Terry Pegula Closing In On Buying Bills
Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula is on the verge of purchasing the Bills, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter (Twitter link), who hears from a source that the sale process is “moving quick” now that binding bids have been submitted. The Buffalo News’ Tim Graham (via Twitter) also reports that a decision should happen soon, perhaps even overnight, and that it sounds like it will be a “record” sale. A league source tells Graham that he’d be “shocked” if anyone besides the Pegulas ended up buying the team (Twitter link).
As we noted earlier tonight, bids to purchase the team had been received from Pegula, Donald Trump, and Jon Bon Jovi‘s Toronto-based group. While it’s not clear if any other suitors submitted final bids before today’s deadline, Pegula has long appeared to be the frontrunner, despite attempts to drum up interest from other parties. With one sports franchise already in Buffalo, the Sabres owner is extremely unlikely to attempt to move the Bills, which was a concern with some of the other potential bidders, including Bon Jovi’s Toronto-based group.
The Ralph Wilson trust running the Bills were reported to be looking for several criteria with their selection of a new owner, as opposed to just accepting the highest bid, according to John Kryk of the Toronto Sun. Kryk mentions the “certainty of NFL approval” and the ability to close the deal immediately were the two critical factors that differentiated Pegula from the other suitors. Trump’s previous involvement with the USFL, and the inevitable speculation about Bon Jovi’s group moving the team to Canada clearly made Pegula the candidate with the smoothest sale process.
Assuming Pegula’s bid is declared the winner, he would likely be officially approved as the Bills’ owner during the league’s in-season meetings in October.
Poll: Which Week 1 Overachiever Is For Real?
Although Ray Rice‘s release and suspension currently dominates headlines, the first weekend of the NFL season had several intriguing matchups, including some that left many in the football community scratching their heads.
The Lions just lowered the boom on Eli Manning‘s Giants in this season’s first Monday Night Football matchup. The Giants’ secondary had no answer for Calvin Johnson, and eventually fell 35-14 as their offense stagnated, picking up less than 2.5 yards per carry on the ground. Should the Bears and Packers be worried about Detroit? Or is this Giants team just destined to become the NFC East’s doormat this year?
Many thought that the Falcons were one of football’s unluckiest teams last season. Injuries prevented the team’s offensive playmaking core of Roddy White, Julio Jones, and Steven Jackson from ever taking the field together. Atlanta was a popular bounce-back candidate heading into this season, and the team’ supporters were vindicated early by the Falcons’ 37-34 victory over the Saints this past weekend. Are the Falcons a serious playoff contender? Or were they overachieving?
The Patriots just went to the AFC Title Game last season without injured stars Sebastian Vollmer, Jerod Mayo, Vince Wilfork, and Rob Gronkowski. The team would additionally lose Pro Bowl cornerback Aqib Talib to a leg injury in the second quarter of that game against the Broncos. On top of returning all of those impact starters, Bill Belichick‘s squad was strengthened when Darrelle Revis was brought in to fill the the vacated cornerback position after Talib signed with the Broncos in free agency. These new-look Patriots flopped big-time this weekend in the form of a 33-20 loss to the Dolphins. Are the Dolphins for real? Or did they just catch the high-octane Patriots machine before it was firing on all cylinders?
The Bills made some of the biggest waves of the offseason when they traded up on draft night to select Sammy Watkins fourth overall. The win-now move was a clear signal to Bills fans that Doug Marrone intends to contend in his second season at the helm of the team. Although the Watkins move drew some criticism in the spring, the Bills silenced some of those critics by leaving Chicago with a 23-20 victory. The Bears, a popular playoff projection candidate, came into the game with the league’s scariest receiving duo in Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall and a revived pass rush led by Jared Allen. Are Marrone’s Bills going to make noise in the AFC East this season? Or are they going to fall back down to earth next weekend against the Dolphins?
The Titans’ lead was never in doubt on Sunday as the team cruised to a 26-10 victory over the Chiefs in Kansas City this weekend. The Chiefs’ infamous Wild Card meltdown to the Colts last season left confirmed what many skeptics already suspected of Andy Reid‘s squad: that they had vastly overachieved in 2013 thanks largely to the easiest schedule in the NFL. The Titans were expected to rock the boat in a weak AFC South this year, but this commanding victory on the road against a reigning playoff team raised some eyebrows. Are Jake Locker and the Titans going to keep up their winning form? Or did they just take advantage of a highly overrated Chiefs’ team?
Will we see one or more of these teams in the postseason? Do you think any other surprise winners from Week 1 are legit? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Poll: Should the NFL Keep Practices Open to Media?
