When news broke over the weekend that the Buffalo Bills would not tender wide receiver David Nelson a contract and therefore render him an unrestricted free agent, the move was not received warmly by the team’s fan base. Nelson, a classic underdog overachiever had become one of the organization’s most popular players during his two-plus years in Buffalo.
If Nelson being shown the door didn’t irritate Bills fans enough, a report from Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston isn’t likely to put them in a better mood.
Reiss writes Nelson could end up seeing the Bills twice per year. The New England Patriots have shown interest in Nelson in the past, and Reiss thinks it could very well happen again.
Reiss’s article points out that the Patriots tried to sign Nelson after he went undrafted in 2010 before he ultimately chose Buffalo, in large part because he’d have a better chance to make the team and play. Weiss goes on to list six reasons why the Patriots could be an attractive fit, including the fact he’ll come relatively cheap and has hurt New England before while with the Bills.
Nelson had eight catches for 107 yards in two meetings against the Patriots in 2011.
This is definitely something to keep an eye on. Obviously the Bills new staff didn’t think much of Nelson, since a $1.3 million tender would’ve all but assured them of Nelson returning.
It would be just the Bills luck to have him go to New England and prosper. Of course, Nelson will have to first show them or any other team that his ACL knee tear is healed and he’s back to full strength.
