn't want you, there's something wrong. Holliday's skills have eroded. 42. Fred Miller, T, Titans: The Titans released him for cap reasons, but he's still a solid right tackle. Age (32) is starting to be a concern. 43. Keydrick Vincent, G, Steelers: He stepped in when Kendall Simmons went down and played well. He made some money in 2004. 44. Kevin Carter, DT-DE, Titans: He played mostly inside at tackle last year, but there are teams that feel he can go back out to end. Most likely, he's re-signing with the Titans. 45. Bryce Fisher, DE, Rams: He's an effort player who had his best year in 2004. A decent first step helps him with his pass-rush ability. 46. Floyd Womack, T, Seahawks: He's been a quality starter at both guard and tackle, but guard might be his better position. 47. Seth Payne, DT, Texans: Aside from durability issues, Payne is a force in the middle when he's on the field. He can clog things up in the run game. 48. Marques Douglas, DE, Ravens: With more and more teams going to a 3-4, he has played the 3-4 end the past couple of seasons. He's not a great player, but in that defense the ends don't have to be. 49. Itula Mili, TE, Seahawks: He is getting up in age (31), but he's still an effective player in the passing game. He's a tough cover for linebackers. 50. Derrick Blaylock, RB, Chiefs: Had success when Priest Holmes went down but there are some concerns over whether he is a product of the system.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/stor..._len&id=2002543 Here are a dozen unrestricted free agents who probably won't break the bank with new contracts, but who are serviceable middle-level players who figure to draw interest: • FS/SS Idrees Bashir (Indianapolis) -- 4 years experience -- Never quite lived up to expectations with the Colts but, despite a string of injuries, averaged 13 starts per season. Has some range but lacks instincts, still worth looking at in nickel role. • RB Derrick Blaylock (Kansas City) -- 4 -- Superb all-around special teams player who got a chance to start when Priest Holmes was injured in 2004, averaged 4.6 yards per carry and scored eight touchdowns. Could be a nifty No. 2 tailback. • RB Correll Buckhalter (Philadelphia) -- 4 -- Star-crossed runner, and part-time starter who has suffered two major knee injuries in four seasons. Given his injury history, he might be a medical risk, but his pure running skills make him worth a gamble. • DT Leonardo Carson (Dallas) -- 5 -- Never going to make a lot of plays, but a 305-pounder who will take up space inside and push people around enough to make impact. Bill Parcells would like to keep him around. • OG Roberto Garza (Atlanta) -- 4 -- Moved into the starting lineup because of injury in 2004 and became integral part of a unit that helped the Falcons lead the NFL in rushing. A little stiff, but can be a powerful in-line force in stretches. • WR Kevin Johnson (Baltimore) -- 6 -- Has bounced around a lot the last few years and voided his contract to become a free agent. Still has deceptive speed and some teams feel he has the best hands in the league. • FS Bhawoh Jue (Green Bay) -- 4 -- Has played every position in the secondary and, while he doesn't run well on the stopwatch, has pretty good competitive speed. Should help some team as a regular in nickel packages. • QB Mike McMahon (Detroit) -- 4 -- With all the veteran quarterbacks being released and then recycled, he sometimes gets lost in the shuffle. Athletic and competitive guy, and good enough to win some games in a pinch. • LB Ike Reese (Philadelphia) -- 7 -- Consummate role player with the Eagles, combination blitz-cover guy who excels in nickel packages but would like to be a starter. A terrific performer on special teams units. • OT Oliver Ross (Pittsburgh) -- 7 -- Has played a lot of positions but settled in at right tackle the past two seasons and, while not a pure road-grader, played well. A decent pass blocker and could also move inside and play guard. • KR Allen Rossum (Atlanta) -- 7 -- One of the top two-way (kickoffs and punts) return men in the game, earned a Pro Bowl spot for the 2004 season. Can also play the nickel or dime cornerback spot in a pinch. • LB Matt Stewart (Atlanta) -- 4 -- Only 25 years old and a three-year starter. Falcons feel they can upgrade, but might be hard pressed to do so, and Stewart could move on and be a starter with a new club. Decent two-way blitz-cover guy on third down. Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com

Can Troy Brown play Left Tackle?