Earlier this weekend, both Jim and John Harbaugh went on the record to discuss their displeasure with practices being open to the media. The brothers think that reporters overstate the impact of in-practice fights as a result of a lack of substantial news during the monotonous days of training camp. The Ravens’ coach believes that “99 percent” of practice conduct is great and positive, and is disheartened by what he feels is disproportionate negativity in the media.
What do you think? Should NFL personnel have to put up with the fact that football is a business and the media deserves total access? Or has news coverage become so intrusive that it detracts from the product that teams are able to put on the field?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments section!
AFC East Notes: Patriots, Jets, Wilson
The Patriots should be happy with rookie quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo‘s performance in his preseason debut against the Redskins, writes ESPNBoston.com’s Mike Reiss. Reiss believes the Eastern Illinois product could have already surpassed Ryan Mallett to become Tom Brady‘s backup. Let’s look at some other news from around the AFC East:
- The Patriots remain uncertain regarding a return date for All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski, according to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. Although his once-torn ACL was medically cleared for practice before the start of camp, the University of Arizona product has yet to participate in any full-contact work.
- Jets cornerback Dee Milliner has suffered a high ankle sprain, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN.com. As we reported earlier, Milliner, who was the ninth overall pick in the 2013 draft, was one of two Jets corners to be cut down by injury today. Rookie corner Dexter McDougle left practice to discover that he had torn the ACL in his left knee.
- Elsewhere in the Jets‘ secondary , rookie safety Calvin Pryor is planning on making his NFL debut on Saturday against the Bengals, after being held out of the first preseason game due to a concussion.
- As our own Rory Parks surmised earlier today, Jimmy Wilson will likely be the Dolphins‘ starting safety heading into September following incumbent starter Reshad Jones‘ four-game suspension. An AP report stated that Wilson took most of the snaps with the first team during today’s practice.
Offseason In Review: San Francisco 49ers
Notable signings:
- Antoine Bethea (S): Four years, $21MM. $6.25MM guaranteed.
- Anquan Boldin (WR): Two years, $12MM. $5.5MM guaranteed. Contract includes three void years.
- Phil Dawson (K): Two years, $6.134MM. $3MM guaranteed.
- Perrish Cox (CB): One year, $695K. $10K guaranteed.
- Demarcus Dobbs (DL): One year, $1.431MM. Accepted RFA tender.
- Brandon Lloyd (WR): One year, $1.005MM.
- Chris Cook (CB): One year, minimum salary benefit.
- Blake Costanzo (LB): One year, minimum salary benefit.
- Josh Johnson (QB): One year, minimum salary benefit.
- Kassim Osgood (WR): One year, minimum salary benefit.
Notable losses:
- Tarell Brown (CB)
- Anthony Dixon (RB)
- Jonathan Goodwin (C)
- Mario Manningham (WR)
- Colt McCoy (QB)
- Carlos Rogers (CB): Released
- Donte Whitner (S)
- Eric Wright (DB): Retired after having re-signed earlier in the offseason.
Extensions and restructures:
- Colin Kaepernick (QB): Extended through 2020. Six years, $114MM. $12.974MM guaranteed.
- Joe Staley (OT): Extended through 2019. Six years, $44.65MM. Includes option bonuses in 2015 and 2016 for the 2018 and 2019 years of the deal.
- Bruce Miller (RB): Extended through 2017. Three years, $5.4MM. $2.431MM guaranteed.
- Daniel Kilgore (G): Extended through 2017. Three years, $5.25MM. $1.995MM guaranteed.
- NaVorro Bowman (LB): Restructured contract. Reduced 2014 base salary from $4MM to $730K, converting the difference into a signing bonus.
- Craig Dahl (S): Accepted pay cut. Reduced 2014 base salary from $1.35MM to $825K and reduced roster bonus from $250K to $175K.
- Jonathan Baldwin (WR): Accepted pay cut. Reduced 2014 base salary from $1.275MM to $645K and eliminated $130K workout bonus. Can earn up to $755K in incentives based on performance and playing time.
Trades:
- Acquired Jonathan Martin from the Dolphins in exchange for a conditional 2015 seventh-round pick. Pick changes hands if Martin makes 49ers’ opening day roster.
- Acquired Blaine Gabbert from the Jaguars in exchange for a sixth-round pick (No. 205) and a conditional 2015 draft pick. 2015 pick changes hands if Gabbert starts eight or more games in 2014.
- Acquired Stevie Johnson from the Bills in exchange for a 2015 fourth-round pick which could become a third-rounder depending on Johnson’s performance.
- Acquired a second-round pick (No. 63), a fifth-round pick (No. 171), and a 2015 fourth-round pick from the Broncos in exchange for a second-round pick (No. 56) and a seventh-round pick (No. 242).
