Goodbye to Jason?

BasX · Mar 31, 2009

According to what Buffalo Bills Chief Operating Officer (read "General Manager") Russ Brandon has told the Buffalo News, the team and left tackle Jason Peters still remain far apart on negotiations for a new contract. Peters is still under contract for two more seasons of a five-year deal, but it is believed that he wants to be the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL.

Unfortunately for the Bills, Peters has shown that he has the stomach for a long holdout - amongst many other things - as he did not report to the team until the day before the regular season began in 2008. Peters was fined $600,000 for this, but was given his starting job back once he was back in shape. If Peters chooses to play hardball again, the team could opt to make a trade in spite of the fact that Peters has been selected to two straight Pro Bowls.

The big Internet rumor from last week had the Eagles, owners of two first-round draft picks in the 20's, as the likely suitors for the Arkansas product. Another possible trade partner could be the Chicago Bears. The Bears will be starting Chris Williams at left tackle this season, signed Kevin Shaffer last week and according to the Chicago Sun-Times, will consider signing Orlando Pace if Pace does not forge a deal with the Baltimore Ravens. All this said, the team could choose to add Peters instead of Pace, stick the somewhat untested Williams on the right side, and use Shaffer for depth. While Peters would be a great addition to the squad, Bears general manager Jerry Angelo noted earlier this offseason that he didn't plan on investing in any big-name free agents, and a move to bring in Peters would likely require the development of a new, long-term deal; in effect, it would be investing in a big-name free agent. Pace would be a short-term, less costly option.

With the draft less than a month away, Brandon and other members of Bills management are likely trying to gauge the situation. While it usually doesn't make sense to trade away a player who has been the cornerstone of the offensive line, the team would like to avoid the distraction of his holding out for an entire offseason again. If the determination is made that no deal will be reached before April 25, Jason Peters may be sold to the highest bidder.
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http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/features/rumors

BasX · Mar 31, 2009

In an ongoing contract dispute, the Buffalo Bills remain nowhere close to negotiating a new deal for Pro Bowl left offensive tackle Jason Peters as they continue to haggle with agent Eugene Parker.

According to Allen Wilson of the Buffalo News, Peters wants to be the highest paid left tackle in the league and eclipse Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Jordan Gross’ $11 million annual compensation.

“We’ve had dialogue with Jason’s representatives and we will continue to have dialogue,” Bills Chief Operating Officer Russ Brandon said. “Obviously, Jason is a tremendous football player and we would like to have Jason as a cornerstone for many years to come.

“But it takes two to come together. We spoke to Jason at the conclusion of the season. He knows how much he means to us. Hopefully, we can make some headway here in the oncoming weeks.”

At this stage, the Bills aren’t exploring trade scenarios for Peters. However, that could eventually transpire.

Citing league sources, the News reports that the Philadelphia Eagles could be interested in trading for Peters. The Eagles are holding a pair of first-round draft picks.

“That’s another issue that is too early to discuss,” Brandon said. “Our focus is on trying to come together on some kind of arrangement with Jason.”

Meanwhile, Peters hasn’t reported to the voluntary offseason conditioning program.

“We would be hopeful that Jason recognizes that we need everybody to take that next step, and he’s a key component to that,” Brandon said. “Jason is fully aware that he has two years left on his contract and that should be recognized. Hopefully, we’ll see Jason sometime in the near future.”
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http://www.profootballtalk.com/2009/03/31/bills-peters-still-not-on-same-page/

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Goodbye to Jason?

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Goodbye to Jason?

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