Looks to me like the Sabres will be drafting at #12, #21, #42 and #44 (my lucky number) within the top 2 rounds of the 2012 NHL Draft. I'm hoping that C Radek Faksa somehow makes it to Buffalo's pick at #12, provided they don't sense a need to move up further in the 1st round to grab a premier prospect. In my worthless opinion, Faksa is at the top of the 2nd tier of Forward talent in this draft. You've got the 3 Russians, Filip Forsberg and Teuvo Tervainen (Sabres have enough small, crafty guys), then Faksa... although I may be forgetting a name. I'll be tickled pink if the Sabres get to grab Faksa with their first pick. The pick at #21??? Who knows? Trade bait??? Best player available? I'm not sure who will or won't still be on the board at that point, but that would be the pick I'd assume the Sabres and their Front Office may get a little creative with. Only time will tell... but it should make June 22-23 awfully interesting for Sabres fans!!!

The following scenario is soley based on the point chart out there that, supposedly, the NFL teams use when determining if draft pick trades are fair balanced…

Bills TRADE #10 pick (1300 pts) to Cleveland for #22 (780) and #37 (530). 1300 for 1310.

Cleveland would take RB Richardson with #4 pick and WR Floyd with #10 pick, completely revamping their offense early in the draft.

Bills would then be able to make a better “value pick” at #22 (possibly WR Hill from GA Tech, OT Martin from Stanford, OT Adams from Ohio St, or OLB Mercilus from Illinois). While also gaining an early 2nd round pick (#37, 4 picks prior to Bills’ pick at #41).

Bills could then possibly TRADE both 2nd round picks (#37 from Browns and own #41) to move back into 1st round for Bengals pick at #21 and 3rd round #83.

Picks #37 (530) + #41 (490) (1020 total pts.) FOR #21 (800) + #83 (175) (975 total pts.). Bills may want to ask for the Bengals 5th round pick (#156, 29 pts) or 6th rounder to further balance the equation, but not worth jeopardizing the deal over.

IF this second deal were to work out, the Bengals would obviously gain two early 2nd round picks to address more needs and/or gain more depth. The Bills would then have two 1st round picks (#21 from Bengals and #22 from Browns). Empowering them to draft both a WR (Hill?) and OT (Martin, Adams, Glenn, etc.) in the late 1st round. They would not have a pick in the 2nd round, but they’d have 2 picks in each of the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 7th rounds of the draft and one in the 6th. Maybe even a 3rd pick in the 5th, if the Bengals agree to balance the points in that deal. Obviously, they’d have plenty of ammunition to trade back into the 2nd round with all of those additional picks.

I know, I’m crazy for even suggesting this… but after they signed Super Mario (and Anderson), I’ll believe anything is possible until proven otherwise! :) Afterall, the math works out and numbers don't lie, right?! :)

Darcy Regier and the Buffalo Sabres transferred the negotiating rights to Steve Montador over to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for a 7th round pick in either 2012 or 2013 (Nashville's pick previously acquired from Florida in Tomas Kopecky trade).  If the Blackhawks are successful in signing Montador, he will likely serve as Campbell's replacement.  The game of musical chairs continues in the NHL... it's just all that more enjoyable now that the Sabres actually partake in the fun of an active offseason!

Rumors hitting the internet hard that Robyn Regehr has accepted his trade to the Buffalo Sabres.  He brings with him Shootout Specialist Alex Kotalik (trying to be nice here)... going to Calgary you ask???

Center Paul Byron, Defenseman Chris Butler and a Draft Pick (supposedly a 2nd rounder).

Personally, I think this is a great deal for the Sabres!!!  Regehr is a HUGE upgrade over Butler and Byron was not going to fit on a squad with Ennis, Gerbe and Roy already filling in as Mighty Smurfs.  Honestly, I love all 3 of those guys... have to give credit to guys who perform against greater odds due to their size.  That's heart.

Buffalo Sabres acquired former 40-goal scorer Brad Boyes from the St. Louis Blues tonight for a 2011 2nd Round Pick.   This is a terrific move for Buffalo as Boyes has significant upside and is under contract ($4million) for next season, as well.  Rumors continue to swirl that the Sabres will send Tim Connolly to the Kings... an agreement may have been in place pending the deal for Boyes, since a forward roster spot needed to open.  Also talk of John-Michael Liles from Colorado, but those rumors may be fueled by his affiliation with Ryan Miller in college.

