Tag: bills panthers

Mario Addison approves of rotation in fun Bills unit

Buffalo Bills DE Mario Addison on the defensive line rotation.

Mario Addison joins the Bills from the Panthers after four-straight seasons with at least nine sacks.

And even though Addison did have 9.5 sacks last season, after getting a taste of a Bills practice last offseason, he decided heading to Buffalo as a free agent would be a great idea a year later.

As a former Panther, you know the connections are there, in-house, already for Addison. But another things he recalled when talking to the Bills about signing with the team were the joint practices the Bills and Panthers had during the 2019 offseason.

The 32-year-old just simply remembered how fun it was being on a practice field with the Bills.

“I already kind of liked Buffalo from the get-go because we played against Buffalo last year in training camp,” Addison said on a conference call on Monday. “Everybody played with each other.”

“I liked competing against the O-line when we was in camp. Those guys were going hard… we was going hard, don’t nobody get mad at each other,” Addison added.

As Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott says: Iron sharpens iron.

But on his teammates he’ll be closer to, Addison likes what he sees about of the defensive side of things in Buffalo as well.

“I’ve been watching those guys. They got a swag to them. So, I’m going to bring my swag & we’re going to merge this thing together & we’re going to tear them up out there, baby,” Addison

A top-three unit? What’s not to like? Well, one could consider that Addison is now joining a rotation along the defensive line is something he wouldn’t like.

Case closed, though. Addison’s a team guy.

“I like everyone getting a chance to eat,” Addison said. “It’s not how many snaps you get, it’s what you do with the snaps.”

Along Buffalo’s defensive line, Addison, on paper, will likely get more of the snaps than others on the depth chart. One of his former teammates with the Colts, Jerry Hughes, will be on one end of the line, with Addison on the other. Currently it looks like AJ Epenesa will rotate in for those top-two, and perhaps Trent Murphy will do the same. Only time will tell with Murphy.

 

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Brandon Beane says Greg Olsen was not ‘win-win’ fit

Earlier this offseason the Bills hosted veteran tight end Greg Olsen on a free agent visit. He ended up signing with the Seattle Seahawks instead. 

Earlier this offseason the Bills hosted veteran tight end Greg Olsen on a free agent visit. He ended up signing with the Seattle Seahawks instead.

Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane gave some insight into why Olsen, who he is familiar with from their time together with the Carolina Panthers, didn’t sign on the dotted line with his team. Chatting with the team’s radio partner WGR-550 on Monday, Beane said things didn’t add up for both sides.

“It had to be a win-win, a fit for all of us and in the end it wasn’t,” Beane said.

Olsen, 35, is a 14-year veteran of the NFL, playing with the Panthers since 2011. Since taking over operations in Buffalo, Beane hasn’t been shy about bringing in veteran talent. Running back Frank Gore last offseason is an example of that.

What Beane could be referencing in his response is the price tag. Olsen eventually latched on with the Seahawks via a one-year deal worth $7 million with $5.5 million guaranteed money.

Olsen also told the Seahawks website that Russell Wilson also made a difference in his decision.

“It was just too good of an opportunity to pass up,” Olsen said. “Their track record of success, consistency of winning. I’ve played in this city many times, and just the fanbase, the excitement, that stadium is one of the more unique venues in all of sports. And obviously Coach (Pete) Carroll, playing with somebody like Russell (Wilson), it just checks so many boxes I was looking for.”

But with Olsen’s potential addition, does that mean the Bills aren’t settled with their tight end position? Beane said that’s not the case. Rather, he was just doing his due diligence.

“It doesn’t mean that we wouldn’t look at… if there’s a guy out there that we should investigate, we can bring him in, and that’s at every position, not just tight end,” Beane said. “At the end of the day, we’re very comfortable (at tight end).”

Dawson Knox is currently the Bills’ No. 1 tight end. Behind him is a bit of a mix of players that could be the No. 2. From the sounds of it, Beane is hopeful that Tyler Kroft, who restructured his contract this offseason, emerges about the rest of the pack if he’s able to stay healthy.

“(Kroft) will hopefully be able to get back to the player that he was a couple years ago and then Lee Smith bring a veteran presence. Tommy Sweeney, when he had an opportunity, he did  make some plays for us. Again, I felt comfortable with where we’re at,” Beane said.

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Report: Bills not pursing Cam Newton

The idea of Josh Allen having Cam Newton as his backup took another hit in the span of a few days this week. 

The idea of Josh Allen having Cam Newton as his backup took another hit in the span of a few days this week.

Late last week, Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane gave his post-free agency update and briefly discussed his former quarterback with the Panthers. He made it sound like a team with a vacant QB spot is a better fit. That’s not the Bills with Allen around.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Cam, It’s unfortunate that injuries have hit him,” Beane said. “I think somebody should take a shot on Cam Newton… I think whoever takes a shot on him will appreciate what he brings to the team.”

On Sunday, Beane deepened those thoughts, taking a more stern stance. The GM told the Buffalo News that the idea of Newton behind Allen hasn’t even come up to this point.

