Two Bills Drive

‘Last season, in Kevin Gilbride’s offense, Centers was a little-used third-down back. And since he never was even a fair blocker, his on-field contribution was marginal, at best, and couldn’t justify his salary, albeit modest. But, that said, Centers was one of the most positive locker room influences in team history … and a media favorite.’

‘The Seahawks will have to make at least one decision by Monday: Whether to match the offer sheet kicker Rian Lindell, a restricted free agent, signed this week with the Buffalo Bills. Don’t expect it to happen, after the pros and cons have been weighed.’

‘The Washington Redskins hope to sign former Pro Bowl fullback Larry Centers, NFL sources said yesterday. Club officials wanted to move quickly to bring about a reunion with Centers after he was released Thursday by the Buffalo Bills, for whom he played the past two seasons after being abruptly cut by then-Redskins coach Marty Schottenheimer.’

‘When Donahoe took over the Bills two years ago, the team was in salary cap hell. Today, there are eight players left from that team, the Bills are $7 million under the salary cap and nobody would laugh if you would suggest that they have a chance to compete for the AFC Championship.’

Don’t count Sam Adams out of the Buffalo Bills’ lineup for 2003 just yet. An NFL source said talks between the defensive tackle and the club are progressing and both sides have stated publicly in the past that they want to get the deal done. It appears that still could happen.

‘One time Centers remarked to my colleague Lary Bump that he trusted the Bills’ coaches and management so much that he felt he could shoot craps with them over the telephone. Now he’s an ex-Bill – I wonder if his opinion of team management has changed.’

‘Reese had a career-high 51 tackles while starting 15 games for the Denver Broncos last season.’

‘With the goal of expanding the presence of the Bills and improving the overall game day experience, their visibility and involvement within the community exceeds expectations.’

‘Reese, 28, was selected by the Cowboys in the sixth round of the 1998 Draft out of Alabama-Birmingham. He spent the 1998-01 seasons with the Cowboys before spending last season with Denver. In his career, he has played in 71 total games with 30 starts and has recorded seven interceptions.’

If there is one reason the Buffalo Bills have maintained their competitive position in the AFC despite the rapid turnover of personnel in the NFL, it’s their picks in the NFL draft. The Bills’ 2002 final roster contained 23 of their draft picks. Fourteen of those players started in 2002.

The Buffalo Bills added veteran depth and versatility to their secondary on Friday, agreeing to terms with Izell Reese, an unrestricted free agent who played for the Denver Broncos in 2002.

Win a Wilson Authentic NFL Game Ball autographed by linebacker Takeo Spikes!

‘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.’