 Check on link for Boyes trade via espn:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=6166050

I apologize in advance if we're not supposed to list things like this on here, but without knowing any restriction against doing so... I figured it couldn't hurt to try.  I live out of state and am unable to travel back to Buffalo for the Thanksgiving weekend game against the Steelers.  So, I've listed my tickets for sale on eBay.  The link is below, if anyone is interested?


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280567949838&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

The auction will be ending soon... but if they don't sell (currently 3 "watchers"), then I will re-list them again until successful.  Thank you... and like I mentioned, I apologize if I'm wrong in posting this.  Not trying to burn any bridges.

I'm not sure how accurate this report may be... however, I can't say that I would disagree with the decision.  I like Ellis' style of play and willingness to play the gritty game necessary out on the ice.  However, with the addition of other players (such as Niedermayer and McCormick) his spot on the team had to be viewed as contentious at best leading up to this moment.  Anyways, for what it's worth... here is the link where I got the info:

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/GARTH/GERBE-ENNIS-IN-ELLIS-WAIVED/6/30532

Maybe I'm crazy (I've been called worst) but I think this deal would possibly get Melo to the Knicks (and it checks out via ESPN's Trade Machine in regards to salary exchange):

NY Knicks acquire:  Carmelo Anthony (SF) and Arron Afflalo (SG)

Atlanta Hawks acquire: J.R. Smith (SG) and Ronny Turiaf (C)

Denver Nuggests acquire: Jamal Crawford (SG), Wilson Chandler (SF), Bill Walker (SG), Eddy Curry (C) and NY Knicks' 1st Round Pick in 2014.  Chandler could be replaced with Gallinari, but with Crawford (and Harrington) onboard Gallo won't get enough shots and too many perimeter players on the floor simultaneously for Denver.

Why it works:  Atlanta replaces Crawford (seeking a trade) with Smith and land Turiaf after striking out all summer on trying to find an adequate backup Center for Horford.

Denver solves both problems (ridding themselves of Smith and moving Anthony for value).  Crawford will take the shots Anthony leaves behind, while Walker and Chandler will fill the supporting roles vacated by Smith and Afflalo.  Curry basically serves the purpose of a salary exchange, but his good friend Crawford may actually help inspire him to make an eventual return to the floor.  Not to mention a future 1st round pick from Knicks.

New York obviously gets their guy in Anthony, but Afflalo would play defensive specialist in the starting rotation as a SG who doesn't require many shots... yet is very accurate from beyond the arc (perfect for D'Antoni system).


Okay... now the rest of you can tear me apart for my insanity!  :)

The Buffalo Sabres signed LW Colin Stuart to a two-way, one-year contract.  The 28-year old left winger is expected to start the season at Portland.  He stands 6'2" and 205 lbs., according to NHL.com and scored 8 points in 33 games with the Atlanta Thrashers last year.  He also spent significant time with the Chicago Wolves (AHL) over the past 5 seasons.  He has scored 13 points over 51 NHL games in his career.

I know there are many Sabres fans who are frustrated by the many times that Eklund (HockeyBuzz.com) puts out rumors that he apparently "hears" regarding the Sabres and Free Agents or Trades.  Trust me, I'm there with you on that.  It's like your parents taking you by your favorite place as a kid only to say you can look but can't go inside... yes, I do have issues.  However, I will say this... Eklund, in my opinion, sums of Buffalo, its athletes and fans pretty well in this quick read... I don't think anyone from Buffalo will be disappointed with the point he makes, even if you don't agree that the Sabres should close a deal for Stempniak (that isn't really the point of the article, in my opinion).

Check it out, here's the link: http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Eklund/Why--I-Believe-The-Sabres-MUST-Sign-Lee-Stempniak/1/29652

