Focus now on Offense

According the agent for both, Cardinals WR Bryant Johnson and Titans TE Ben Troupe are scheduled for Buffalo visits Sunday. That would make sense. There are still holes to fill on the offense, now that the defense appears to be set. At six-foot-three inches tall, Johnson would fill that glaring need for a big wideout to play across from Lee Evans.

Bills Sign Spencer Johnson

With the trade for Marcus Stroud, and the signing of Spencer Johnson, the Bills have re-made their defensive tackle spot. Stroud will play the nose tackle position, occupied last year by Kyle Williams. Johnson will compete with John McCargo at the 3-technique spot. Johnson also has the ability to play defensive end. With Anthony Hargrove out for the year due to suspension, that's a huge plus. Look for him to get time rotating with Schobel, Kelsay and Denney.
Johnson is an athletic 286 pounder. He's played in the Tama-2 scheme while with the Vikings. He backed up two Pro Bowlers, Pat Williams and Kevin Williams. That's why he hasn't had many starts. But give the Bills credit for recognizing his talent. Johnson's 5 year, $17.5 million dollar deal isn't huge.

Ryan to the Dolphins

Buffalo native and St. Joe's grad Sean Ryan is working his way around the AFC East. The free agent tight end has signed with the Dolphins, after two years with the Jets. Ryan also played with the Cowboys, where his head coach was Bill Parcells, now the team president in Miami.

Tripplett Released

Its a bit of a suprise that Larry Tripplett was cut. He's started all 16 games the last two seasons, and was the team's big free agent signing in 2006. I think this may indicate that another move is coming at the position. Marcus Stroud? He was in town today for a visit. Tripplett would have likely lost his starting spot at the 3-technique tackle to John McCargo, who I think is ready to break out. He might have been worth keeping around as a backup. But if the team has to absorb Stroud's big salary, it wouldn't make sense to keep Tripplett in Buffalo. Stay tuned. I'm convinced this move on this day isn't a coincidence.

Bills Interested in Marcus Stroud

I must say I was surprised about the news that the Bills had Jaguars DT Marcus Stroud in for a visit, as a preliminary move to a possible trade. I was not aware of his availibility, and I'm still surprised why. Stroud is a beast, 6-6 and 310 pounds. I've seen him and fellow Jags tackle John Henderson basically shut down teams running games. I remember Greg Wiliams once admitting to me that the Bills didn't even try to run against them.
But here's why Stroud may be available. He's missed 12 games the last two years. He had ankle surgery in 2006. He was suspended 4 games for steroids in 2007, and missed more time after re-injuring the ankle. He'll also be 30 years old by training camp.
But its all about what you have, and what he'll bring. Stroud would be a major upgrade on the Bills defense at tackle, and a nice combination with up-and-comer John McCargo.
The question is, what would the Bills have to give up? The trades for Kris Jenkins (Jets) and Shaun Rogers (Bengals) sent 3rd and 5th round picks to the trading teams. The Bills have extra picks in those rounds, and that's how this deal may get done.

Bills Sign Linebacker Mitchell

What a magical month of February for new Bills free agent linebacker Kawika Mitchell. On February3rd, he won the Super Bowl with the Giants. Thanks to a leap year, February 29th was also a good day, as Mitchell gets a 5 year, $17.5 million dollar deal with the Bills. He cited the organization, its history, and his first hand experience with Bills fans as the reason to come to Buffalo.
Dick Jauron says Mitchell will be used on the weakside at outside linebacker. That's where he played in New York, but he had played middle linebacker during his first four years in Kansas City. Mitchell will replace Keith Ellison in the lineup, and team with Paul Posluszny and Angelo Crowell.
I like the move. Mitchell isn't great, but he's better than Ellison. It also allows Ellison to now provide depth and focus more on special teams. Fixing the run defense isn't all about the defensive tackles. The linebackers can help that too. It didn't cost a lot of money, and Mitchell seems like a player who will now relish the role as leader and veteran.

Bills Make Roster Cuts

No real surprises among the Bills four roster cuts Wednesday. RB Anthony Thomas had been replaced as the main backup by Fred Jackson. Although he's a favorite of Dick Jauron, Thomas's future was in doubt due to the emergence of Jackson and the drafting of Dwayne Wright.
Coy Wire missed nine games last year, and it appears his neck injury could be serious. BuffaloBills.com says Wire failed his physical due to that injury, and that's why he was cut. His loss could be felt on special teams, where the Bills could also lose veterans Mario Haggan, Josh Stamer and Sam Aiken. All three are unrestricted free agents.
Jeremetrius Butler was signed when the Bills had a rash of cornerback injuries. With Jabari Greer, Terrence McGee, Ashton Youboty and Kiwaukee Thomas all returning, there wasn't any more room.
Aaron Merz, a backup center, was out all of last year with a shoulder injury.
Not that the team needed a lot more cap space, but these moves do save space. Its believed the Bills are already at least $20 million under the cap.

Free Agent Hackett Interested in the Bills

I spoke Wednesday with the agent for free agent wide receiver D.J. Hackett. He's the Seahawks player set for unrestricted free agency Friday. At 6-2, 208 pounds...he would fill the Bills need for a big wide receiver. Agent Kevin Robinson told me that Hackett is interested in the Bills, but could not confirm any conversations or plans to come to Buffalo. That would be tampering, an NFL violation. Robinson says Hackett views Buffalo as a team on the rise, and poised to win. He knows the Bills would present Hackett an opportunity to start, and that's one of his priorities for a new team. Robinson also cited the Marshawn Lynch, the offensive line and Trent Edwards as positives. Hackett began to emerge in 2006, when he had 45 catches. He played in only six games in 2007 due to injuries, but still caught 32 passes and 3 TD. Hackett figures to be on a short list of Bills targets, a list that includes other big wideouts like Jacksonville's Ernest Wilford and Arizona's Bryant Johnson.