McCargo Trade Voided

That trade yesterday that sent DT John McCargo from the Bills to the Indianapolis Colts is off. Colts sources confirm for us tonight that McCargo failed his physical today, because of a bulging disc in his back.
The Bills sent McCargo to Indy yesterday in exchange for a fourth round draft pick. A former first round pick in Buffalo, McCargo was getting limited playing time with the Bills this year and he was buried on the defensive line depth chart.
The failed physical means McCargo's rights revert to the Bills. It remains to be seen whether the Bills would keep him on the 53-man roster for long. They may elect to put him on injured reserve or reach an injury settlement with the three year veteran.

McCargo Traded

Not a huge surprise that the Bills would trade John McCargo. His work ethic has been questionable through his three years in Buffalo. He had fallen far behind Stroud, Williams and Spencer Johnson. He was inactive for the season opener. NFL.com reports that the Bills will get a 4th round pick. The Bills reached for McCargo in the '06 draft when they traded up to get him. They were desperate for a DT, and McCargo was the last of the first-tier talents available. Reaching on draft day usually never works, even if the intentions are good.

It leaves a roster spot open, and leaves the Bills a little light at the DT position. Look for a move to be announced Wednesday. DT-DE Corey Mace is on the practice squad.

What's your reaction? Should the Bills have given McCargo more time to develop?

Bills No Go for Tony G.

Tony Gonzalez won't be coming to the Bills. That possibility had Bills fans all fired up, hoping the team would add the missing piece to the puzzle. As we reported over the weekend, the Bills were interested and involved in trade talks. But in the end, Gonzalez stays in Kansas City despite his desire to go to a Super Bowl contender. Sources told us Monday that the Bills interest had cooled off on making a trade. That could have been due to the Chiefs' demands, which may have been what the Saints gave up for Jeremy Shockey-a 2nd and 5th round pick. Don't discount the fact that Gonzalez may not have wanted to play in Buffalo. In an interview with Fox Sports, he seemed to hint at his desire to play for the Giants. ESPN's John Clayton speculated that the Packers and Bills werent' desirable locations for the NFL's alltime leading tight end. Gonzalez said he wanted to play for a Super Bowl contender. Its probably a bit early to put the Bills in that category.

Maybe the Chiefs just decided not to trade their marquee player. It seemed odd that on Monday, they announced that Tony would be honored before Sunday's game for setting the league mark for TE yardage. I doubt they would have done that if there was a chance he would be dealt.

So hang in there Bills fans. Hardy looks like he's growing into his role, Parrish is back and Derek Fine may be too. Gonzalez would have been nice. But the offense should still be effective. What do you think?

Hecht Injured; Rivet Out?

UPDATED 10/14: Some notes from the Sabres 7-2 win against the Islanders.

*Jochen Hecht (pictured) suffered an finger injury in the first period. He did not play the rest of the game. He had surgery on Tuesday in Buffalo. Hecht will be out for a couple of weeks. No roster moves have been made. Clark MacArthur will replace him on the line with Pominville and Paille.

*Craig Rivet received a double game misconduct for his role in the big 2nd period brawl. He was the third man in on the Mair fight that started it all. That will not prevent him from playing against the Ranger. But the next game misconduct will mean an automatic suspension.

*The shorthanded goal scored by Thomas Vanek was the first of his life. That's right, never in in junior hockey, college or the NHL. Vanek usually doesn't play on the penalty kill. In an effort to make Vanek a more all-around player, Lindy Ruff is giving him a chance.

Gonzalez Update 10/13

Here's the lastest on what we know about the Bills attempts to trade for Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez. NFL sources tell us that the Bills interest may be cooling off. That my be due to Kansas City's asking price, Gonzalez' desire to pick his team, or the Bills decision to stick with what they've got.
A Chiefs website, but not the official one, reports that the Bills offered a 3rd round draft pick. This sounds right, based on what our sources are saying. The Eagles and the Giants appear to be two of the teams also chasing Gonzalez. Maybe that NFC East battle is driving up the price. Gonzalez himself told foxsports.com that he would welcome the chance to play for a contender. That web site hints that the Giants would be his first choice. They're playing Monday Night Football against the Browns, so nothing his likely to happen with them until Tuesday. The NFL trade deadline is Tuesday at 4pm EST.
Interestingly, the Chiefs announced today that they will honor Gonzalez before Sunday's game for becoming the NFL's alltime leading tight end in catches, yards and TD's. That is assuming he's still on their team...or maybe that's because they know he'll still be there.
Are you disappointed that the Bills may have backed off?

Bills Talking Tony

NFL sources say the Bills are one of the teams talking to Kansas City about a trade for Tony Gonzalez. The sources say the Bills are willing to give up draft picks to get the NFL's tight end leader in catches, yards and touchdowns. KC reportedly wants a 2nd round pick. They may have to settle for a package including a third round, which the Bills apparently are willing to give up.

This would be a great deal for the Bills. A receiving threat at TE would be a major upgrade over Robert Royal and Derek Schouman. Figuring that the team would likely use a high pick on a tight end in next year's draft, giving it up now for a proven Pro Bowler is a no-brainer. Its the one hole right now in the offense. Trent Edwards threw 50 passes to tight ends last year, so Gonzalez would immediately become a major weapon.

Gonzalez' contract numbers are not huge, so its not a financial burden. Its a move that contending teams make to improve themselves. Its a "go-for-it-now" move that shows that the team has the Super Bowl as its goal after the 4-1 start.

The trade deadline is Tuesday. Do it now. What do you think?