As a Sabres fan, I share in the frustration that many of us feel due to the lack of activity toward addressing what we perceive as obvious areas of need (i.e. Power Play and Size Upfront).  Personally, since before last season I've felt that next year's offseason has been Regier's target timeline for upgrading with an actual household name.  A few more larger contracts will be off the books after this upcoming season and our younger players (throughout the organization - Kassian in Juniors, Adam, etc. in Portland) will be more prepared to fill in the roster around any target star player(s) that Regier may have his eye on.  Honestly, as much as I hate to admit it... the plan does make sense.  Not to mention, the number of other clubs who have pushed themselves to the cap and beyond and won't have the ability to pursue such players, thus limiting the options for Free Agents.  I think all of this partially goes into the one-year deals both Grier and Niedermayer signed this offseason.  I'm not a fan of Regier, but I think the unexpected success that the Sabres experienced last season put him in a tough spot.  Had they not done so well, the pressure to sign guys to fill specific roles wouldn't be so great... the "takes time to rebuild" motto could have been more easily applied.  Regardless, I don't have a problem with 2011 being the year things truly come together.  Ennis, Kassian, Adam and several others who have significant upside should only continue to become better players next season and all still under very reasonable contracts.  You can see a legitimate core coming together... while our key players: Miller, Vanek, Pominville, Roy and Myers (although Myers will need an extension by then) will all still be under contract and still in the prime of their careers.  Add in a star center and/or winger and D-Man, you've got a legitimate Stanley Cup contender in 2011.

However, let's say this isn't the case and I'm completely off-base and Regier actually has been trying to upgrade this team to make a run at things this year... but hasn't been overly successful to this point.  What could be the current holdup?  Many times I've read the Sabres are after Kaberle (whether each of us agree with that move or not... personally, I do agree he would upgrade our PP significantly).  If they are after Kaberle and he is the key to their offseason, then I can understand why they haven't spent any money on guys like Stempniak (another addition I'd like to see on a short-term contract) or made any other trades.  As a GM, in any sport, you simply cannot risk that you will lose out on your target until it becomes official.  Then you move on to Plan B and so forth.  So, with Burke holding onto his key trading pawn for as long as he has... I argue that Kaberle's situation could be the move that several other teams (possibly even the Sabres) have been holding back on while waiting for a decision.  Who knows for sure?  But I certainly think both viewpoints hold some merit (again whether we agree with the motivation behind either plan is irrelevant).

What do other Sabres fans out there believe is the reason for our dull offseason?

Well, for those of you who didn't want Pavel Kubina... you got what you wished for.  Steve Yzerman signed Pavel Kubina to a 2-year deal to play for the Tampa Bay Lightning.  Now, don't get me wrong, I understand all the criticism towards Darcy Regier from our frustrations over the years... but those who didn't think Kubina's monster shot from the point couldn't have helped our PP?  Well, I guess you don't think a Hall of Fame guy like Yzerman knows what he's talking about either now.  Seriously, Kubina isn't some superstar savior... but his shot would have been a huge upgrade for our PP and he's not as bad defensively as others have made him out to be via fan posts.  I'm thinking those fans have him confused with Marek Malik possibly (not the same guy).

Anyways, here's to hoping Marc-Andre Bergeron signs with the Sabres now.  I love Weber and have hopes for Gragnani in another year or two, but we need a PP D-man now and Leopold just isn't that guy.  Darcy himself had a hard time trying to sell that in his Q&A session last night.  Another item, listening to Darcy speak about providing opportunities in 2 or 3 years for our prospects isn't necessarily a bad plan (it isn't the sexiest plan, I understand)... but it tells me that Darcy doesn't feel like he's on the hot seat this season at all.  I'm sure Quinn and him are already working on his contract extension... so I don't want to read about how Regier and Ruff need to win this season to save their jobs, Quinn isn't moving on from either of them.  They cover up for Quinn's incompetence, he's a smart enough guy to not let them go for that purpose alone.  New blood just might bring the issues to the public forefront, you just never know.  In my humble opinion, Quinn is the one who has always held this team back... afterall, he's the only executive (of any importance) to be brought back from the Rigas' regime.


In regards to the "couple of forwards" who Darcy seemed interested in, but who chose to play elsewhere?  My guess is that Ray Whitney (went to Phoenix) may have been one of them, while the other might have been one of the following: Colby Armstrong, Adam Burish or maybe Matt Cullen.  Just a guess, for what it's worth.

Marty Biron is first FA to sign a new deal... 2 years with Rangers at $900k per season.  Where was Darcy on that one?  I am willing to bet the Sabres only want to give a 1-year deal to a backup netminder because Jhonas Enroth will be in his 2nd year of 3-year Entry contract... meaning they want to see him play in NHL in year 3 to determine what they have before re-signing him or losing him to Free Agency.

