ganesh Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 The "we don't negotiate during the season" quote means a player won't be back. It is total BS. Do the right thing Marv and extend Fletcher for 3 years. 789961[/snapback] When has Marv or anyone from the Bills ever mentioned that they don't negotiate during the season...That statement definitely baffles me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JStranger76 Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 Jay Rosen said it earlier in this thread. I never heard anything official so hopefully that is not the case. But if you do hear that "official quote" you can bet your life he is gone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo Mike1 Posted September 29, 2006 Author Share Posted September 29, 2006 When has Marv or anyone from the Bills ever mentioned that they don't negotiate during the season...That statement definitely baffles me. 790004[/snapback] One word- Donahoe. ' It is the club policy NOT to negotiate contracts once the season has started". Never heard that?? I did several times on players he had no intention of locking up. I do not think that is the case now that he is gone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chilly Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 according to official statistics or the statistics the bills put up on their website? cause i'm pretty sure, check that, 100% sure (check out nfl.com stats) he hasn't lead any of the last 5 seasons. i'm not saying we don't want him around. i think the perfect situation would be to sign him for a 3 year, __ million dollar contract (someone who knows more about contract numbers than me fill in the number). that way we give him the money he deserves as being a great player for us and a team leader, but we don't want to break the bank for someone on the wrong side of 30, and three years down the road when his contract is up they'll know if he's still playing well, and to sign him to another year or two or let him go. 789767[/snapback] Tackles are not an official statistic of the NFL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt in KC Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 Tackles are not an official statistic of the NFL. 790198[/snapback] Two points about this: 1) tackles are reported on NFL.com with the other stats, even if "unofficial" 2) I think they are pretty accurate, at least for the Bills. I have been watching with TiVo and following NFL.com's game center for the last few years and almost always agree with their tackle / assist assessment (only 3-4 times TOTAL have I disagreed) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I Forgot My Last Username Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 Marv has shown the capacity to let linebackers go once they've gotten past their prime. All went on to have a few years at another club: Cornelius Bennett was released in 1995 in his ninth season with the club, while Marv Levy was still coach. He was 30. Shane Conlan left after his sixth season with the club, in 1992. He was 28. Darryl Talley left after his 12th season with the club, in 1994. He was 34 when he left. Three pro bowl linebackers, 6, 9, and 12 seasons with the bills. This could be a darryl talley scenario, where they hang on to Fletcher for a couple more years. But my guess is that this is more of a Shane Conlan/Cornelius Bennett scenario. If we get a hometown discount from Fletcher, he may stay. But with the renewed focus on youth and speed in this D, my money is on him heading for greener pastures at the end of the year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ganesh Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 These are the possible LBs who will be UFA in 2007. Which ones would be an upgrade over Fletcher, if the Bills don't re-sign him Lance Briggs, UFA, Chicago Bears Briggs benefits from having Brian Urlacher as a teammate, but that’s no reason to doubt that Briggs is a really good linebacker in his own right. He may be the most sought after linebacker in this free agent class, and the Bears will have difficulty in retaining all of the defensive talent they have in the next few seasons if they wish to spend more money on offensive help and re-sign other current players. The Bears could slap the franchise tag on Briggs to keep him around, but if they don’t, expect him to be leaving the Windy City and taking up residence for a new team that will try and feature him on defense. Teams needing a tough linebacker to plug holes and make tackles will put Briggs high on their list. Given the Bears history in this type of matter, it’s likely that Briggs will find a new place to punish offenses. Na'il Diggs, UFA, Carolina Panthers Diggs has been a steady linebacker for the Green Bay Packers since his second season in the league. Injuries forced him to miss seven games last season and he now has just a single season to prove to the Panthers that he deserves a larger contract. Diggs, while steady, isn’t necessity for Carolina, so expect to see him hit the market in the hopes that someone appreciates what he does on the field, maybe even over-appreciates what he does on the field. Staying healthy will be the first step towards a successful contract year, and if he can perform like he did in Green Bay, a handful of teams should be interested in bringing Diggs into the fold. Anyone looking for a veteran linebacker to make some tackles and hold his own will show an interest. Cato June, UFA, Indianapolis Colts Recent legal trouble could hurt his stock, but June was a first time starter in the Pro Bowl this past season. He’s relatively young and a tackling machine, so it’s likely that the Colts will do what they can to retain his talents. There’s good chance that June hits