- Acquired a second-round pick (No. 57) from the Dolphins in exchange for a second-round pick (No. 63) and a fifth-round pick (No. 171).
- Acquired a third-round pick (No. 70) and a fifth-round pick (No. 150) from the Jaguars in exchange for a second-round pick (No. 61).
- Acquired a fourth-round pick (No. 106) and a sixth-round pick (No. 180) from the Browns in exchange for a third-round pick (No. 94).
Draft picks:
- Jimmie Ward, S, Northern Illinois (1.30): Signed
- Carlos Hyde, RB, Ohio State (2.57): Signed
- Marcus Martin, C, USC (3.70): Signed
- Chris Borland, LB, Wisconsin (3.77): Signed
- Brandon Thomas, G, Clemson (3.100): Signed
- Bruce Ellington, WR, South Carolina (4.106): Signed
- Dontae Johnson, CB, North Carolina State (4.129): Signed
- Aaron Lynch, DE/OLB, South Florida (5.150): Signed
- Keith Reaser, CB, Florida Atlantic (5.170): Signed
- Kenneth Acker, CB, SMU (6.180): Signed
- Kaleb Ramsey, DL, Boston College (7.243): Signed
- Trey Millard, FB, Oklahoma (7.245): Signed
Other:
- Exercised Aldon Smith‘s fifth-year option for 2015 ($9.754MM).
- Negotiating contract extension for Jim Harbaugh.
- Dealing with potential holdouts by Vernon Davis and Alex Boone.
- Received one compensatory draft pick.
- Signed seven rookie free agents after the draft.
The 2013 49ers were a team with very few holes. Few were surprised when Jim Harbaugh‘s squad progressed all the way to the NFC Championship Game before falling to the soon-to-be Super Bowl champion Seahawks. Although Colin Kaepernick was solid throughout the season, he was no longer the lightning rod he had been in 2012 when he led the team to Super Bowl XLVII before falling to the Ravens.
The offense received a major shot in the arm with the Week 13 return of Michael Crabtree from a long-term Achilles injury. The additional threat that Crabtree provided opposing defenses was enough to open up holes for the rushing attack, which was vital for the successful operation of Harbaugh’s run-first offense.
The defense, which boasted five 2013 Pro Bowlers, was one of the best units in the entire NFL. Former blue-chip flameout Glenn Dorsey appears to have found a home at the interior of Vic Fangio‘s 3-4 base defense. The linebacking corps, led by interior Pro Bowl duo NaVorro Bowman and Patrick Willis, was as good as any in the league. In the secondary, Donte Whitner was the group’s largest contributor and leader. Heading into the offseason, the team had to confront the expiring contracts of several potentially expensive players, and the 2014 roster will have a slightly different look to it because of that.
Offensively, the 49ers made dramatic strides at the receiver position during the offseason. They retained Anquan Boldin, traded for Stevie Johnson, signed Brandon Lloyd, and drafted deep threat Bruce Ellington. Frank Gore, who has the second-most rushing attempts among all active running backs, has been surrounded with several intriguing talents to lighten this year’s load. Perennial spell back Kendall Hunter will be joined by second-round pick Carlos Hyde, LaMichael James, and former South Carolina standout Marcus Lattimore.
The team extended Kaepernick through 2020, giving the Nevada alum a six-year, $114MM deal. Along the line, the team re-structured the deal of stalwart left tackle Joe Staley, ensuring the protection of Kaepernick’s blind side for the foreseeable future. Daniel Kilgore, who spent two years learning the 49ers offense while backing up Jonathan Goodwin, will look to finally start at center. The team also traded for Jonathan Martin, a hometown Stanford alum, who possesses higher upside than most NFL swingmen. The absences of the team’s two holdouts, Vernon Davis and Alex Boone, would be significant blows to the entire offense should their messy contract situations carry into the regular season.
Defensively, the biggest transition will be made in the secondary — Eric Reid is the only projected returning starter heading into training camp. He will likely be joined by Tramaine Brock, Chris Culliver, who’s returning from an ACL injury, and former Colt Antoine Bethea. The club brought in Bethea to replace the veteran safety void left by Whitner, who departed to Cleveland. First-round draft pick Jimmie Ward is the favorite to line up as nickel back.
The linebacking corps will take on a fairly new dynamic with the absence of Bowman and possibly Aldon Smith, whose legal woes could result in suspensions. Given their intriguing collection of linebackers, including Michael Wilhoite and Nick Moody and rookies Chris Borland and Shayne Skov, another Stanford alum, the 49ers will have many solid options. The line will again feature Justin Smith, with Ray McDonald playing opposite Smith and Dorsey lined up at nose tackle.