Sergei Gonchar is 2nd FA to sign... 3-year deal with Ottawa Senators for $5.5 million per year.

Word is the Sabres are focused on trying to lure D Paul Martin as a UFA from New Jersey.  Personally, I feel if they close that deal... it will be worth losing out on whomever else, he should and appears to be priority #1 for Darcy.

Let's all hope Darcy can pull that one off!!!  Somebody take the guy to Duff's for wings and get'er done!!!

HockeyBuzz.com is reporting that the Sabres are planning on going hard after both towering Pavel Kubina and smooth criminal Paul Martin, both defensemen.  Kubina is 6'4" 250 lbs. and has a tremendous shot (right-handed) from the point, especially on the PP.  Martin is 6'1" 200 lbs. and is just an all-around solid blueliner (only 29 yrs old).  The Sabres would still need to address the lack of skilled toughness up front, but adding these two players to the blueline at the expense of Lydman and Tallinder would be a nice overall upgrade in skill level.

Scott Burnside (ESPN) states that winger (and WNY native) Lee Stempniak would be a typical low-key FA fit ideal for the Sabres.  I have no problem with that assessment... Stempniak played much better with the Blues prior to joining the Leafs and was unstoppable with Phoenix once he departed Toronto.  Not to mention, he's not afraid to throw his weight around either.  He would have been the better acquisition for Darcy than Torres at the deadline, but hindsight is 20/20.

I'll admit... I've wanted Kaberle (in exchange for Connolly + pick) since the trade deadline.  But, if the Sabres landed the 3 guys listed above, I'd be pretty impressed... especially if they found a way to deal Connolly and Stafford in return for something of value.  How awesome would Jeff Carter look centering our top line?  I know, I'm dreaming.

First pick in the 3rd round for the Sabres (no deals to move into the 2nd round... surprise, surprise Darcy)...

Offensive defenseman Jerome Gauthier-Leduc, Shoots Right, 6'1" 176 lbs.

Looks like we were all fooled into believing the Sabres were going forward in this draft?!  I like the picks, but I wonder if (like in the 1st round) a few players didn't quite drop as far as they had hoped?

Here's his Player Profile link:

http://www.nhl.com/ice/draftprospectdetail.htm?csid=7GDPZW

I understand that the Knicks have gone through all that they have in ridding themselves of nearly every player on their roster to save salary cap space.  However, Minnesota is truly rebuilding through a youth movement and they're not exactly sitting on an infinite pile of money.  According to ESPN reports, T-Wolves GM David Kahn has spoken with Al Jefferson about the team looking to move him him and his contract (3 years, $42 mil, but $12 mil annual cap hit) to continue with his youth movement.  Where I question his sanity is that the decision apparently depends on Darko Milicic returning next season... that would concern me if I was a T-Wolves fan, even though he did play well there after the Knicks just gave him away.  Maybe Donnie Walsh was hoping for a future favor from his old pal, Kahn, down the road... can you say Rubio?

So here's my suggestion... Eddy Curry, Wilson Chandler and possibly Toney Douglas to Minnesota for Al Jefferson and the rights to Ricky Rubio.  I know talent-wise that isn't exactly a fair exchange of talent.  However, Curry has only 1 year remaining on his deal and he will actually do what he can to get on the floor this year because he needs a new contract next season.  Even if Curry flops (or Minnesota could buy him out of his final year), they continue to gain significant cap space next season and approximately $30 million (in comparison to paying Jefferson's full contract over the additional 2 years).  As we just witnessed at the Draft, a team wanting to create cap space has significant value (to the point where 1st round picks AND serviceable players are worth giving up in exchange for cap freedom).  I understand the cap space ordeal is because of this year's free agent gold mine... but next year is another good year for free agents.

Back to the suggested trade, the T-Wolves would love Chandler in their rotation and Douglas would be a better bench PG for them than having to figure out a balance between Flynn, Sessions and Rubio (IF Rubio were to ever agree to play for Minnesota in the first place).  Honestly, this deal would really set up the T-Wolves for years to come with the cap flexibility and rotational depth on their roster.  For the Knicks, they would add an actual front court impact player (only 25 yrs old, mind you) who could also be a terrific fit at Center while playing alongside David Lee or another Free Agent Power Forward.  The move would actually (if Douglas was included with Chandler and Curry) create slightly more cap space this year for the Knicks, as well.  Maybe enough to keep Barron as the #2 Center.  Not to mention, having Jefferson in the lineup would make the Knicks significantly more attactive to LeBron and other Free Agents... since they could still sign 2 Max FA players.

