Two Bills Drive

‘Centers made the Pro Bowl in 2001 after catching 80 passes, seventh most in team history. Last season, however, the Bills were more willing to throw the ball to starting running back Travis Henry. Centers and Henry each caught 43 passes. Centers was much more of a factor in Mike Sheppard’s West Coast offense than Kevin Gilbride’s attack.’

‘The moves allowed the Bills to save about $2 million against the league’s $75 million salary cap.’

‘”I didn’t feel like I was given a whole lot of opportunities to help determine the outcome of the games, and that’s something that I’m not used to,” said Centers, whose 808 career receptions is No. 3 among active players and ninth overall in NFL history.’

‘Centers clearly fits the Patriots’ mold. Perhaps the main questions are how much he has left after 13 NFL seasons, and can the Patriots fit him under the salary cap.’

‘The 34-year-old Centers caught a pass in 143 straight games, a streak that ended Oct. 27 against Detroit. That mark ranks behind only those set by Jerry Rice and Tim Brown. He has 808 receptions for 6,691 yards and 27 touchdowns in his 13-year career. The Bills are looking for a fullback with more blocking ability.’

‘Centers, who turns 35 in June, had 43 catches for 388 yards last season for the Bills. But with Travis Henry and Sammy Morris showing pass-catching ability in the backfield, Centers became expendable. Robinson, who turns 33 in April, was third on the team with 102 tackles last season. But the offseason additions of outside linebackers Takeo Spikes and Jeff Posey squeezed out Robinson.’

Selected as a Pro Bowl alternate after a strong second season in Buffalo…continued to provide the voice of experience and strong leadership to Bills team.

Finished his first season with the Bills, (eleventh in NFL)…was third on the team, second among the linebackers with 102 tackles (71 solo)… signed by the Bills prior to the 2002 season on 4/18.

‘The Bills today announced that the team has released fullback Larry Centers and linebacker Eddie Robinson.’

In his second NFL season, cornerback Nate Clements was again impressive in 2002. He led the team with 6 interceptions and 14 passes defensed and finished with 72 total tackles (50 solo). That INT total tied for second in the AFC behind only Oakland's Rod Woodson (8). Read what he had to say about his teammates in the latest Two Minute Drill.

Former Buffalo Bills tight end Jay Riemersma signed a three-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday.

‘An extension says the front office believes Williams will prove right for the job. Inaction says the front office has no such conviction. And if that’s the case, what’s he still doing here?’

‘"Pittsburgh approached me with a need and I’m just excited to be here," Riemersma said Wednesday.’

‘Riemersma received an $850,000 signing bonus on a contract worth $3.95 million.’

‘"I have kind of made my reputation as a pass catcher," said Riemersma, who signed a contract on the day he made his initial visit to Pittsburgh. "That’s kind of what I bring to the table."’