The 2013 49ers came a few plays away from back-to-back Super Bowl berths. That team managed to improve dramatically on offense and more or less hold the line defensively this past offseason, which makes the Niners a serious Super Bowl contender heading into 2014. The team’s regular season matchups against the Seahawks will be two of the season’s most anticipated games, and for good reason — one could reasonably expect the NFC West rivals to meet again in the NFC Championship.
Spotrac and Over The Cap were used in the creation of this post.
Offseason In Review: Green Bay Packers
Notable signings:
- Sam Shields (CB): Four years, $39MM. $12.5MM guaranteed.
- Julius Peppers (DE/OLB): Three years, $26MM. $7.5MM guaranteed.
- Mike Neal (DE/OLB): Two years, $8MM. $2.5MM guaranteed.
- James Starks (RB): Two years, $3.25MM. $725K guaranteed.
- B.J. Raji (DT): One year, $4MM. $500K guaranteed.
- Andrew Quarless (TE): Two years, $3MM. $350K guaranteed.
- John Kuhn (FB): One year, $1.03MM. $100K guaranteed.
- Letroy Guion (DT): One year, $985K. $100K guaranteed.
- Matt Flynn (QB): One year, $1MM. $75K guaranteed.
- Jamari Lattimore (LB): One year, $1.431MM. Accepted RFA tender.
- Michael Hill (RB): One year, minimum salary.
Notable losses:
- Victor Aiyewa (LB): Waived
- Kahlil Bell (RB)
- Evan Dietrich-Smith (C)
- Jermichael Finley (TE)
- Rob Francois (LB)
- Johnathan Franklin (RB): Retired due to injury
- M.D. Jennings (S)
- Johnny Jolly (DL)
- James Jones (WR)
- Marshall Newhouse (OT)
- Ryan Pickett (DL)
- Greg Van Roten (OL): Waived
- Seneca Wallace (QB)
- C.J. Wilson (DE)
Draft picks:
- Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama (1.21): Signed
- Davante Adams, WR, Fresno State (2.53): Signed
- Khyri Thornton, DT, Southern Miss (3.85): Signed
- Richard Rodgers, TE, California (3.98): Signed
- Carl Bradford, OLB, Arizona State (4.121): Signed
- Corey Linsley, C, Ohio State (5.161): Signed
- Jared Abbrederis, WR, Wisconsin (5.176): Signed
- Demetri Goodson, CB, Baylor (6.197): Signed
- Jeff Janis, WR, Saginaw Valley State (7.236): Signed
Other:
- Declined Derek Sherrod‘s fifth-year option for 2015 ($7.438MM).
- Received two compensatory draft picks.
- Signed 14 rookie free agents after the draft.
The Packers’ 2013 season was going smoothly until Week 9, when Aaron Rodgers sustained a broken collarbone. Including the ensuing loss to the Bears, the Packers proceeded to utterly collapse, going on a 2-5-1 stretch that featured a tie with a cellar-dwelling Vikings team. During the slide, Rodgers was replaced by the likes of Seneca Wallace, practice squad call-up Scott Tolzien, and Matt Flynn, whose career with the Packers had been interrupted by quick, subsequent stints with the Seahawks, Raiders, and Bills. A triumphant return from Rodgers in the team’s Week 17 matchup against the Bears culminated with the former MVP’s touchdown pass to Randall Cobb in the last minute of the game, which not only provided one of the most iconic plays of the 2013 season — it also sent the 8-7-1 Packers to the playoffs. A hard-luck Wild Card qualifier, the 12-4 49ers, traveled to Green Bay and narrowly defeated the Packers, sending them into the offseason with bright prospects for 2014.
On offense, Rodgers continued to solidify himself as one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL while one of his receivers – Cobb – stepped into Greg Jennings‘ vacated spotlight and emerged as one of the league’s most special talents. Jordy Nelson, James Jones, and late-season revelation Jarrett Boykin rounded out one of the best receiving corps in the NFC. On the ground, rookie running back Eddie Lacy proved to be more than worth the second-round pick that the Packers spent on him last Spring. To add to the rushing attack, Lacy was effectively spelled by veteran James Starks.
Defensively, the team struggled after GM Ted Thompson had failed to address what many considered to be the team’s primary need during the 2013 offseason: a new safety. The unit performed poorly across the board, finishing 24th in pass defense and 25th in rush defense. The team’s once-feared multi-level tandem of B.J. Raji and A.J. Hawk were shadows of their former selves in Dom Capers‘ 3-4 base defense. Clearly, most of Green Bay’s needs heading into the 2014 offseason were on the defensive side of the ball.