I'm sure everyone will think I'm nuts, but I think it is a win-win for both organizations considering each team's approach to rebuilding and the financial resources of each organization.

According to Donte Whitner (via PFT), Marshawn Lynch has been at One Bills Drive and working out in the weight room... but, obviously, has not practiced with the team.  It can be debated why this is the case... management directive, Lynch playing it safe (avoid injury), Lynch being difficult, Bills being stubborn, etc.  It can be any reason mentioned or many more beyond my imagination.  Either way, take it for what it's worth... here's the link:

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/06/04/donte-whitner-lynch-is-at-bills-facility/

Okay... prior to the draft I was hoping the Bills would trade Aaron Schobel to the Saints for OT Jamaal Brown.  I felt Schobel deserved a chance to play on a Super Bowl contender, has a history with Gregg Williams, and the Saints had released their aging Defensive End (Charles Grant).  Not to mention, he'd be much closer to his family as a Saint than as a Buffalo Bill.  However, the rumors of Jared Gaither's availability and the Bills possible interest continued to grow and the more I thought about it... the more excited I became.

The Saints brought in in DE Alex Brown from the Bears, so they may no longer have as big of a need for Schobel... and as many fans reiterated in response to my previous posts - Schobel claims to only want to play in Buffalo if he plays again at all.  I'm not sold on that, considering the Saints could be an option for him... but whatever.

Now the thought of QB Troy Smith and OT Jared Gaither coming to Buffalo in a package deal, may be even more exciting.  I'm obviously just speculating, but ESPN has continuously been linking Smith's skillset to the opportunity that exists with the Bills if and when Gailey implements the spread offense.  I'm not sure any of the current QB options on the Bills' roster truly exemplifies what Gailey is used to working with (minus Levi Brown, but he's a project).  So, why not?  If Ozzie Newsome has been holding out for too great of a return from the Bills for Gaither alone, then why not try to expand the deal to include Troy Smith and maybe the compensation works out more evenly?  I could speculate on players (we've all heard Whitner, Youboty, Corner, etc. - McKelvin isn't going anywhere), but it's probably pointless to do so.  I've read that the Bills offer is something along the lines of a player and a draft pick of 3rd round value or lower... or a 2nd round pick straight up for Gaither.  However, the Ravens either want one of the above players AND our 2nd round pick (instead of the 3rd round pick the Bills are apparently offering)... or a straight up 1st round pick (or McKelvin).  They're not getting the Bills' 1st round pick or McKelvin... but maybe a compromise can be reached by including Troy Smith in the deal.  The Bills could even include Edwards or Fitzpatrick in exchange to provide the Ravens with a depth player to replace Smith behind Flacco.

Just a creative thought... probably not worth the time it took to type this, but I don't think it's beyond the realm of possibility.

I know, the headline may give some people the wrong topic to discuss.  However, in all seriousness, am I the only Bills fan on here who sees that CJ only carries the ball in his right hand?  Regardless of whether he is running the ball out of the backfield, returning kicks or running after the catch... he carries the ball exclusively in his right hand.  That can potentially become a HUGE problem in the NFL.  You can see in his highlight reel that his college opponents were already on to it and consistently attempt to strip the ball from him (a few times successfully).  If the Bills' new staff know anything about coaching running backs, they better make sure this kid starts going everywhere with a ball in his left hand from Day One of his arrival in camp.  Heck, I'd make sure he's doing it everyday before he gets to camp (because we all know our 1st round picks tend to sign late... good ol' Ralph and his bargain dealing).

Maybe some of you will debate this topic with me... but this really can become an obstacle to his success at the next level.  I'm extremely excited about Spiller joining this team, especially for the years to follow after this season.  However, no matter how fast he is, someone in the NFL will catch him (the college DBs in the videos were often able) and if they know that ball will always be on that side of his body... it spells trouble on plays down the left side of the field.  For those who don't understand this concept, ballcarriers are suppose the keep the ball on the outside of their bodies (to reduce chances of being stripped by defenders).  There are guys in the NFL, especially on Special Teams, who keep themselves in the league by providing the ability to strip balls away from playmakers.  Often times, poor tackling DBs rely on this ability as well (albeit sometimes all too often, but that's a topic for another day).

