Two Bills Drive

‘”By joining them this early I’ll get to know their system,” says Cota, a former Ashland High and University of Oregon standout. “I’m hoping that will give me an edge.”‘

Wannstedt: Bills DT Pat Williams. "He’s dominating. He’s my vote because this guy plays like a perennial Pro Bowler. He’s a big-time difference-maker."

"The big thing is, it is fun to see how much enthusiasm the team has to practice and to get better each and every day. This week we are getting into some more of the situational things that we want to do in our systems and even adding to the scheme part of things that we covered last week. The last week (next week) of the OTAs will be a tremendous amount of ‘special’ situations work: short yardage, goal line, two-minute, four-minute, all those type of things."

‘Defensive coordinator Jerry Gray plans on experimenting with different combinations. Last season, the Bills received no interceptions from their safeties. For his career, Cota has 15, including a career-high five for Carolina in 1996.’

The 2002 season was the 15th Anniversary of the Buffalo Bills playing the Shout song after every touchdown. What are your thoughts?

‘An eight-year veteran, Cota spent the 2002 season with the Rams and appeared in 14 games.’

‘He becomes the 15th veteran newcomer to join the Bills this offseason, and ninth addition to a defense that finished 27th in points allowed, 29th in yards rushing per game, and 32nd in takeaways last year.’

Signed by Rams 9/3/02 as unrestricted free agent…spent part of 2002 training camp with San Francisco 49ers. Saw action in 14 games, including one start vs. Oakland on 10/13…collected 15 tackles (5 solo) on the season, primarily playing on special teams.

The Bills have agreed to terms on a contract with safety Chad Cota. An eight-year veteran, Cota spent the 2002 season with the Rams after playing three seasons for Indianapolis Colts (1999-2001), one season with New Orleans (1998), and three with Carolina (1995-97).

‘One significant change for premium seat clients is the option to renew for either a three-year or five-year lease. In ’98, only five-year commitments were accepted.’

‘"We look at it as a 15-year lease," Bills President Tom Donahoe said. "Are there options within the 15 years? There are. But based on our team, based on our business (success) and based on Mr. Wilson’s commitment to the area, right now it doesn’t look like an option we’d explore."’

‘The others are: pro wrestler Dick "the Destroyer" Beyer, Basketball Hall of Famer Al Cervi, sportscaster Don Criqui, prep sports benefactor Dick Gallagher, Bennett High School three-sport standout Don Gilbert, Buffalo Sabres goalie Dominik Hasek, former featherweight champion Tommy Paul, high school coach Art Serotte, Buffalo Bills running back Thurman Thomas and NCAA gymnastics champion Lisa Zeis.’

‘Cota, an eight-year veteran, gives the Bills a little more insurance and competition on their depth chart, something team President and General Manager Tom Donahoe has been trying to create at virtually every position this offseason.’

Bills President/General Manager Tom Donahoe said, "We are announcing today that we have started our renewal program for the 2004 season for all of our suites and club seat holders. We are excited about the opportunity to continue our valued relationships with the many companies and individuals that support our franchise."

The Bills continued to add more to their rebuilt defense by reaching a one-year, $680,000 agreement with Rams strong safety Chad Cota, including a $25,000 signing bonus.

Cota, 31, is entering his ninth season and will be joining his fifth team. He’s played with the Panthers, Saints, Colts and Rams. Cota becomes the 12th veteran addition to the Bills. Earlier, the Bills signed Izell Reese, a safety, to a four-year, $3.2 million contract.

Cota’s contract will count only $475,000 against the Bills salary cap.