The Deal that Had to be Done

As John Murphy pointed out a few posts below, the Lee Evans deal had to be done. Thankfully, the Bills did it. The team could not allow Evans to be the latest Buffalo star to leave town. He is everything you want in a star player: outstanding on the field, a leader, a solid citizen and a player who wants to be here. The front office, led by Russ Brandon, knew this. They also knew what Evans value was on the open market. Evans also knew that his stats did not warrant being the highest-paid receiver. So the compromise was reached with a five-year extension worth $37.25 million. Because the deal gives Evan some new money this year, its considered a five year contract. It has been reported elsewhere as a four year deal. The average of $7.45 million a season does not put Evans in the NFL's top five receivers, but it does make him the team's highest paid player.

Next up, a new deal for Jason Peters. He'll have to wait after the holdout, and hopefully he'll play better and earn the big money. Its a bit early now, but at some point the Bills have to think about a new deal for Edwards. If his outstanding season continues, he should get a raise for next year. Starting quarterbacks demand the big bucks, even though Trent is only two years into his rookie deal. Who else should be on the negotiation list?

Thank You Al Davis

Thank you, Al Davis. Without you, the Bills might not have Trent Edwards. That's what I kept thinking after watching the Raiders boss' news conference earlier in the week. He outlined all of his differences with fired head coach Lane Kiffin. One of them centered around current Raiders starting QB JaMarcus Russell. Davis says Kiffin didn't want the team to draft Russell with the first pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. Davis wanted Russell, and he won the battle. Before the Bills-Raiders game a few weeks ago, Kiffin told the WNY media that Oakland would have selected Edwards with the first pick of the second round, if they had not taken Russell. So, Bills fans, if the Raiders weren't such a disfunctional organization, they might have one of the NFL's best young QBs.

Big Payday for Evans

It's a good day for Bills fans, a great day for Bills WR Lee Evans. Late today, the Bills veteran signed a contract extension, reported to be four years in length. Reports say it's a a $37.25 million dollar deal, with roughly half of that guaranteed. Evans' average salary of $9.3 million a year puts him among the top five highest paid receivers in the NFL.
He belongs there. Evans has been nothing but a consummate pro since his arrival on the scene as the Bills first round draft pick in 2004. It took him only 68-games to pass the 4,000 yard mark in receiving yardage in his career, tieing a franchise record. He's a proven game-breaker with a record of explosive plays, on an offense that has struggled to get explosive plays in recent years.
More importantly, Evans has been a solid, calming presence in the Bills locker room over the years. He's survived coaching changes, revolving doors at the QB position, and meaningless late season games and kept his head up, and his effort at a high level.
Evans signing sends a clear message to the Bills locker room that those who produce will be rewarded with new deals, as long as they show up for OTAs and training camp (are you listening, Jason?). More importantly, it sends a message to already giddy Bills fans that this franchise is serious about keeping the core intact on this young, talented team. They're not just 4-0, they're building for the future (as much as you can in today's NFL) by identifying the key players on the roster, and rewarding them.
Just another bit of good news in a Bills season that's gone very well so far.

What do you think of the Evans contract? Is it time yet for Jason Peters to get an extension? Let us know.

Bills Injury Update

Here's the injury update for the Bills at Arizona:

CB Terrence McGee: Suffered a sprained knee vs. St. Louis. Did not practice Wednesday. Did not rule himself out for the Cardinals game, and Dick Jauron did not provide any specifics. Seems unlikely that he'll be ready to go. Usually, sprained knees take 2-4 weeks to heal. Leodis McKelvin and Ashton Youboty split reps at the corner spot in Wednesday's workout.

DT Marcus Stroud: Shoulder injury. Was seen riding the stationery bike at Wednesday's workout. Did not practice.

DE Aaron Schobel: Foot injury. Did not practice Wednesday.

Jauron believes both Schobel and Stroud will be OK to play.

Update: It looks like Cards WR Anquan Boldin will not play. He suffered a fractured sinus membrane after a big hit against the Jets. The report alludes to Boldin saying he won't play any differently WHEN he comes back.

A Change at Fullback

The Bills may have decided today they can't wait any longer, for FB Darian Barnes to get healthy. Theyre ready to make a move at the position, signing FB Corey McIntyre, and releasing Barnes.
McIntyre (above) was just released by the Atlanta Falcons a few weeks ago. He's also spent time in the NFL with the Browns and the Saints.
Darian Barnes injured his foot in the Bills win over the Raiders two Sundays ago. He only practiced on a limited basis last week, and was inactive for the game at St. Louis.
The Bills tried to use backup guard Jason Whittle as a fullback in Sunday's game, but apparently they want the real thing, and were unsure how long Barnes might be out.