Thompson’s defensive moves this offeason started with his decision to stand by Capers, instead making changes at the player level. Substantial help arrived for Capers’ unit via both free agency and the draft. Thompson went out and signed superstar defensive end Julius Peppers, who, despite being past his peak, still presents a significant threat along the line. As talented as he is, Peppers’ fit into the 3-4 – a formation he’s yet to encounter in the NFL – will be something to watch during the 2014 season.
In the draft, the Packers’ were delighted to have Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, the consensus All-American safety from Alabama, fall to them at 21st overall in the first round. Clinton-Dix will look to step in and start immediately in a secondary that badly needed the help. The club also managed to re-sign by far the most valuable member of that secondary, cornerback Sam Shields, and added depth to the interior of the defensive line, retaining the fast-fading Raji and bringing Letroy Guion to back up Raji at nose tackle.
Offensively, the Packers made up ground in some areas and appeared to take steps backward in others. Although they lost Jones via free agency, the receiving corps was refurbished in the draft with wide receivers Davante Adams, Jared Abbrederis, and Jeff Janis, along with tight end Richard Rogers. This receiving-heavy rookie class has the potential to blossom into the next great generation of Packers’ pass catchers, who have benefited from the signal-calling of Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers.
Up front, Thompson raised several eyebrows by not re-signing center Evan Dietrich-Smith, who had been publicly endorsed by Rodgers heading into the offseason. Second-year center J.C. Tretter, who once played tight end at Cornell, will look to fill the void left by Dietrich-Smith. The Packers also received some big help along the o-line with the return of tackle Bryan Bulaga, who tore his ACL last August.
The Packers will head into the season as favorites to make the playoffs out of the NFC North. Any competent team led by Rodgers has the potential to win a Super Bowl. Throw in a potential juggernaut offensive cast around Rodgers and an improved, passable defense, and it’s easy to see why many consider the Packers to be one of the best teams in the NFC heading into the 2014 season. Because they must play the AFC East and NFC South, two relatively top-heavy divisions that will likely produce a few particularly tough match-ups, 12 wins and another NFC North title seems a fair prediction for the Packers.
Spotrac and Over The Cap were used in the creation of this post.
Hardy, Panthers Unlikely To Reach Long-Term Deal
A long-term deal between All-Pro defensive end Greg Hardy and the Panthers is unlikely to materialize before tomorrow afternoon’s deadline, according to Albert Breer of NFL Network (via Twitter). Like Jimmy Graham, Hardy must reach a multiyear agreement with his team by tomorrow, or play the 2014 season on a one-year deal. Unlike Graham, Hardy has already signed his franchise tender, so playing on that one-year contract has appeared to be the likely scenario for some time.
The team’s lack of interest in pursuing a long-term deal with Hardy has two main causes. The first is the Panthers’ capability to absorb Hardy’s large $13.1MM franchise tag cap hit given their their existing payroll. The second is a pending domestic violence lawsuit between Hardy and his ex-girlfriend, the trial for which is also set to occur tomorrow afternoon. Upon his arrest in May, Hardy surrendered 10 guns. The former Ole Miss Black Bear has refused to give any interviews since the arrest.
The Panthers and NFL have stated that they will wait until the legal process has taken its course before deciding on any possible punishment for Hardy. The former sixth-round pick recorded 15 sacks last season, a tie for the single Panthers’ franchise record and more than Julius Peppers ever had in one season. Hardy’s potential absence would deal a large blow to Carolina’s defense heading into the 2014 season.
Offseason In Review: Buffalo Bills
Notable signings:
- Corey Graham (CB): Four years, $16.3MM. $5.5MM guaranteed.
- Chris Williams (G): Four years, $13.15MM. $3.5MM guaranteed.
- Dan Carpenter (K): Four years, $9.95MM. $2.15MM guaranteed.
- Scott Chandler (TE): Two years, $4.75MM. $1.2MM guaranteed.
- Keith Rivers (LB): Two years, $4.05MM. $1MM guaranteed.
- Brandon Spikes (LB): One year, $3.25MM. $900K guaranteed.
- Anthony Dixon (RB): Three years, $3.5MM. $750K guaranteed.
- Brian Moorman (P): One year, minimum salary benefit.
- Jarius Wynn (DE): One year, minimum salary benefit.
Notable losses:
- Jairus Byrd (S)
- Alex Carrington (DE)
- Kevin Kolb (QB): Released
- Jim Leonhard (S)
- Arthur Moats (LB)
- Thomas Welch (OT)
Extensions and restructures:
- Aaron Williams (S): Extended through 2018. Four years, $26.008MM. $8.5MM guaranteed.
