Two Bills Drive

‘"We had this crazy rule," Gillman, who died earlier this year at the age of 91, told USA Today. "If you waived somebody a week before the weekend games, you couldn’t reclaim him. We were short of money, so I thought I’d waive Jack and reclaim him."’

Additional tickets for the first of the team’s two Monday evening practices during the Buffalo Bills Bausch & Lomb Training Camp will be available to the public at the three Rochester Dick’s Sporting Goods locations – Greece, Henrietta, and Victor – beginning on Thursday, July 24th. Shoppers will get two tickets with a purchase. Visit Dick’s Sporting Goods for details.

The Bills roster consists of 29 of the team's original draft picks, 49 players signed as a free agent, two players acquired via trade, and three players claimed off of waivers. In addition, 14 of 22 (64%) starters last season were drafted by the Bills: 8 on offense, 6 on defense.

‘"When I look back at where I was a couple of years ago, I realize how lucky I am because there was so much uncertainty at that time," Moorman said. "Two years ago, I never thought we’d be looking at a long-term contract, but that was always one of my goals. The Bills’ confidence in me made me more confident that I could step on the field and get the job done. I always knew I could, but to know that they knew really made a difference."’

‘While Moorman’s deal is for seven years, the final four years are contingent on the Bills exercising an option payment of between $300,000 and $1 million based on the number of Pro Bowls Moorman makes.’

‘”I’ve watched how the Buffalo Bills have done a tremendous job becoming part of the marketplace here,” Golisano said. “When they moved their training camp to the St. John Fisher College campus, it really heightened awareness and interest in the Buffalo Bills.”‘

‘At Pitt State, Moorman was the football program’s first four-time All-American. From 1995-98, Moorman boasts Pitt State’s best career average with 44 yards a punt. In 1997, he set the school’s season record with 46 yards a punt. He also holds the record for most punts in a career with 157.’

‘Josh Reed is being counted on to replace deep threat Peerless Price, who was lost to Atlanta in a trade forced by salary cap issues. Reed lacks Price’s explosive speed but the Bills believe his quickness and ability to run after the catch can lead to the same results. Buffalo needs the second-year man from LSU to burn defenses the way Price did when he faces single coverage.’

‘As part of the deal, the Bills restructured the third and final year of Moorman’s existing contract, giving him an $870,000 raise over the $380,000 he was scheduled to make this season. The extension will pay Moorman an average of $900,000 a season, not including bonuses.’

‘The Buffalo Bills apparently have rewarded punter Brian Moorman handsomely for two strong seasons.’

‘The 27-year-old product of Pittsburg State signed with the Bills as a free agent before the 2001 season.’

This season is the final year in Winfield’s contract, and the way we hear it, there’s no rush on either end to get an extension done. It’s not because of dissatisfaction though. The Bills certainly want to re-sign him, but they may let it slide until next offseason, under the belief that Winfield or his agent won’t be pushing to get a deal done either. Winfield has been a fine cover corner for the Bills and an even better run supporter. He’s part of the team’s up-and-coming tandem of Ohio State corners along with Nate Clements, and there’s little doubt Buffalo would like to keep that intact, especially after this year’s overhaul on defense. However, one thing about apathy that could bite the Bills in the long run is, if the pass rush improves, Winfield’s numbers could spike, and that could cost the Bills more money to keep him.

The Bills announced that the team has agreed to terms on a new long-term contract with punter Brian Moorman. In accordance with club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. His 84-yard punt at Green Bay on 12/22/02 was the NFL’s longest of 2002 and ranks as the longest in Bills history.

‘"This team has a great attitude throughout the locker room," Moorman said. "Everyone is excited and anxious to start the season. This is going to be a big year for us. Anything less than making some damage in the playoffs is going to be a big disappointment."’

‘But in choosing to instead sign Moorman to a long-term contract, the Bills hope to gain the kind of stability they had at the punter position before 2001, when Chris Mohr owned the job for a decade. For his part, Moorman nearly trebles what he was scheduled to earn in 2003, and also gets future security.’