Like I mentioned, I am thrilled with the addition of CJ Spiller as a new Buffalo Bill.  I hope this issue never becomes a problem for him, but it is something he is going to need to learn how to do if he's truly going to become an elite NFL player.  He will not be the first electrifying player with a need to overcome this tendency, but the coaching staff does need to address it from Day 1 of his career forward.  Here's to hoping he corrects it quickly without a hitch... onward and upward with his career as a Buffalo Bill!

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=524515&cmpid=rss-News%20in%20English&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -The Buffalo Sabres have signed 2008 second-round draft pick Luke Adam to a three-year contract and assigned him to their American Hockey League affiliate in Portland, Maine.

Drafted 44th overall, the forward is coming off a season in which he finished second in the voting for Quebec Major Junior Hockey League MVP. Adam finished with career highs with 49 goals and 41 assists for 90 points in 56 games with Cape Breton.

The 19-year-old finished his junior career with 220 points (113 goals, 107 assists) in 236 games split between Cape Breton, Montreal and St. John's.


**********************************************************************************

I really don't know how Luke Adam didn't win the QMJHL MVP???  He led the league is scoring and missed a handful of games to play in the Junior Championships.  This kid is going to be a good one... he has scoring ability and more size than our recent offensive prospects (Ennis, Gerbe).  Can' wait to see what he does in Portland next year and eventually wearing the Blue & Gold!  Glad Regier was able to lock him up on a 3-year deal!  Future is looking VERY bright for this team going forward.

According to Drayton Florence, via Twitter, today (April Fool's Day) is the day Schobel will announce his retirement from the NFL at 3pm.  PFT speculates that this could be just a trick (due to the date on the calendar), but also mentions that it could be legitimate.  I don't know if Florence is know to be a prankster or not, so I don't know what to believe.  Here is the PFT link:

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/04/01/drayton-florence-claims-aaron-schobel-will-retire-today/

This is purely a speculative idea (I have read nothing on this whatsoever)... however, ESPN reports that the Saints are looking for a DE to replace Charles Grant (released).  Let's face it, the Bills are rebuilding and Schobel likely isn't seeing the type of offseason transactions taking place that will encourage him to continue playing (vs. retirement with his family).  If you were him and money truly was not a motivating factor, would you come back to a new system and a rebuilding effort when you seem to sincerely miss your family in Texas all season long?  If you're honest with yourself, you'll agree with me that beyond self-motivating factors... Schobel isn't likely coming back.  Even if for some odd reason he does (he may feel obligated to play out his contract), then it's for one last final season.  The Bills are not winning the Super Bowl this year... we can only pray they have a chance at the playoffs (albeit highly unlikely with the AFC East only getting better as a whole).  Why not return the favor to Schobel for his terrific career here by trading him closer to home and to the Super Bowl Champion Saints?  I have no idea what they could get in return as compensation... I'd like to dream about a 2nd round pick (since the Saints pick last), but in reality they would probably be very fortunate to get a 3rd rounder and probably wouldn't even get a pick that high.  Maybe a 4th and 7th?  Sounds somewhat reasonable to me, considering the circumstances.

I'm not saying I want Schobel to be gone or that he doesn't have great value to this Bills team, because he certainly does.  However, considering the fact that Nix and Gailey have been pretty clear on the fact it will take a few years to get back to where they want to be (asking us fans for patience)... it only seems reasonable to do right by a player who has given as much as Schobel has to this organization and allow him to finish his career closer to his family and with a very solid organization in New Orleans.  I wish Schobel the best and feel he deserves such an opportunity.

Free agent linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa - who visited with the Buffalo Bills in mid-May - signed with the Chicago Bears today.

Tinoisamoa agreed to a 1-year contract and is expected to play on first and second downs for Chicago's defense.

It's too bad he didn't want to become a part of what looks to be an exciting year in Orchard Park.  Instead, he'll be overshadowed by Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs.  Of course, if that is the kind of player he is - that he wants to ride on their laurels - well, we don't need him in Buffalo.  We need a playmaker... not a sideshow LB.

Buffalo will now hold an open competition for the starting SAM linebacker role between incumbent Keith Ellison, free agent signee Pat Thomas, and possibly rookie Nic Harris.