Two Bills Drive

‘Cowart had 487 tackles, four interceptions, three fumble recoveries and 6 1/2 sacks in his five seasons in Buffalo.’

‘St. Louis was unable to resign Fletcher after the season, and on Sunday signed free agent Jamie Duncan to replace him at middle linebacker.’

‘”I’m not going to rush into anything,” Blake said. “But with the (NFL) combine over, things should heat up by next week. If I had to sign today, it would be with Buffalo, but I’m trying to get in the best situation for me.”‘

‘”The addition of ‘Sam C’ makes our linebacker corps one of the best in the league. I can’t wait to get on the field now. It’ll be something to see.”‘

‘Worst-case scenario: If Cowarts reinjures his Achilles early in the season, the Jets can cut him next offseason without major cap implications. Basically, it’s a $3 million gamble.’

‘Cowart’s negotiations with the Bills hit a snag, apparently because Buffalo wanted his salary in 2003 reduced if he got hurt in 2002. There is no such clause in the Jets’ contract. However, Cowart is eligible for up to a $6-million option bonus next March, which is partially based on playing time. If exercised, the bonus would be prorated over the final five years of the deal for cap purposes.’

‘Safety Blaine Bishop spent yesterday in Buffalo visiting with the Bills while receiver Chris Sanders, released by the Titans last week, has drawn interest as well.’

‘Meanwhile, negotiations with free-agent quarterback Rob Johnson are at a stalemate. The Texans are holding firm to their one-year, $1 million commitment, and Johnson has said Houston is where he wants to be and that money won’t be an issue. Nevertheless, he and his agent have not pulled the trigger on the deal.’

‘A tenacious player who goes sideline-to-sideline, the Bills like Fletcher because he’ll be able to anchor the middle of their 4-3 defense and stay on the field on passing downs, either in coverage or to blitz.’

‘"I was lobbying for Sam since I got here," said Cottrell, who joined the Jets last year. "I never thought we could pull this off because he’s one of those rare players. Needless to say, I was jumping up and down when it happened."’

‘Donahoe and Williams appear determined to win or lose with their own guys. Given a reasonable amount of time, they probably will.’

‘The Steelers also are trying to bring another player home, former Pitt tight end Dave Moore, who was released by Tampa Bay for salary cap purposes…Moore was in Buffalo yesterday.’

‘Steelers kicker Kris Brown will get lots of frequent-flier miles, not much rest and, perhaps, a new place to play next week. Add Buffalo to his travel itinerary, after the Bills scheduled a meeting with Brown for next Tuesday and Wednesday.’

‘”This,” said Cottrell, who was disappointed in not getting a head- coaching position, “is one of the best days I’ve had in a long while.”‘

‘Already, some NFL observers think the Bills are better off with Fletcher leading their defense, than they would have been with Cowart and the uncertainty of his achilles injury.’