Two Bills Drive

‘Listed is the amount of money each team can spend under the $67.4 million cap during the 2001 veteran free agency signing period as of March 5… Buffalo Bills – $2.8 million.’

ESPN’s John Clayton argues that the “franchise” tag designation has outlived its usefullness when the Colts can name their backup TE, Marcus Pollard, their franchise player. He notes that former Bills GM John Butler began the demise of the franchise tag, by discovering how to make it reusable from year-to-year. He proposes to replace the “franchise” tag with a single, reusable, transition tag for each team, each year.

‘Marcellus Wiley, a teammate of Flutie’s the last three years at Buffalo, said he heard Washington, New England and Tampa Bay were interested in Flutie.’

Junior Kiper thinks that the Bills will go after a cover corner in the first round. And to the dismay of Fred Smoot fan's, he predicts the Bills may go after Syracuse's Will Allen, who did well at the recent combine.

‘Flutie will tour the practice facility and spend more time with the coaching staff today, then fly out tonight for a visit with an unidentified team, his representative said.’

‘The Bengals have concerns about Washington’s age (32), weight (350-370 pounds, give or take a steak) and asking price…The club has been negotiating with several other tackles simultaneously and is likely to make an offer to Tony Williams of the Minnesota Vikings today.’

Pete Prisco reports that the days of using perks to recruit are gone. The Jaguars used to pick up players in a stretch limo, house them at a beachfront hotel and take them to the finest restaurants. Now a player might get a call and a ham sandwich. The only perk that really mattered anyway was money, and there simply isn't a lot of it to go around.

Club executives and the agent for former Buffalo defensive tackle Ted Washington exchanged contract proposals Monday, and agent Angelo Wright said he is awaiting a counter offer from the Bengals. The Bengals initially offered two years and Wright wanted four.’

Something different for those tired of the Flutie news items (he is no longer on this team folks!) On Nov. 26, 1964, the 23-year-old Gogolak captivated the Bills' fans by booting a game-winning 33-yard field goal soccer-style with three seconds left to lift Buffalo to a 27-24 win over the San Diego Chargers.

‘It figures to take a year or two for Donahoe’s rebuilding plan to pay off, but the Bills have enough talent to remain competitive for a wild-card playoff berth. The 2001 Bills will be playing what appears to be a much softer schedule in a division that could be slipping.’

‘"If we get Doug, beware of our team," Wiley said. "If that happens we’re about to make that Baltimore run. Flutie is a winner. He’s a great fit and an immediate impact-maker."’

‘Last night, Flutie was taken out for an Italian dinner by Butler, Smith, White and Turner. Flutie is scheduled to tour the Chargers’ facilities today.’

‘Doug Flutie planned to arrive in San Diego on Monday night and meet with Chargers officials on Tuesday. New Chargers general manager John Butler, who brought Flutie back to the NFL when he was GM of the Buffalo Bills, is angling once again to sign him.’

‘Technically Johnson won the job, but it reality, all he was awarded was an opportunity.’

‘A San Diego radio station (XTRA 690), is reporting that Doug Flutie will meet with John Butler tonight. They say it is a confirmed story and a 2 year contract is being discussed. San Diego is $4 million under the cap.’