“[The Bills] haven’t had any conversations,” Beane said in regard to potentially signing Newton. “I think Cam is going to look to go find a starting role.”

Beane did toss a bit of a potential “feeler” out there, though. Beane said he has yet to approach Newton, but things change, maybe Buffalo will reconsider?

“So we really haven’t approached it. I’m sure, if that’s something that he and his agent wanted to pursue, they would have called us and let us know,” Beane said.

That’s pure speculation, but at this early stage of the offseason, it makes little sense for the Bills to add Newton. If Newton did sign with the Bills, it wouldn’t come till later this summer when he exhausted a lot of other options.

Newton’s athletic playing style matches up to Allen’s better than current No. 2 Matt Barkley. Newton has more experience and is a more talented player as well. But on the flip side, with any Allen struggles, calls for Newton to replace him could slowly intensify if that scenario happened. The way Beane likely views the situation is one that could be an avoidable headache.

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8 things to know about new Bills OL Daryl Williams

Even after the first wave of free agency, the Buffalo Bills couldn’t resist continuing to add familiar players, as the team inked offensive lineman Daryl Williams to a one-year deal. In Williams, the Bills add a low risk and potentially high reward …

Even after the first wave of free agency, the Buffalo Bills couldn’t resist continuing to add familiar players, as the team inked offensive lineman Daryl Williams to a one-year deal.

In Williams, the Bills add a low risk and potentially high reward player. Could the 27-year-old provide a strong depth piece on Buffalo’s offensive line, or will he even grab more playing time than expected?

Just in case, get to know him a little better. Here are eight things to know about new Bills offensive lineman Daryl Williams:

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts with offensive tackle Daryl Williams. Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Carolina connection

First and foremost, the Bills front office of general manager Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott once again know a signing well from their time in Carolina. In 2015, Williams was the Panthers’ fourth-round pick. In that rookie season, Williams was part of the Super Bowl team in Carolina that lost to the Denver Broncos.

While with the Panthers, he started two games as a rookie then 10 in his sophomore season. By 2017, Williams was playing at top gear for the Panthers. He was named a second-team All-Pro that year, but failed to make the Pro Bowl. For his efforts that season, Pro Football Focus graded Williams the Panthers’ “star” on offense, along with Luke Kuechly on defense, some good company. Williams’ overall grade that year was an 86.3 overall, landing him their “elite” category.

 

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Bills sign OL Daryl Williams

The Buffalo Bills have signed offensive lineman Daryl Williams, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. 

The Buffalo Bills have signed offensive lineman Daryl Williams, the team announced on Thursday. Full terms of the contract were not disclosed, but the contract is a one-year deal.

The 27-year-old joins the Bills having spent the past five seasons with the Carolina Panthers. Both Bills head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane were in Carolina for Williams’ first two seasons, so the two are familiar with what he brings to the table.

Williams is considered an inconsistent player, but he does have the versatility the Bills like. He can play both guard and tackle, but has mostly lined up in the tackle spot with Carolina, except for last season when he moved inside the offensive line. There, Pro Football Focus graded him as the NFL’s 57th best guard in the NFL last year.

Last season Williams was returning from a right knee injury which kept him out for a majority of 2018. Williams was a fourth-round pick of the Panthers in 2015. After the prior mentioned knee injury, Williams was re-signed by the Panthers last offseason to a one-year deal when he rookie contract had expired.

Buffalo’s offensive line is returning all five starters from a year ago. From left to right, that crew includes Dion Dawkins, Quinton Spain, Mitch Morse, Jon Feliciano and Cody Ford. The main depth players on Buffalo’s line that Williams will likely battle for roster spots include Ty Nsekhe and Spencer Long.

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5 reasons why the Bills should consider adding Cam Newton

It would not happen anytime soon, first and foremost. But should the Buffalo Bills consider adding Cam Newton?

It would not happen anytime soon, first and foremost. But should the Buffalo Bills consider adding Cam Newton?

There’s reasons why it wouldn’t make sense. But as easy as it is to make a list of cons, there’s some pros to adding Newton, too.

Of course, Newton will prefer a team without a starting quarterback right now. Josh Allen is in Buffalo, and Newton’s first choice, or anyone’s first choice, wouldn’t be to settle for a backup job. But if things get to that point for him, it could make sense for the Bills to consider bringing him in.

Here are five reasons the Bills could consider bringing in Newton:

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Fits Allen mold better

Remember the appeal behind adding former University at Buffalo quarterback Tyree Jackson? He’s big and athletic, much like Allen. So if Allen found himself in some injury issues, namely with his playing style, maybe Jackson could come in and the Bills offense wouldn’t miss a beat?

Matt Barkley, Buffalo’s current No. 2 quarterback, has had his ups and downs steering the ship when called upon with the Bills. In addition, he changes the entire dynamic of Buffalo’s offense when he’s in there.

