Bills Trade Rumors

"As of Friday night, the Packers weren't expecting to sign free-agent quarterback Daunte Culpepper this weekend. According to a league source, Culpepper has drawn interest from Buffalo and his previous team, Oakland, and is weighing his future. "

"The first predraft trade happened Wednesday and more deals could play a big role in the weekend’s draft. Kansas City dealt Pro Bowl defensive end Jared Allen to Minnesota for an additional first-round pick and two third-round selections. Other veterans could be on the move, too. The Buffalo Bills might figure into the deal-making. Given their two biggest needs are wide receiver and cornerback, the Bills could move back from the 11th overall pick and still fill one of those needs. It is believed that Michigan State wide receiver Devin Thomas would be the choice if the Bills stay put. But he might be a better value later in the first round."

"Two years ago, the Bills picked safety Donte Whitner a tad higher than many draftniks had him rated— at eighth overall. This year the Bills may make a similar move in selecting Devin Thomas, the wide receiver from Michigan State. Thomas is rated by many as the best receiver in the draft but most experts don’t put him among the top 12 players overall. Like all NFL teams, the Bills are being secretive about their plans for the draft. But team sources indicate Thomas is highly regarded at One Bills Drive. "

"It does not appear the Buffalo Bills will be parting ways with quarterback J.P. Losman this season. Losman, who is entering his fifth NFL season, lost his starting job to rookie Trent Edwards last season and has requested to be traded. But Bills Chief Operating Officer Russ Brandon said there are no plans to grant that request at this time."

"In a league where very few quarterbacks remain injury free for an entire season, the Buffalo Bills plan on having J.P. Losman on their roster in 2008 playing backup to Trent Edwards.Losman, who is entering his fifth NFL season, has requested he be traded and a prime opportunity to do so for the Bills is next weekend during the college draft.But Chief Operating Officer Russ Brandon said today during a pre-draft luncheon with reporters at the stadium that club isn't planning to do that."

"The Packers have not ruled out adding a veteran unrestricted free agent such as Craig Nall or Tim Rattay or making a bid for restricted free agent Ryan Fitzpatrick of Cincinnati. But 36-year-old Gus Frerotte, who visited the Packers, is headed to Minnesota, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, and chances of acquiring Houston's Sage Rosenfels are minimal given the Texans' demands. There's still a possibility Buffalo's Losman will become available in a trade, but if the Packers were interested they would have made a move by now."

"The Vikings' top choice is clear: Rosenfels. In fact, they made him one of their top offseason priorities and considered his acquisition no less important than that of receiver Bernard Berrian or safety Madieu Williams... Buffalo's J.P. Losman is another veteran who might be available via trade, but Rosenfels is widely known as a strong character player (he's an Iowan, after all) and a perfect fit for the West Coast offense."

"ESPN’s Chris Mortensen speculated that the Bills might try to ship Evans to Detroit for Williams. The one giant hurdle in that scenario is the Bills would have to pay Williams something like $9 million a year and $25 million guaranteed. It’s hard to see them shelling out that much for Williams. (Another problem is how much more would the Bills have to throw into the trade along with Evans? Just adding J.P. Los-man to the deal may not be enough.)"

"The Buffalo Bills on Thursday investigated another way they might bolster their pass rush. Defensive end James Hall visited One Bills Drive. He’s a 31-year-old, eight-year veteran who would be a situational pass rusher if he signed with the Bills. Buffalo could use more options in the rush after finishing 30th in the NFL in sacks per pass attempt last year. "

"It still looks as if the Vikings' best bet for a backup quarterback is Buffalo's J.P. Losman, who is signed for $1.9 million this season and probably could be obtained for a fourth-round draft pick."

"The Buffalo Bills’ free agent visits continued as tight end Courtney Anderson met with team officials Wednesday. Anderson is the second tight end the Bills have talked to as they try to upgrade the position. Ben Troupe visited Tuesday. “The visit went well,” said Anderson, who has no other visits scheduled."

