Two Bills Drive

‘In Rob Johnson, who threw for Gruden Friday morning and delayed his original flight out of Tampa to begin immediate negotiations that evening, the Bucs have found another intriguing option, an intelligent and tough passer with a strong arm and excellent mobility.’

‘Donahoe said the Bills have not decided on whether to try tackle John Fina at center.’

‘Dinkins is the most intriguing of the seven players the Bills are shipping overseas.’

‘The $2.3 million the county has set aside for rehabilitation work at Ralph Wilson Stadium will allow the team to replace the outdoor grass practice field with an artificial-turf field, according to county officials.’

‘He is looking to secure a starting role and has targeted Houston as his most desired destination. However, Johnson reportedly was put off by the Texans’ plans to draft David Carr at No. 1 overall and immediately begin grooming him as their starter. He also was said to be unhappy with the Texans’ offer of $1 million for one year.’

‘As for Johnson’s visit with the Bucs, the team has three quarterbacks on its roster (Brad Johnson, Shaun King and Joe Hamilton), but Gruden has said he planned to bring in more to work out with the team, which has a quarterbacks camp scheduled March 25.’

Dave Moore, a tight end who played at Pitt, said he wants to come back and play in Pittsburgh. Instead, he might be reunited with his former Panthers quarterback in Buffalo. Moore, an unrestricted free agent from Tampa Bay, was considering an offer from the Bills, where he would be reunited with former Pitt quarterback Alex Van Pelt. The Steelers talked with Moore yesterday about a position where he would compete with Jerame Tuman for their No. 2 tight end job and also serve as their long-snapper. However, Buffalo has made him an offer where he could become their No. 1 tight end.’

‘"Being out of coaching for a year really made me appreciate how much I missed being a part of it all," Gilbride said. "The competitiveness of football – the scheming, the working, the interaction with the players and coaches. That’s what made me say I thought I could enjoy doing what the media does, and I did enjoy it. It was a great experience and it gives you a different feel for things."’

‘I’d rather go with AVP as my caretaker, and draft my potential QB of the future next month. Unless Tom Donahoe and Gregg Williams believe Blake can win the big game for them, why waste time and precious salary cap money on him?’

‘"We felt last year he showed tremendous toughness and leadership on our team," Bills general manager Tom Donahoe said. "We’re happy to have him because we think he’s a good young player and we appreciate all that he did last year, playing hurt."’

TriStar Sports Management has informed KFFL that unrestricted free agent QB Jonathan Quinn (Jaguars) will visit with the Buffalo Bills on Monday and Tuesday next week.

"It will be a similar situation to that of the quarterback situation. We’ll try to improve our team any way that we can. We drafted two very good young offensive linemen last year in Jonas Jennings and Marques Sullivan. Bill Conaty our center will be coming back next season, we’ve signed him to a new contract. Bill got a chance to play as virtually a rookie last year."

‘"My style of play is passionate," the Bills’ new middle linebacker said Thursday. "That’s one word I’d use. All-out effort, 110 percent. I feel I can energize a team, not just a defense. I’m going to play fast. I’m going to lead by example and from my style of play. I’m going to be physical."’

‘There are no questions about Fletcher’s health. He gives the locker room a championship presence. The Bills potentially save $14 million on the cap over the next five seasons.’

‘The Texans’ search for a quarterback remains up in the air as the team awaits a decision from Rob Johnson, who seemed all but signed, sealed and delivered a few days ago. Johnson is the Texans’ first choice, but general manager Charley Casserly isn’t going to wait on his decision much longer. Chris Chandler, who spent the past five seasons with the Falcons, appears to be the top fallback option, and former Saints quarterback Jeff Blake’s name has begun to resurface although Blake has said he’s leaning toward Buffalo.’