Newton has dealt with various injuries in recent years, causing his stock to decline. If signed by the Bills, he wouldn’t immediately be taking bumps and bruises, allowing himself to get closer to 100 percent. Then when he’s called upon, perhaps in the blink of an eye mid-game, Buffalo’s offense could roll on business as usual, or much closer to it with his similar playing style to Allen.

In fact, when Allen was drafted by the Bills, he was immediately compared to the likes of Newton. Bills Mafia loves the Allen loving cheerleader on the sidelines in Barkley, but who says Newton wouldn’t do the same, and provide a similar No. 2 option?

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8 things to know about new Bills DT Vernon Butler

Throughout the multiple moves the Bills made early in free agency, Vernon Butler is among the most intriguing.

Throughout the multiple moves the Bills made early in free agency, Vernon Butler is among the most intriguing. The defensive tackle has similar, yet unique roots, compared to some of his new teammates and fellow recent arrivals.

Butler will certainly have a spot carved out for him with the departure of Jordan Phillips in free agency, but he’s joining what is now maybe the deepest position group for the Bills at defensive tackle. There, Buffalo has Ed Oliver, Star Lotulelei, Harrison Phillips, Vincent Taylor and another new face, Quinton Jefferson.

A lot of talent there too, but Butler is certainly a guy that has the capabilities to standout among them all.

With that, here are eight things to know about new Bills defensive tackle Vernon Butler:

Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) and defensive tackle Vernon Butler. Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

First round Carolina connection

Of course let’s start in the the Tar Heel State. Butler is, naturally, a former draft pick of the Carolina Panthers. And yes, Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott were among the folks who were there when he was selected.

The 25-year-old comes from the Panthers to the Bills directly as his rookie contract expired this offseason. Unlike some other Carolina boys (but like some such as Lotulelei), he was a former first-round selection of the them in 2016. Butler wasn’t sure if he was going to be a first-round pick and attended the draft anyway and was selected at No. 30 overall out of Louisiana Tech.

Despite that, his career has but up in down. In 52 career games, he’s only made nine starts, notching 77 tackles, eight sacks, three forced fumbles, two passes defended and 10 tackles for loss. But there’s a positive spin to those numbers that we’ll get to next.

 

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10 things to know about new Bills DE Mario Addison

With the departures of Shaq Lawson and Jordan Phillips, Addison will be entrusted to come into Buffalo and make up for some of their sacks.

The Bills dipped back into that sweet Carolina bucket and signed defensive end Mario Addison when free agency opened this week.

With the departures of Shaq Lawson and Jordan Phillips, Addison will be entrusted to come into Buffalo and make up for some of their sacks. Those two were the Bills’ top-two sackers in 2019 with 6.5 and 9.5, respectively. So if Addison can help fill those shoes, he’s a guy you’ll want to know more about.

With that, here are 10 things to know about new Bills defensive end Mario Addison:

Panthers linebacker Mario Addison. Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Carolina connection

Of course, another former Panthers player is in Buffalo, so let’s get that one out of the way. Addison was with the Panthers from 2012 until this past year. The 32-year-old is familiar with Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane because of that. But he’s also familiar with Eric Washington, Buffalo’s new D-line coach. Washington was the defensive line coach in Carolina from 2012-2017, and then their defensive coordinator the past two season. Washington is highly-praised for his successes with Carolina’s defensive line.

In Carolina, Addison eventually became the team’s fourth all-time sack artist. His 55 trails Julius Peppers, Charles Johnson and Mike Rucker. Addison played 111 games for the Panthers.

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Bills agree to deal with DT Vernon Butler

The Bills have agreed to terms on a contract with defensive tackle Vernon Butler. 

The Bills have agreed to terms on a contract with defensive tackle Vernon Butler.

Butler is a former first-round pick of the Carolina Panthers.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the contract is of the two-year variety.

Updates to follow…

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Report: Bills agree to terms with DE Mario Addison

Addison, who previously played for the Panthers, landed a three-year deal in Buffalo.

The Bills have made their third roster move in the dying hours of Monday evening, adding defensive end Mario Addison.

Addison, 32, who previously played for the Panthers, landed a three-year deal in Buffalo per ESPN’s Marcel Louis-Jacques. Terms of the deal have yet to be reported.

Addison entered the NFL in 2011 as an undrafted rookie and jumped around from the Bears to the Colts and finally to the Redskins before finding a long-term home in Carolina.

Addison played in Carolina since 2012, getting after it under the close watch of Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane, both of whom were also with the Panthers prior to joining the Bills.

In 126 career games, Addison has made 222 tackles and recorded 55 sacks. Since 2016, he’s notched at least nine sacks every season, recording 9.5, 11, nine, and 9.5 last season, respectively, over the past four years.

While Addison isn’t a younger replacement for Shaq Lawson, 25, who the Bills lost in free agency to the Dolphins earlier in the day, he’s still a talented player who can thrive in Buffalo. During his first five NFL seasons, he played in 19 total games, meaning his tread isn’t as bad as it could be. In addition, the Bills run a heavy rotation along their defensive line as well. For reference, Lawson only played in 47 percent of snaps on the Bills defense in 15 games played last season. Perhaps a system Addison can produce in.

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