For the right price, just about any player can be acquired, whether they are pried away with reluctance or shipped out gleefully in a fire sale.
Some players are known to be on the market, while others are assumed to be based on other moves their team has made. With that, I bring you four deals worth considering that would immediately improve the Buffalo Bills, instead of waiting two or three years for a 2008 draftee to develop:
No. 1. Lito Sheppard, CB, Philadelphia Eagles
Twice selected to the Pro-Bowl, Sheppard brings over 200 solo tackles and 17 interceptions to the table. With the signing of free agent cornerback Asante Samuel from New England, Sheppard appears to be the odd man out in the Philadelphia secondary.
Acquiring a veteran like Sheppard would immediately solidify the Buffalo defensive backfield, taking the heat off of Terrance McGee to cover opponents’ number one receiver, which he struggled with at times during the 2007 season.
No. 2. Chad Johnson, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
A five-time Pro-Bowler with a mountain of stats, what Johnson lacks in grace or humility he makes up for in sheer desire to win. The Bengals slide from playoff contender to mediocrity has certainly soured Chad to the notion of remaining in Cincinnati, while a young, up-and-coming team like Buffalo might be the change of scenery that would re-energize the enigmatic Johnson.
Paired with Lee Evans, quarterback Trent Edwards and new offensive coordinator Turk Schonert would be giddy.
No. 3. Jared Allen, DE, Kansas City Chiefs
Considering Allen is only 26, it’s difficult to understand why the Chiefs would want to part with last year’s sack leader. While at times he has run afoul of the law and NFL rules, his Pro-Bowl season should have been enough ease the minds of Kansas City management.
Apparently not.
With the weaknesses at defensive end opposite Aaron Schobel, Buffalo could afford to send their number one pick along with DE Chris Kelsay to acquire Allen, who along with Schobel, would create quite an impressive pass rushing tandem.
No. 4. Jeremy Shockey, TE, New York Giants
A four-time Pro-Bowl selection, like Chad Johnson, Shockey’s mouth can overshadow his accomplishments on the field. Even though he has been banged up as of late, the 27-year old brings a fire and intensity that the Buffalo offense sorely lacks.
Reportedly available for a 2nd round pick, there is no tight end in the 2008 draft that matches Shockey’s skill level.
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5 months ago
The only one of these that would make sense for our Bills would be Lito Sheppard. I agree that by acquiring him we would solidify our secondary for years to come, barring injuries.
The other three have character issues. Although the on-field production of a Johnson or Allen would be welcome, I just do not see the Bills willing to take the risk of creating a locker-room cancer. High character was prioritized and we should not gamble with the progress we have made.
Arguments can be made for each of these players (which are all very talented), but are we willing to risk the Chad Johnson carnival sideshow... the Jared "i'm not as think as you drunk I am" Allen, and Jeremy "throw me the ball or I'll pout" Shockey. I hope not.
These players are human and I understand I am being critical of them. Some of our guys will make mistakes and we will support them when the time comes but we should strive to be the team that players WANT to come and play for and are willing to make a little less money (like the Steelers) and not turn out like the Bengals.
5 months ago
the sheppard and shockey trades would be alot better for us because sheppard would easily take the #1 spot and put terrence back were he he use to. im not talkin bad bout terrence but hes not the best against #1 recievers. shockey would set up a better right side for blocking cuz are left is just amazing but we dont have the best right side.walker is good but butler is still young. shockey could also be a good target for edwards in the slot wen lee and josh are covered
5 months ago
The Shockey trade sounds the best to me. That would leave the 1st round pick open to CB or maybe DE. If you rade for a big, athletic TE like Shockey, it lessens the need for a WR in the 1st two rounds(maybe Jordy Nelson in round 3?) Deepen the D further is what will put the Bills in playoffs IMO, and making the 1st pick available for that purpose would be good.
from 5 months ago
WE NEED A WR TO OPEN UP EVANS GAME!!!!!!!!!!!A TALL BIG RECIVER. how hard is that for people to understand......we can get corners and tight ends and d linmen in the 2 and up rounds recivers (quility) wont be their after the second.or GET CHAD J. make us an explosive offence
5 months ago
Agreed, Sheppard and Shockey make the most sense. Allen would make a great asset and I'd love to see what a big receiver could do for the team. My concern with those two is that addressing the immediate needs leaves the future in question. If this team couldn't make it to the dance in 1-2 years, the Bills would be setting themselves up for a revolving door of older talent with no foundation for the years to come.
5 months ago
Agreed, Sheppard and Shockey make the most sense. Allen would be a great asset and I'd love to see a big receiver in Buffalo, but to aim for instant gratification could leave the Bills vulnerable to a revolving door of older talent if these moves didn't result in a trip to the big dance in the first 1-2 years. The fans pride themselves on homegrown teams and the absence of big ego players. If we chase the dream with transplants this year and don't succeed, they'll catch the next bus and leave us with no foundation for the future.