"The Buffalo Bills took a close look at Ben Troupe on Tuesday to see if he might be the answer to their problems at tight end... Meanwhile, the Bills also entertained San Diego safety Marlon McCree and Atlanta fullback Corey McIntyre."

"Meanwhile, the Bills also entertained Atlanta fullback Corey McIntyre, according to his agent. And San Diego free safety Marlon McCree was traveling to Buffalo, a San Diego source said. There was no confirmation whether Tennessee tight end Ben Troupe made it to town, as scheduled."

"What would be a fair trade offer for Buffalo Bills quarterback J.P. Losman? A third-round draft pick. Considering the shortage of decent quarterbacks in the NFL today, maybe the Bills can get it."

"Amid wild trade rumors surrounding star wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald possibly going to the Philadelphia Eagles, word surfaced Saturday that the Cardinals' No. 3 wideout, Bryant Johnson, was scheduled to meet with the Buffalo Bills Sunday regarding a potential deal there."

"Kawika Mitchell, a weakside linebacker for the Super Bowl champion New York Giants, signed a five-year contract with the Bills. He’s a 6-foot-1, 253-pounder who gives the Bills better size at a spot held last season by Keith Ellison. The Bills would be vastly stouter if they can close a deal on a trade for Jacksonville defensive tackle Marcus Stroud. "

" The Saints called and expressed interest in trading for tight end Jeremy Shockey. The Giants are not shopping Shockey and they declined to discuss any trade. Shockey is coming off surgery on his leg and ankle and could not at the moment pass a physical. The Giants have some interest in Seahawks running back/kick returner Alvin Pearman. They also could be interested in a similar player, Maurice Hicks of the 49ers, and possibly two veterans, CB Jason Webster (Bills) and DE N.D. Kalu (Texans)."

"Those figures pale in comparison to the numbers the Vikings were preparing for receiver Bernard Berrian, who arrived Friday in the Twin Cities, and defensive end Justin Smith - whom the Vikings hoped to lure for a visit today... Those decisions left the Vikings facing more trade talks with Houston - or possibly Buffalo for J.P. Losman."

"The Vikings opened the 2008 free-agent market Thursday night by sending owner Zygi Wilf's private plane to northern California, where they hoped to collect free-agent receiver Bernard Berrian. If all goes according to plan, Berrian will visit Winter Park today and could sign a bombshell contract by tonight... The Vikings also were attempting to arrange visits with Cincinnati safety Madieu Williams and Philadelphia fullback Thomas Tapeh. In addition, they were working on multiple fronts to add a backup quarterback, discussing trades for Houston's Sage Rosenfels and Buffalo's J.P. Losman and also expressing interest in free agent Josh McCown."

"Tight end Alge Crumpler, who battled through injuries last year and was released by the Falcons after his seventh NFL season, plans to meet with several teams in Indianapolis beginning Friday... Crumpler listed at least seven teams that he might meet with: Green Bay, Buffalo, Detroit, Seattle, Carolina, Tampa Bay and Tennessee."

"Former Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas' first stop on his free-agent tour was New England, where the AFC East rival Patriots hosted Thomas on Monday, according to a source. Thomas, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and the Dolphins' all-time leading tackler, who was released last week, is also scheduled to meet with the Saints today... There's also speculation at least four other teams (Houston, Denver, Buffalo and the Jets) have expressed interest in talking to Thomas, but he's stressed a preference to play for a contender with an established quarterback."

"The Bills designated Neufeld inactive in their final four games. His contract has expired. He and Dawn do the rudimentary math and deduce their time in Western New York nears its conclusion."

"The Buffalo Bills are expected to make their latest coaching staff move official within the next day or two: Turk Schonert will be elevated to the offensive coordinator. The move has been anticipated since Steve Fairchild stepped down as offensive chief to become head coach at Colorado State University."

"It has been 13 days since the Bills announced that General Manager Marv Levy was stepping down from his post as the head of the Bills’ football department. Bills owner Ralph C. Wilson Jr. still was evaluating the front office this week and deciding what direction he wanted to take it."