Trades:
- Acquired Mike Williams from the Buccaneers in exchange for a sixth-round pick (No. 185).
- Acquired a first-round pick (No. 4) from the Browns in exchange for a first-round pick (No. 9), a 2015 first-round pick, and a 2015 fourth-round pick.
- Acquired a conditional 2015 fourth-round pick from the 49ers in exchange for Stevie Johnson. Pick could become a third-rounder depending on Johnson’s performance.
- Acquired a second-round pick (No. 44) and a fifth-round pick (No. 153) from the Rams in exchange for a second-round pick (No. 41).
- Acquired Bryce Brown and a seventh-round pick (No. 237) from the Eagles in exchange for a seventh-round pick (No. 224) and an additional draft pick that will be either a 2015 fourth-rounder, a 2016 third-rounder, or a 2016 fourth-rounder, depending on conditions met by Brown’s and Stevie Johnson‘s performance.
- Acquired a seventh-round pick (No. 221) and a 2015 fifth-round pick from the Buccaneers in exchange for a fifth-round pick (No. 149).
Draft picks:
- Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson (1.4): Signed
- Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama (2.44): Signed
- Preston Brown, LB, Louisville (3.73): Signed
- Ross Cockrell, CB, Duke (4.109): Signed
- Cyril Richardson, G, Baylor (5.153): Signed
- Randell Johnson, OLB, Florida Atlantic (7.221): Signed
- Seantrel Henderson, OT, Miami (FL) (7.237): Signed
Other:
- Had longtime owner Ralph Wilson pass away, prompting the franchise sale process to get underway.
- Hired Jim Schwartz as defensive coordinator.
- Learned that Kiko Alonso will be sidelined for the 2014 season with an ACL injury.
- Exercised Marcell Dareus‘ fifth-year option for 2015 ($10.633MM).
- Signed 10 rookie free agents after the draft.
Heading into the 2014 offseason, Bills fans were still perhaps left wondering what might have been. A once-promising 2013 campaign had sputtered after E.J. Manuel, the first quarterback taken in the 2013 NFL draft, suffered multiple knee injuries. Despite a pleasantly adequate cameo from ex-Duke Blue Devil Thad Lewis under center in Manuel’s absence, the Bills’ passing offense was among the league’s worst. On the ground, however, the Bills had the second-most prolific rushing attack in the NFL on the legs of C.J. Spiller, who provided the lightning to Fred Jackson‘s thunder in the Buffalo backfield.
The defense also experienced a considerable resurgence, as a unit led by the $100 million man Mario Williams and PFWA Defensive Rookie of the Year Kiko Alonso recorded a franchise-record 57 sacks. Despite an uninspiring 6-10 finish, the Bills showed some signs of promise, so the question heading into 2014 was whether Buffalo would push to contend in the short term, or whether the front office would believe the club was still multiple successful offseasons away from becoming a serious playoff contender.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Bills’ biggest move undoubtedly occurred in the 2014 draft when they decided to trade their 2014 and 2015 first-round picks to the Browns in order to move up and draft three-time All-American receiver Sammy Watkins out of Clemson with the fourth overall pick. In order to make room in the offense for Watkins, former No. 1 wideout Steve Johnson, who registered at least 75 receptions and 1,000 yards every season from 2010-2012, was dealt within 24 hours of Watkins’ selection to the 49ers for a conditional 2015 fourth-round pick.
Highlighting the Bills’ additional skill position acquisitions were receiver Mike Williams, who arrived via trade from the Buccaneers and played for Bills’ head coach Doug Marrone during their overlapping tenures at Syracuse; and Anthony Dixon, the bruising Pittsburgh product who played in a limited hybrid halfback/fullback role for the 49ers over the past few seasons. In addition to bringing in Dixon, the Bills also traded for former Eagle Bryce Brown, who enjoyed a brief stint in the national spotlight in late 2012 while filling in for an injured LeSean McCoy, to provide further depth at running back.
Arguably the Bills’ most substantial offensive positional turnover this offseason occurred along the offensive line. The team signed Chris Williams, who will look to start at guard after establishing himself as an NFL regular with the Rams over the past four seasons. The Bills drafted former Alabama tackle Cyrus Kouandjio, whose questionable knee health caused him to fail several physicals leading up to the the draft, and added two more lineman in the draft: guard Cyril Richardson out of Baylor and Seantrel Henderson of Miami in the seventh round. Henderson is perhaps the most mercurial boom-or-bust prospect of the 2014 draft class, having failed numerous drug tests, including one at the NFL combine, after coming out of high school in 2010 as the top overall recruit in the country. While the Bills’ new-look line will have a lot to prove on the field, they will enter the 2014 season as the heaviest unit in the entire NFL by a wide margin.