the market, though, to see what other organizations have to offer him financially; the Colts inability to reach the Super Bowl may also factor into a decision to leave. June’s not an overpowering player, so a team interested in him will be looking at utilizing his speed as a top priority, in the same way that the Colts have done. June will be the most sought after linebacker on the market, and perhaps the most sought after defensive player. Adalius Thomas, UFA, Baltimore Ravens It could be difficult to keep Thomas around because of his emerging status as one of the better linebackers in the NFL. Last season, with Ray Lewis lost to an injury for ten games, Thomas shined for the Ravens defensive unit. Credited with 86 total tackles, nine sacks, and a returned touchdown on one of his two interceptions, he boosted his free agent potential and he could be one of the top two or three pursued players if he has a successful ’06 campaign. Someone will throw big dollars his way, which means he could be lured away from Baltimore. Other Free Agent Linebackers Chase Blackburn, ERFA, New York Giants Chad Brown, UFA, New England Patriots James Darling, UFA, Arizona Cardinals London Fletcher, UFA, Buffalo Bills Randall Godfrey, UFA, San Diego Chargers Kawika Mitchell, UFA, Kansas City Chiefs Rob Morris, UFA, Indianapolis Colts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patience Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 These are the possible LBs who will be UFA in 2007. Which ones would be an upgrade over Fletcher, if the Bills don't re-sign him Cato June, UFA, Indianapolis Colts Recent legal trouble could hurt his stock, but June was a first time starter in the Pro Bowl this past season. He’s relatively young and a tackling machine, so it’s likely that the Colts will do what they can to retain his talents. There’s good chance that June hits the market, though, to see what other organizations have to offer him financially; the Colts inability to reach the Super Bowl may also factor into a decision to leave. June’s not an overpowering player, so a team interested in him will be looking at utilizing his speed as a top priority, in the same way that the Colts have done. June will be the most sought after linebacker on the market, and perhaps the most sought after defensive player. 790250[/snapback] There's a name that catches my eye. He's played in this kind of defense, and he would have a former teammate in Tripplett. I like Briggs a lot, too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erynthered Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 These are the possible LBs who will be UFA in 2007. Which ones would be an upgrade over Fletcher, if the Bills don't re-sign him Lance Briggs, UFA, Chicago Bears Briggs benefits from having Brian Urlacher as a teammate, but that’s no reason to doubt that Briggs is a really good linebacker in his own right. He may be the most sought after linebacker in this free agent class, and the Bears will have difficulty in retaining all of the defensive talent they have in the next few seasons if they wish to spend more money on offensive help and re-sign other current players. The Bears could slap the franchise tag on Briggs to keep him around, but if they don’t, expect him to be leaving the Windy City and taking up residence for a new team that will try and feature him on defense. Teams needing a tough linebacker to plug holes and make tackles will put Briggs high on their list. Given the Bears history in this type of matter, it’s likely that Briggs will find a new place to punish offenses. Na'il Diggs, UFA, Carolina Panthers Diggs has been a steady linebacker for the Green Bay Packers since his second season in the league. Injuries forced him to miss seven games last season and he now has just a single season to prove to the Panthers that he deserves a larger contract. Diggs, while steady, isn’t necessity for Carolina, so expect to see him hit the market in the hopes that someone appreciates what he does on the field, maybe even over-appreciates what he does on the field. Staying healthy will be the first step towards a successful contract year, and if he can perform like he did in Green Bay, a handful of teams should be interested in bringing Diggs into the fold. Anyone looking for a veteran linebacker to make some tackles and hold his own will show an interest. Cato June, UFA, Indianapolis Colts Recent legal trouble could hurt his stock, but June was a first time starter in the Pro Bowl this past season. He’s relatively young and a tackling machine, so it’s likely that the Colts will do what they can to retain his talents. There’s good chance that June hits the market, though, to see what other organizations have to offer him financially; the Colts inability to reach the Super Bowl may also factor into a decision to leave. June’s not an overpowering player, so a team interested in him will be looking at utilizing his speed as a top priority, in the same way that the Colts have done. June will be the most sought after linebacker on the market, and perhaps the most sought after defensive player. Adalius Thomas, UFA, Baltimore Ravens It could be difficult to keep Thomas around because of his emerging status as one of the better linebackers in the NFL. Last season, with Ray Lewis lost to an injury for ten games, Thomas shined for the Ravens defensive unit. Credited with 86 total tackles, nine sacks, and a returned touchdown on one of his two interceptions, he boosted his free agent potential and he could be one of the top two or three pursued players if he has a successful ’06 campaign. Someone will throw big dollars his way, which means he could be lured away from Baltimore. Other Free Agent Linebackers Chase Blackburn, ERFA, New York Giants Chad Brown, UFA, New England Patriots James Darling, UFA, Arizona Cardinals London Fletcher, UFA, Buffalo Bills Randall Godfrey, UFA, San Diego Chargers Kawika Mitchell, UFA, Kansas City Chiefs Rob Morris, UFA, Indianapolis Colts 790250[/snapback] Nice post. I'll agree, I think this is LF last year in a Bills Uni....