"The Buffalo Bills are expected to begin interviewing candidates this week for their vacant front-office and offensive coordinator positions. The Bills will be talking to candidates outside the organization, a team source told The Buffalo News, although that does not rule out candidates within the organization. "

"Olson worked for Bills head coach Dick Jauron both in Chicago and Detroit. But league sources told the Post-Dispatch on Monday that Bills quarterback coach Turk Schonert is in line to become Buffalo's new offensive coordinator. "

"J .P. Losman’s days in Buffalo were numbered Nov. 26, the day he was benched for good in favor of rookie Trent Edwards. So it’s no surprise that Losman’s agent confirmed this week that he wants the Bills to trade his client this offseason. "

"Bills quarterback J.P Losman wants out of Buffalo, unhappy with how he lost his starting job to rookie Trent Edwards this past season. Losman's agent, Gary Wichard, told The Associated Press on Friday that his client would prefer being traded, but added Losman would play out the final that year of his contract if necessary."

"Greg Gabriel, 56, the successful current director of college scouting for the Chicago Bears, has emerged as an attractive candidate to replace Marv Levy as general manager of the Buffalo Bills. Taking control of only football operations is another option Gabriel would consider. Gabriel is a Buffalo native whose scouting career began with the Bills, grading film in 1981."

"When Buffalo Bills front office executives meet Thursday morning to discuss how to replace retiring general manager Marv Levy, Bears scouting director Greg Gabriel's name figures to generate some lively discussion."

"Marv Levy is expected to step down this week from his position as Buffalo Bills general manager, team sources confirmed Sunday. Levy, 82, has decided he does not want to carry on in his role as the head of the Bills' football operation, given the demands of the job."

"If I'm Lovie, I'm openly lobbying for a proven commodity like Donovan McNabb. Trouble is, he may have removed himself from the trade rumor mill and ensured himself one more season in Philadelphia with a strong December finish, including a 345-yard passing day Sunday... So who does that leave? Maybe Cleveland's Derek Anderson, if the Bears want to give up two high draft choices. Or Buffalo's J.P. Losman, who has more upside than Grossman."

"Everyone knows the Bills need a big wide receiver and a pass-catching tight end to cure what ails their anemic passing attack, but after watching Jamal Lewis of the Ravens, then Brandon Jacobs and rookie Ahmad Bradshaw of the Giants stomp all over them in the last two weeks the notion may be growing that a monster run stopper in the defensive line might be the premium move."

"If that's the case, then don't expect a Dolphins bid for the Eagles' Donovan McNabb. Pursuing restricted free agent Derek Anderson isn't realistic because Cleveland will place a first- and third-round tender on him. The Bills' J.P. Losman also is considered available, because of Trent Edwards' development. So if not a trade, who's available? 'Bill might look at Daunte Culpepper,' Mortensen said of the ex-Dolphin whom coach Cam Cameron didn't want... Kidd said another possibility is Jets QB Chad Pennington, 31, who was drafted by Parcells in 2000 but whose arm strength has diminished since shoulder surgery. "

"Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth will be a free agent after this season, and radio personality and former NFL assistant coach Chuck Dickerson suggests that the Buffalo Bills should make him their primary target this offseason. I agree. Haynesworth has had temper issues in the past and hasn't been the ideal citizen the Bills prefer, but he's all football player"

"The Bills future in western New York is a sensitive topic that continues to make Buffalo fans uneasy. Owner Ralph Wilson is pushing 90, no succession plan has been announced and the team's decision to play a regular season game in Toronto next year has only heightened insecurities. But Kelly said Bills fans need not worry."As long as I'm involved, I can't see them going anywhere else," he said with the same cockiness that made him a Pro Football Hall of Famer."