Defensively, any discussion of the Bills’ offseason has to start with the departure of three-time All-Pro safety Jairus Byrd, who signed a six-year deal with the Saints. Byrd left a defense that found itself in a substantial transition period, as the unit’s leadership had been handed over from Mike Pettine, who took the Browns’ head coaching position, to former Lions’ head coach Jim Schwartz.
Much has been written about the fairly substantial tactical change from Pettine’s ‘4-3 under’ base defense to Schwartz’s patented ‘Wide 9’ formation. The transition will not be made any easier by the recent shocking season-ending injury to Alonso, who had become a playmaker and fan favorite in his accoladed rookie season. Luckily for the Bills, GM Doug Whaley decided to add substantial linebacker depth this offseason, signing both Brandon Spikes and former first-round pick Keith Rivers while also selecting Louisville standout Preston Brown in the third round of the draft. Whaley has, however, received significant criticism for making no attempt to fill the void at safety left by Byrd.
Heading into 2014, the one question on Bills’ fans minds, other than whether or not their franchise will be based in Toronto in 10 years, will be whether or not Watkins was worth two first-round picks. He is widely expected to become an NFL star, but one has to wonder whether or not it is viable for a rebuilding franchise to surrender a future first-round pick in any trade, no matter the return. The Buffalo faithful will be hoping that Watkins can help Manuel, who showed flashes of brilliance when healthy last season, continue to develop into one of the NFL’s premier young talents at quarterback. Even if everything breaks right for the Bills, a tough schedule, highlighted by an in-conference divisional pairing with the suddenly daunting AFC West, will likely prevent the team from finishing at .500 or better in 2014.
Spotrac and Over The Cap were used in the creation of this post.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Offseason In Review: Kansas City Chiefs
Notable signings:
- Vance Walker (DL): Three years, $10.02MM. $3MM guaranteed.
- Joe Mays (ILB): Two years, $5.969MM. $2MM guaranteed.
- Husain Abdullah (S): Two years, $2.275MM. $750K guaranteed.
- Jeff Linkenbach (OT): One year, $900K. $250K guaranteed.
- Frank Zombo (OLB): Two years, $1.625MM. $100K guaranteed.
- Chris Owens (CB): One year, $800K. $80K guaranteed.
- Weston Dressler (WR/KR): Three years, $1.53MM.
- Justin Rogers (CB): One year, minimum salary benefit.
- J’Marcus Webb (OT): One year, minimum salary benefit.
- Kyle Williams (WR): One year, minimum salary benefit.
- Jermelle Cudjo (DT): Contract details not known.
Notable losses:
- Branden Albert (OT)
- Jon Asamoah (G)
- Quintin Demps (S)
- Brandon Flowers (CB): Released
- Tyson Jackson (DE)
- Akeem Jordan (ILB)
- Kendrick Lewis (S)
- Dexter McCluster (WR/KR)
- Jerrell Powe (DL)
- Dunta Robinson (CB): Released
- Geoff Schwartz (OL)
- Anthony Toribio (DT)
Draft picks:
- Dee Ford, DE, Auburn (1.23): Signed
- Phillip Gaines, CB, Rice (3.87): Signed
- De’Anthony Thomas, RB, Oregon (4.124): Signed
- Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia (5.163): Signed
- Zach Fulton, G, Tennessee (6.193): Signed
- Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, OT, McGill (6.200): Signed
Other:
- Have discussed extension for Alex Smith.
- Believed they had reached an agreement with Emmanuel Sanders.
- Signed 6 rookie free agents after the draft.
On December 30th, 2012, 3 days after six Chiefs had been named to the AFC Pro Bowl team, the Romeo Crennel-led squad crawled to a 38-3 defeat against the Broncos to end their season at 2-14. The team’s shortcomings were obvious: Matt Cassel and Brady Quinn took turns leading a completely stagnant offense while the defense vastly underperformed against the expectation set by the play of its four Pro Bowlers. The detrimental organizational culture had long-been questioned– with horror stories of General Manager Scott Pioli‘s intense nature and accusations of inter-departmental spying. Kansas City fans had even formed a group that received national media attention called ‘Save Our Chiefs’ that organized blackouts at home games and plane-dragged banners demanding Pioli’s firing. A regime change was imminent.
