Toronto Bills Blog

Terrell Owens will become an unrestricted free agent on March 5. The Bills announced yesterday that they will not be offering him a new contract. Owens thanked the Buffalo fans and owner Ralph Wilson on Twitter for his one-year experience. He had 55 receptions for 829 yards and 5 touchdowns with the Bills last season. He is the sixth player in league history to make 1,000 receptions and ranks third overall in receiving with 14,951 yards. Also set to become free agents are wide receiver Josh Reed and defensive end Ryan Denney.

Chan Gailey talked to the press at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. He believes that Aaron Maybin is well suited to the Bills new 3 – 4 defense. Maybin, the first-round draft pick in 2009, was underutilized last season as a 4 – 3 defensive end. Gailey also spoke highly of Marshawn Lynch. He sees merit in a 2 running back lineup of Lynch and Fred Jackson, given the high rate of injuries in the league. He was noncomittal about the future of Terrell Owens with Buffalo, indicating the 2 have not yet conferred.

Buffalo is reportedly interested in Washington quarterback Jason Campbell. The rumor has the Bills trading for him in exchange for Donte Whitner and a draft pick. Campbell is looking for a contract extension with the Redskins. Otherwise he will become an unrestricted free agent on March 5. His time with Washington has run its course and he may be looking to start over in a new town. The Redskins, with the fourth overall draft pick, are thought to be targeting quarterbacks Jimmy Clausen or Sam Bradford.

The NFL scouting combine opens today in Indianapolis. Representatives of all NFL teams will be in attendance, in addition to over 300 college players. Chan Gailey and Buddy Nix, together with scouts and medical personnel, will represent the Bills. Buffalo is looking for help at quarterback, offensive tackle, and nose guard. The 2 prime quarterbacks, Sam Bradford from Oklahoma and Jimmy Clausen from Notre Dame, are both recovering from surgery and will not work out. The 6 day combine will afford first hand observation of this year’s college prospects in anticipation of the April draft.

Bills offensive tackle Demetrius Bell is recovering from knee surgery. He was injured in week 10 of the 2009 season and sat out the last 7 games. His rehab is progressing and his doctors are reportedly pleased. His injury, together with the unexpected retirement of Brad Butler, will put pressure on Buffalo to draft for a tackle. The Bills offensive line needs major overhaul, having ranked near the bottom of the league.

Buffalo is looking ahead to the upcoming NFL combine in Indianapolis. With the draft 2 months away, the Bills are strategizing which players to target. Quarterback Jimmy Clausen is a prime prospect, but is likely to be gone by the Bills ninth overall pick. With the team changing over to a 3 – 4 defense, nose tackle Dan Williams from Tennessee is a contender. Defensive end Ndamukong Suh from Nebraska is among the best of the defensive linemen. Buffalo is also thought to be interested in offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga now that Brad Butler has retired. With limited talent in free agency this year, the draft will be vitally important to the Bills rebuilding program.

The Bills are mulling player personnel needs now that the coaching staff is in place. The most critical need is for a quarterback. Buffalo may draft for Jimmy Clausen if he is still available by the ninth overall pick. Otherwise Chad Pennington could help through free agency. The team has a major gap on the offensive line with the retirement of Brad Butler. A nose tackle is another priority, with the move to a 3 – 4 defense. Buddy Nix and Chan Gailey have their work cut out as they make crucial personnel decisions.

The unexpected retirement of Brad Butler has jarred the Bills. The 26 year old right tackle retired after just 4 NFL seasons. He started in 31 career games. He played just 2 games last year before sustaining a knee injury against Tampa Bay. Butler announced that he is leaving to pursue aspirations in education, community, and country. His departure will force the Bills to draft or trade for help on the offensive line. He had several good years ahead of him and will be missed.

Daryl Daye has been named Chan Gailey’s assistant. He will assume administrative duties, overseeing travel and training camp. Daye has coached college ball for 24 years, including a stint at Missouri Southern State. This is his first NFL coaching job. He is a graduate of Louisiana State University and Southern Mississippi.

Bills right tackle Brad Butler has retired from football. The 4 year veteran was selected in the fifth round of the 2006 draft. He played college ball at Virginia. Butler released a statement that his passion for education, country, and community requires his full attention. He is keenly interested in politics, having interned in the office of Jack Kemp, the late congressman and Bills quarterback.