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ganesh Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 Nice post. I'll agree, I think this is LF last year in a Bills Uni....... 790269[/snapback] And I think we may have to re-sign Clements. Look at the UFA pickings for corners....Other than Clements there is not much available....Unless we draft another corner in the 1st round or Youbouty is able to step up into that role... Nate Clements, UFA, Buffalo Bills Clements should be the top target of teams looking for help in the secondary. He’s young, highly regarded, and very talented. Buffalo would like nothing more than to have him signed to an extension as quickly as possible, but his talent—he does have two Pro Bowl selections—may lead him to test the market. Without an extension, the Bills must decide if they are willing to franchise tag Clements once again to guarantee his presence on the gridiron for one more season. Since Clements has not been adversely affected by NFL officiating changes, most NFL teams will pursue the cornerback if he hits the market. Other Free Agent Cornerbacks Roc Alexander, RFA, Denver Broncos Jordan Babineaux, RFA, Seattle Seahawks Jason David, RFA, Indianapolis Colts Randall Gay, RFA, New England Patriots Nick Harper, UFA, Indianapolis Colts David Macklin, UFA, Arizona Cardinals Asante Samuel, UFA, New England Patriots Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erynthered Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 And I think we may have to re-sign Clements. Look at the UFA pickings for corners....Other than Clements there is not much available....Unless we draft another corner in the 1st round or Youbouty is able to step up into that role... Nate Clements, UFA, Buffalo Bills Clements should be the top target of teams looking for help in the secondary. He’s young, highly regarded, and very talented. Buffalo would like nothing more than to have him signed to an extension as quickly as possible, but his talent—he does have two Pro Bowl selections—may lead him to test the market. Without an extension, the Bills must decide if they are willing to franchise tag Clements once again to guarantee his presence on the gridiron for one more season. Since Clements has not been adversely affected by NFL officiating changes, most NFL teams will pursue the cornerback if he hits the market. Other Free Agent Cornerbacks Roc Alexander, RFA, Denver Broncos Jordan Babineaux, RFA, Seattle Seahawks Jason David, RFA, Indianapolis Colts Randall Gay, RFA, New England Patriots Nick Harper, UFA, Indianapolis Colts David Macklin, UFA, Arizona Cardinals Asante Samuel, UFA, New England Patriots 790270[/snapback] Another concern should be TS. We could be really weak at LB next year. Lance Briggs and Rob Morris have C-2 experience. Should be interesting to see how this plays out. In the cover 2, its all about speed. A good example of older players, having a hard time with it, is the Buc's. IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pirate Angel Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 Not sure what the market on Middle linebackers is at the end of the season, someone is probly willing to overpay for him. If TKO doesnt recover to be the player he once was that will free up alot of cash and weaken the linebacking corps so we would have to resign him, Clements already made it clear that he wants to be rediculously overpaid roght now he's playing like a #2 DB Mcgee is better than him anyway so theres more money freed up to resign him. since in 3 years he more than likely going be a declining they may shop for a young apprentice also which would be a great idea Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo Mike1 Posted September 29, 2006 Author Share Posted September 29, 2006 These are the possible LBs who will be UFA in 2007. Which ones would be an upgrade over Fletcher, if the Bills don't re-sign him Lance Briggs, UFA, Chicago Bears Briggs benefits from having Brian Urlacher as a teammate, but that’s no reason to doubt that Briggs is a really good linebacker in his own right. He may be the most sought after linebacker in this free agent class, and the Bears will have difficulty in retaining all of the defensive talent they have in the next few seasons if they wish to spend more money on offensive help and re-sign other current players. The Bears could slap the franchise tag on Briggs to keep him around, but if they don’t, expect him to be leaving the Windy City and taking up residence for a new team that will try and feature him on defense. Teams needing a tough linebacker to plug holes and make tackles will put Briggs high on their list. Given the Bears history in this type of matter, it’s likely that Briggs will find a new place to punish offenses. Na'il Diggs, UFA, Carolina Panthers Diggs has been a steady linebacker for the Green Bay Packers since his second season in the league. Injuries forced him to miss seven games last season and he now has just a single season to prove to the Panthers that he deserves a larger contract. Diggs, while steady, isn’t necessity for Carolina, so expect to see him hit the market in the hopes that someone appreciates what he does on the field, maybe even over-appreciates what he does on the field. Staying healthy will be the first step towards a successful contract year, and if he can perform like he did in Green Bay, a handful of teams should be interested in bringing Diggs into the fold. Anyone