"The Bills have no legitimate No. 2 receiver. They have no big receivers, only little fast guys who get swallowed up against the tougher defenses. Lee Evans is the No. 1, but he has been consistently neutralized against top teams, especially New England. Evans has had his moments, but he won’t be an elite NFL wideout until the Bills find a complementary receiver with the size and playmaking ability to keep teams honest. Josh Reed is a terrific No. 3, but he’s not a true No. 2. Neither is Roscoe Parrish, another speed guy who disappears against the top teams. Of course, it would help to have a top pass-catching tight end, too. "

"Buffalo offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild is reportedly a frontrunner for the vacant head coaching job at Colorado State University.Sonny Lubick, who coached the Rams for 15 years, was fired on Nov. 27 and it is known that athletic director Paul Kowalczyk is interested in bringing Fairchild back to CSU where he played quarterback and later served as an assistant coach under Lubick."

"Buffalo Bills greats Andre Reed and Steve Tasker were among 26 players named as semifinalists Wednesday on the 2008 ballot for election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Reed and Tasker made the cutdown from a preliminary list of 124 candidates in a vote of the Hall’s board of selectors. The list of 26 semifinalists will be reduced to 15 modernera candidates in another vote that will take place next month. "

"Losman’s contract runs through the 2008 season, but the Bills almost certainly would need to sign him to a long-term contract at the end of this campaign if they were going to keep him. That could cost at least $15 million in guarantees and more than $40 million total if Losman had a good year."

"The NFL trade deadline is Oct. 16, which means the Buffalo Bills have time to trade quarterback J.P. Losman before they play another game (Oct. 21 home against the Baltimore Ravens). It would be a good move for the Bills and a good move for Losman. There are teams in the NFL hurting for help at quarterback — for example, the Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers and St. Louis Rams."

"The market is ripe. Kansas City needs a quarterback, Miami and Carolina, too. Atlanta’s wanting, as is Minnesota. The Bills have an opportunity to leverage their position and secure a decent draft pick for their former starting quarterback. What better time than now?"

"If Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson genuinely hopes to see his team win a Super Bowl, he should aggressively pursue Bill Cowher as coach and whatever other titles the former Pittsburgh Steelers coach might demand. Why should the Cowher Sweepstakes include the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants but exclude the Bills?"

"In an attempt to salvage something of their free agent swing and miss on veteran Marquand Manuel, the Green Bay Packers have been offering the safety in a trade... Among the teams that might have interest in a safety are Houston, Jacksonville, Buffalo, Carolina and Miami."

"The Dolphins and Bills, who both need help at guard, are also believed to be interested in Vincent, a veteran who was released by the Ravens on Tuesday. Miami was eyeing Pete Kendall before the Jets traded him to the Redskins last Thursday."

"Sam Aiken is a backup wide receiver who, if he had his druthers, would leap frog up the depth chart and catch more passes. But there are questions about Aiken’s ability as a wideout: Is he fast enough to get separation on the league’s best corners? Will he stay true on his routes?"

"In dire need of depth at defensive end, the Buffalo Bills brought in veteran Al Wallace for a tryout on Tuesday and are reportedly close to signing him."

"Last training camp it was a torn hamstring that prevented Craig Nall from legitimately challenging for the Buffalo Bills' starting quarterback job"

"For the entire 2006 NFL season, Eric Powell was on the practice field every day, right beside Chris Kelsay, Ryan Denney, John McCargo and the other defensive linemen."

"The most interested team appeared to be the Houston Texans, whose assistant head coach is former Packers coach and general manager Mike Sherman, the man most influential in Ferguson's selection in the second round in 2001. However, according to Overstreet, the Packers also talked to the Washington Redskins and Buffalo Bills."

"The Houston Texans, Washington Redskins and Buffalo Bills all expressed an interest in Ferguson, but there was little reason for any of those teams to give up a player or pick for him because the Packers had made it clear they would release Ferguson if he wasn't dealt, given the emergence of Ruvell Martin and Carlyle Holiday in the fourth- and fifth-receiver spots."

"Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly entertained fans with a question-and-answer session before practice Monday, giving him a forum for this little tidbit: He’s interested in becoming partowner of the Bills if something happened to founder Ralph C. Wilson Jr."