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/teams/report/BUF/8237410 Bills report: Inside slant Feb. 28, 2005 The Sports Xchange Inside slant · Notes, quotes · Strategy and personnel --As expected, the Bills did not place the franchise or transition designations on left tackle Jonas Jennings or defensive tackle Pat Williams, their two most important unrestricted free agents, who are free to test the market starting Wednesday. Williams' agent, Angelo Wright, declared the Bills "on the clock." Consummating a trade that sends former starter running back Travis Henry to Arizona for tackle L.J. Shelton would eliminate the need for the Bills to retain Jennings at a salary they wouldn't be happy with given his history of injuries. It would make retaining Williams a lot easier. Williams has 474 tackles and 13 sacks since 1997, making him among the most productive interior players in the game and he shows no signs of slowing down. Corey Simon was given the franchise tag by Philadelphia, taking away Williams' biggest competition on the market. Wright felt Bills' general manager Tom Donahoe would turn his sights on his client once the Henry situation was resolved. "If he gets this deal done with Shelton, he'll turn and make a run at Pat, if he wants him," Wright said. "But by the end of Week 1 of free agency, Pat Williams will have a deal somewhere." Talking to reporters at the Indianapolis Scouting Combine, Donahoe said Williams and Jennings are free to shop. "We'd like to get both back if we can, but it may not be cost effective," Donahoe said. Buffalo is projected to have around $8 million in salary cap space after 2005 base salary raises are factored in. Other free agent activity for the team is expected to center on finding a reliable No. 2 quarterback and running back, obtaining a tight end and looking for more upgrades for the offensive line. After releasing Drew Bledsoe and naming second-year pro J.P. Losman the starting quarterback, Buffalo created a huge hole at backup quarterback. They'd like unrestricted free agent Shane Matthews back, but he's considering retirement again. Jay Fielder, cut last week but Miami, is an intriguing option for the Bills since he knows the AFC East and has recent starting experience. Tight end is a concern since Mark Campbell and Tim Euhus are coming off reconstructive knee surgeries. Minnesota's Jermaine Wiggins, Pittsburgh's Matt Cushing and Seattle's Itula Mili are considered solid free agents who would fit scheme and budget wise in Buffalo. Possible backups to Willis McGahee at running back after Henry is dealt include Baltimore's Chester Taylor and the Giants' Mike Cloud. The Bills want size and toughness at running back to play coach Mike Mularkey's power style. Trading Henry clears $1.25 million from Buffalo's salary cap. Safety Pierson Prioleau and wide receiver Josh Reed are other candidates to be released to secure cap space as needed. Reworking wide receiver Eric Moulds' contract and letting go Bledsoe cleared around $5.2 million in cap space. However, tackle Mike Williams and cornerback Nate Clements have base salary raises totaling more than $6 million, which negates the savings created by the Moulds and Bledsoe moves. The Bills' planning has 2006 in mind. That's when starters Clements, Adams, Campbell, London Fletcher, Chris Kelsay, Lawyer Milloy, Jeff Posey, Ross Tucker and kicker Rian Lindell become unrestricted free agents. Donahoe would like to tie up Clements, who made his first Pro Bowl, before he gets to free agency.

Speed Kills & I am a fan of speed, but I also realize that other intagibles that a football player has are important too