looking for a veteran linebacker to make some tackles and hold his own will show an interest. Cato June, UFA, Indianapolis Colts Recent legal trouble could hurt his stock, but June was a first time starter in the Pro Bowl this past season. He’s relatively young and a tackling machine, so it’s likely that the Colts will do what they can to retain his talents. There’s good chance that June hits the market, though, to see what other organizations have to offer him financially; the Colts inability to reach the Super Bowl may also factor into a decision to leave. June’s not an overpowering player, so a team interested in him will be looking at utilizing his speed as a top priority, in the same way that the Colts have done. June will be the most sought after linebacker on the market, and perhaps the most sought after defensive player. Adalius Thomas, UFA, Baltimore Ravens It could be difficult to keep Thomas around because of his emerging status as one of the better linebackers in the NFL. Last season, with Ray Lewis lost to an injury for ten games, Thomas shined for the Ravens defensive unit. Credited with 86 total tackles, nine sacks, and a returned touchdown on one of his two interceptions, he boosted his free agent potential and he could be one of the top two or three pursued players if he has a successful ’06 campaign. Someone will throw big dollars his way, which means he could be lured away from Baltimore. Other Free Agent Linebackers Chase Blackburn, ERFA, New York Giants Chad Brown, UFA, New England Patriots James Darling, UFA, Arizona Cardinals London Fletcher, UFA, Buffalo Bills Randall Godfrey, UFA, San Diego Chargers Kawika Mitchell, UFA, Kansas City Chiefs Rob Morris, UFA, Indianapolis Colts 790250[/snapback] Great information. You have to love Fletcher, I don'tcare what anybody says, he will be highly sought after. This is a major concern next season. How much youth can you actually have? I dunno. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justnzane Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 These are the possible LBs who will be UFA in 2007. Which ones would be an upgrade over Fletcher, if the Bills don't re-sign him Lance Briggs, UFA, Chicago Bears Briggs benefits from having Brian Urlacher as a teammate, but that’s no reason to doubt that Briggs is a really good linebacker in his own right. He may be the most sought after linebacker in this free agent class, and the Bears will have difficulty in retaining all of the defensive talent they have in the next few seasons if they wish to spend more money on offensive help and re-sign other current players. The Bears could slap the franchise tag on Briggs to keep him around, but if they don’t, expect him to be leaving the Windy City and taking up residence for a new team that will try and feature him on defense. Teams needing a tough linebacker to plug holes and make tackles will put Briggs high on their list. Given the Bears history in this type of matter, it’s likely that Briggs will find a new place to punish offenses. Na'il Diggs, UFA, Carolina Panthers Diggs has been a steady linebacker for the Green Bay Packers since his second season in the league. Injuries forced him to miss seven games last season and he now has just a single season to prove to the Panthers that he deserves a larger contract. Diggs, while steady, isn’t necessity for Carolina, so expect to see him hit the market in the hopes that someone appreciates what he does on the field, maybe even over-appreciates what he does on the field. Staying healthy will be the first step towards a successful contract year, and if he can perform like he did in Green Bay, a handful of teams should be interested in bringing Diggs into the fold. Anyone looking for a veteran linebacker to make some tackles and hold his own will show an interest. Cato June, UFA, Indianapolis Colts Recent legal trouble could hurt his stock, but June was a first time starter in the Pro Bowl this past season. He’s relatively young and a tackling machine, so it’s likely that the Colts will do what they can to retain his talents. There’s good chance that June hits the market, though, to see what other organizations have to offer him financially; the Colts inability to reach the Super Bowl may also factor into a decision to leave. June’s not an overpowering player, so a team interested in him will be looking at utilizing his speed as a top priority, in the same way that the Colts have done. June will be the most sought after linebacker on the market, and perhaps the most sought after defensive player. Adalius Thomas, UFA, Baltimore Ravens It could be difficult to keep Thomas around because of his emerging status as one of the better linebackers in the NFL. Last season, with Ray Lewis lost to an injury for ten games, Thomas shined for the Ravens defensive unit. Credited with 86 total tackles, nine sacks, and a returned touchdown on one of his two interceptions, he boosted his free agent potential and he could be one of the top two or three pursued players if he has a successful ’06 campaign. Someone will throw big dollars his way, which means he could be lured away from Baltimore. Other Free Agent Linebackers Chase Blackburn, ERFA, New York Giants Chad Brown, UFA, New England Patriots James Darling, UFA, Arizona Cardinals London Fletcher, UFA, Buffalo Bills Randall Godfrey, UFA, San Diego Chargers Kawika Mitchell, UFA, Kansas City Chiefs Rob Morris, UFA, Indianapolis Colts 790250[/snapback] Umm... yeah ??? How come you mention potential replacements for fletcher and mention no middle linebackers? That seems a little odd to only mention outside backers to replace LF when many can't play inside Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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