5 months ago
Agree with Sheppard. I doubt Jared Allen is available for a trade right now. Chad Johnson would not be a smart move. Buffalo is looking for a strong #2 WR, not a new #1. Lee Evans has produced and he is going to stay at #1. Keep in mind that its Evans contract year, so I doubt he would resign if he was demoted to #2. Shockey would be a horrible move. Seeing how inconsistant the Buffalo TE"s have been over the years you can only imagine that Shockey will wine during the entire regular season. He is always a person to complain, even if he is getting the passes the team is still doing something wrong. Remember Buffalo is a team of character, not just production. So if Sheppard is available for the right price I would have to agree Buffalo should jump on it.
5 months ago
The two deals (of these 4) I would pursue for Buffalo include Sheppard and Allen. To get Lito Sheppard, Buffalo would have to be willing to swap 1st round picks with Philly (moving the Bills from #11 to #19). Then using the pick at #19 (from Eagles) along with Kelsay to make the deal for Jared Allen. He is supposedly very close to being dealt to the Vikings in a deal including the #17 pick of the draft and Minnesota's 2nd round pick in 2009. Allen belongs in Buffalo... "A Drinking Town with a Football Problem." What better place for him than lovely Western New York? Maybe he can open his 2nd bar down on Chippewa Street? Where was Rob Ray's old bar, Razor's?
In all seriousness, those moves would be tremendous for the Bills and wouldn't be out of the question... IF the Bills were that sort of radical, lay-it-on-the-line type of franchise (aka Cleveland Browns). Those deals would still allow for a #2 WR to be selected with their 2nd round pick. And allowing for another deal to possibly move back into the late 2nd round for a TE (Bennett, Davis or Rucker). Leaving plenty of picks still for depth at O-Line (specifically Center), LB, and Fullback (Owen Schmitt?). Hears to hoping that their last pick (2nd last of the draft) brings in RB Jehuu Caulcrick.
5 months ago
CHAD JOHNSON, is what the bills need...they havnt had a high powed offense in years....two very talented ricievers would give trent edwards what he needs. Having chad johnson would free up lee evans and give the bills a big reciever they don't have for the red zone. I'm tired of field goals! Last but not least that passing threat would I believe, make lynch a pro bowl runner!
5 months ago
Shockey and allen makes the least since we all saw what he did to Eli he is a terible locker room presence and all is to step a price
5 months ago
Some of you guys dont know anything about football. Chad Johnson is what they need right now. With the bills not putting up points they need people that can go the distance. Points is what wins game, you can stop a team and hold them to 14 points but then you can't turn around and think your going to win with 10. And to you SCOTT, johnson need cause any problems(on or off the field). He is what football all about, having fun. A D won't know how to cover to good WR, so it makes more sence to go with chad, and he is better then evans just look at the numbers. But its not about who will be #1 or 2, its about a 1,2 punch. Lito would fit good to. They also just pick up a TE so they wont waste trade for another one. 8 years people, (playoffs).
5 months ago
why do u guys think that the chad j. trade is so bad. the bills really need to score points. sure he has is mouth but when he is hot he is one of the best WR in the game. The allen and Sheppard deal would be good too.
5 months ago
The Bills shouldn't make ANY of these trades...
1) Lee Evans is in a contract year.
2) Shockey is a giant shitbag who bitches constantly.
3) Allen is "on the market," but, I think... not really.
4) Lito Sheppard is always injured. He hasn't played a full season since 2003.
They're better off trying to build through the draft and waiting one more year.
5 months ago
If I were running OBD I'd make everyone of these trades in a heartbeat. None of these guys could hurt us.
5 months ago
Chad would defiantly complete what we are looking for in the WR department. Most high profile guys have issues...If you take the risk, you're more likely to receive the reward.
5 months ago
Sheppard makes sense to me, though if I were the Eagles, there's no way I'd trade him. I mean, what are the odds that BOTH of your corners stay healthy for all 16 games? Plus you'd have a favorable matchup in just about every nickle situation imaginable.
Allen makes a lot of sense to me. The Kelsay/Denney rotation on the left side is nothing but a money pit. Kelsay + Losman + 4th rounder for Allen. Done.
5 months ago
FYI
The Giants either want a 1st rounder - or a 2nd and either a 3rd or a 4th for Shockey
5 months ago
CHAD WOULD BE A NICE PICK UP.HIS ANTICS ON AND OFF THE FIELD WILL BRING SOME LIFE TO ARE SLEEPING FRANCHISE AND SAY WHAT U WANT ABOUT THE GUY"HE CAN FLAT OUT PLAY FOOTBALL".............LONG TIME BILLS FAN..............
5 months ago
Chad Johnson and Lee Evans = PLAYOFFS !
And not just playoffs,but probably will get us to the AFC title game.
Lee,Chad,Rosco and Josh + Marshawn....that is just so great.
If Buffalo were to trade for Chad Johnson I will CELEBRATE in a major way.
Eight years with no playoffs.
Eight years with no playoffs.
Eight years with no playoffs.
Let's do something bold .Please.
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