Fast forward four months: General manager John Dorsey and head coach Andy Reid have been hired, bringing with them high profile assistant coaches Doug Pederson, Bob Sutton, and Brad Childress, and Alex Smith has taken the reins at quarterback. A nine-game win-streak to start the 2013 Season affirmed that the massive overhaul from owner Clark Hunt had been a decidedly successful move. Although the season ended in a catastrophic Wild Card round loss to the Colts, the Chiefs entered the 2013-2014 offseason in a surprisingly stable position given the dire straits in which the franchise had found itself in 12 months prior. That said– the Chiefs still moved some pieces around this past offseason.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Chiefs’ O-line will have the most new faces of any positional unit heading into next season after the departures of three starters- Branden Albert to the Dolphins, Jon Asamoah to the Falcons, and Geoff Schwartz to the Giants. 2013 first overall pick Eric Fisher will slide over to left tackle to replace Albert, while ex-Colt Jeff Linkenbach and third-year Donald Stephenson, a former swingman, will comprise the new right side of the line.
One of the biggest headlines of the Chiefs’ offseason was the decision to let Pro Bowl return man Dexter McCluster become a free agent and sign with the Tennessee Titans. One would reasonably suspect the Chiefs to try out rookie speedster De’Anthony Thomas to fill McCluster’s void. Free agent signing Weston Dressler, who has dominated the CFL for the past few years, has also been projected to take over some of McCluster’s leftover snaps. The return of 2013 third-round pick Travis Kelce, who missed his entire rookie season with a knee injury, at the tight end position could also prove to be a boon to the offense, given Reid’s historical propensity toward using tight ends.
Defensively, the Chiefs shook up their secondary significantly, parting ways with Pro Bowl cornerback Brandon Flowers, free safety Kendrick Lewis, and nickelback Dunta Robinson. Many expect 2014 third-round pick Phillip Gaines out of Rice and hard-nosed veteran Husain Abdullah to factor significantly into the Chiefs’ 2014 defensive backfield.
Up front, the Chiefs’ defense made a few moves along the line, which had proved vulnerable at times last season after injuries to Pro Bowl outside linebackers Tamba Hali and Justin Houston. The defensive end position left vacated by former third overall pick Tyson Jackson will be fought over by Allen Bailey and Vance Walker, whom Chiefs fan will recall played with the Raiders last season. The Chiefs also hoped to provide depth to their outside linebacking corps by drafting pass rush specialist Dee Ford in the first round of the 2014 Draft. Additionally, former Alabama standout linebacker Nico Johnson will look to start alongside All Pro Derrick Johnson at the interior of Sutton‘s 3-4 defense.
The Chiefs stayed relatively quiet this offseason: although at one point they mistakenly thought that they had made waves by signing Emmanuel Sanders, the reigning AFC Wild Card team made no major acquisitions despite losing three starters on the offensive line and a Pro Bowl cornerback. In order to succeed, big strides will need to be made by Andy Reid’s young pair of bookend offensive linemen- Stephenson and Fisher. Off the field, Alex Smith’s contract renewal situation will increasingly loom over the franchise until the former 49er receives a new deal.
As long as Jamaal Charles stays healthy, the Kansas City offense possesses one of the most dangerous weapons in the NFL, and the defense should continue to improve after last season’s renaissance. Although the Broncos are still clearly a superior team and will likely dominate the AFC West once again, the Chiefs will be a popular pick to win a return trip to the AFC Wild Card round.
Spotrac and Over The Cap were used in the creation of this post.
Poll: What Will Happen To Demaryius Thomas?
Broncos’ wide receiver Demaryius Thomas‘ contract is set to expire after the 2014-2015 season. The reigning All-Pro wideout and former first round pick is considered to be among the league’s elite receiving talents. As our own Luke Adams described in this very thorough post, recent star wide receiver contracts would point to a potential five-year deal for Thomas, with Greg Jennings ($45MM), Vincent Jackson, ($55MM), Dwayne Bowe, ($56MM), Mike Wallace ($60MM), and Percy Harvin ($64.25MM) all signing recent contracts for five years.
Thomas’ contract situation received considerable press a few weeks ago when a story broke that the Broncos had offered the former Georgia Tech standout a five-year deal. Although those alleged contract talks quickly cooled off, there is still substantial speculation regarding how the Broncos will handle the two-time Pro Bowler. It seems that Thomas’ contract situation can go one of several ways: he can re-sign with the Broncos at some point before, during, or after the 2014-2015 Season, or, should the Broncos’ salary cap become too congested, he could test the free agent market after next season. With Wes Welker, Julius Thomas, and Von Miller‘s contracts all set to expire sometime before the 2016-2017 Season, it appears that the Broncos will have some difficult personnel decisions to make in the coming two years.
What do you think will happen to Demaryius Thomas? Will he remain a Bronco? If so, when will he re-sign? If you think he will sign elsewhere, please feel free to elaborate your thought process in the comment section.