A strong contingent of local media (not this guy) are in Indianapolis this week covering the NFL Combine and while there, doing a great job of tracking down juicy information from Buffalo Bills head coach Chan Gailey, who made himself available to media folk yesterday.
Through various reports, Gailey quipped a couple of items that should at least be considered noteworthy. Among them is a report by the Buffalo News surrounding Shawne Merriman.
While Gailey sounded out of the loop regarding Merriman’s health, he appeared pretty sure on what he wants Merriman’s role to be should he be able to return.
When reporter Mark Gaughan asked if Merriman would play outside linebacker in their 4-3 defense, Gailey said ““I’d rather him not. I think we’d rather him be a right defensive end rushing the passer all the time.”
When it comes to utility guy Brad Smith, Gailey told Gaughan ““I see him as a three-headed monster. Wildcat. Receiver. Special teams. I see him being all three of those and when he walks out there on the field they’re not sure what’s going to happen.”
Smith came on late a little as a wide receiver and caught 23 passes for 240 yards and a touchdown. He wasn’t a factor as a kick returner or quarterback in the wildcat offense.
Also of note are a few interesting tidbits reported by WGR 550’s Joe Buscaglia. The rising team beat reporter was the first to reveal the Bills are negotiating contract extensions for Kirk Morrison and Demetrius Bell. Both are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents and it’s at least mildly surprising the Bills are looking into bringing back Morrison, who played very sparingly last season. Buscaglia reports the Bills are interested in him as a strong side linebacker in the 4-3, which makes sense if Merriman won’t be filling the role.
Bell will be sought after in free agency despite his injury history because of his talent and a thin crop of capable starters available at the position.
Of course, the biggest news is that the Bills and Stevie Johnson will meet face to face today to discuss his contract. Gailey told reporters he will not be present for the negotiations.
We’ll have more Bills news as it becomes available.