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/index.php?sty=36978 Sports Update Cardinals shopping for a running back By Darren Urban, Tribune INDIANAPOLIS - The path to finding the Cardinals’ starting running back starts here. The NFL scouting combine not only gives the team an opportunity to sort through one of the deepest running back drafts in a few years, but also the chance to figure out if trading for Travis Henry of the Buffalo Bills might be a better solution. "We’re looking for a guy that’s going to be here with us for three, four, five, six years and have a lot of productivity along the way," Cardinals coach Dennis Green said earlier this week on the NFL Network. With the eighth pick in the draft, the Cards can probably pluck one of the top three running back prospects: Cedric Benson of Texas, or Auburn teammates Ronnie Brown and Carnell "Cadillac" Williams. Henry is the other likely option. Green and Cardinals vice president of football operations Rod Graves aren’t scheduled to meet with the media until Saturday. In the meantime, the idea of a swap of Henry for Arizona offensive tackle L.J. Shelton hasn’t gone away. Bills general manager Tom Donahoe said Thursday the Bills will give the Cardinals the same chance to visit with Henry as the Cards did with Shelton last week. Donahoe also said he has talked to five teams about trading for Henry. As for acquiring Shelton, "We don’t have a crystal ball," he said. Bills coach Mike Mularkey said it wasn’t certain Henry was going to be traded at all. "It’s going to be for the right price," Mularkey said. "If it’s not the right price, you need him back. You need two quality backs." Green was purposefully vague when talking about where he would find a new running back. But he also said there might be players who are a "better fit" than others, and implied getting a draft pick for Shelton is preferred. "We know this," Green said, "draft picks are what you like. When you talk about trading you want to look at that American system of developing some of the greatest talent around. And the more players you can draft, the better off you are." One NFL scout said Thursday that Brown is the best all-around back of the top three prospects, while Williams is the most explosive. Benson, a punishing downhill runner, has been the most productive but also has some character issues relating to a couple of arrests. Even if the Cardinals don’t draft a back at No. 8, they could take one in the second or third round and pair him with the rehabilitating Marcel Shipp for a solid tandem. "There are enough of us in the draft that teams can wait and get a good back," West Virginia running back Kay-Jay Harris said. "It’s a good thing for the teams — I don’t know if it’s good for the backs." EXTRA POINTS: Drew Rosenhaus, the agent for Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin, said there was nothing new to report on contract talks with the team other than: "We are continuing to have dialogue." Boldin, under contract through 2006, wants a new contract while the Cards prefer an extension. Rosenhaus’ demeanor changed when asked if anything was going on with another of his Cardinals clients, cornerback Duane Starks, delivering a terse "no comment." Starks, used in a nickel role most of the season, is a candidate to be released because of his hefty $3.6 million salary. . . . Quarterback Jeff Garcia’s agent, Stephen Baker, said six teams are interested in his client, although he would not confirm whether one of the teams is the Cardinals. With regard to Garcia, Graves already has said the Cards were "keeping the door open."

Having an experienced line might be better than having a young line because we have such a young QB

If the Bills were to get a free agent TE I'd probably go for Wiggins of the Vikings

I'd still prefer Mike Nugent on draft day

Bills get LJ Shelton For Travis Henry one for one player trade unless Arizona is unable to get a long term deal done with TH then the Bills may have to give up a 5th rounder too

http://notjustagame.com/articles/184/ Henry To Cardinals Written by: zackc 2005-02-23 14:28:24 The Bills are doing everything they can to satisfy Travis Henry’s requests of a trade, and currently there is one hot rumor out there involving Henry and the Cardinals. There is no question the Cardinals need a running back, with the departure of Emmitt Smith and the unknown health and return capability of Marcel Shipp. At only 27 years old Henry still possesses a lot of strong years left, especially since he’ll be fresh after practically having a year off due to injury. He is one of the smallish backs in the league in height at 5’9, but has superior strength especially in his legs that he uses to hit the hole explosively. With his small stature and blazing speed, defenses have a hard time finding him behind big offensive lineman, and when they do Henry already has the angle on them. The offensive lineman that the Cardinals are potentially willing to trade for Henry is what you would define big in LJ Shelton. A former first round pick by the Cardinals, he has became disgruntled in Arizona with Dennis Green and wants out. The Bills could definitely use him to open more lanes for Willis McGahee and give JP Losman extra-secured protection. He is a capable Pro Bowl lineman if he wants to be, and a new situation may merit that. For Henry he’ll get a chance to make a mockery of the Bills decision to choose him over McGahee. In Henry’s two full seasons as starter he had around 1400 yards rushing and double digits in touchdowns. The foreshadowing of McGahee taking over was evident from day one when the Bills drafted him with the twentieth pick in the draft a few years ago. The Bills knew they were going to bring McGahee along slowly, and give him a chance to take the job. Henry’s contract is up this year, and would be meaningless for him to sit around unhappy on the bench with his ability. If the Bills can’t work out a deal with the Cardinals, there will be a definite alternative route with other teams. Henry’s numbers from previous years aren’t a fluke, and he’ll make a team extremely happy next season. Just look at how quickly the NFL evolves. Not even two years ago the Bills were going into the 2003 season with Drew Bledsoe and Travis Henry as their future leaders, now it’s JP Losman and Willis McGahee. This duo should be a tandem for a decent amount of time.

http://www.kffl.com/hotw/nfl Cowboys | Bledsoe Lands Deal - from www.KFFL.com Tue, 22 Feb 2005 17:24:37 -0800 ESPNews reports the Dallas Cowboys have signed free agent QB Drew Bledsoe (Bills). Terms of the deal were not disclosed. I thought that free agents couldn't be signed until march 2. How can he be signed by Dallas already?

NFL total access on the NFL Network said something to the affect of the deal is being finalized pending physicals

http://azcardinals.com/team/player_bio.html?iid=63