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jimotis4heisman
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of note kind of is the bills comments about the reality of them leaving upstate, and ripping the "new owners"
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[FONT=arial,helvetica] Buffalo Bills cornerback Nate Clements makes a catch during a practice drill at a voluntary minicamp in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Friday, May 5, 2006. Clements re-signed with the Bills on Friday, accepting the one-year, $7.2 million contract Buffalo offered the star cornerback in designating him the team's franchise player in February. (AP Photo/Don Heupel) [/FONT]
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5/6
Clements deal includes downside for Bills
By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
Extended as a good faith gesture, and designed to ensure the attendance of star right cornerback Nate Clements at this weekend's mini-camp, a promise made by Buffalo Bills officials to the five-year veteran could well turn out to be very bad news for the franchise.
Nate Clements
Cornerback
Buffalo Bills
Profile
2005 SEASON STATISTICS
Tot Ast Solo FF Sack Int 102 81 21 3 0 2
The Bills announced on Friday that Clements, one of the NFL's top young defenders, has signed the one-year tender offer of $7.2 million for a franchise cornerback. What the team did not announce, but which is a fairly significant caveat, is that the deal included a promise that the Bills will not exercise the franchise tag again next spring to retain Clements' rights.
Translation: Without a contract extension, the Bills have essentially forfeited the only other mechanism at the team's disposal for bolting the door on Clements when his one-year contract expires. So while having Clements on hand for the first major function under new coach Dick Jauron is a plus, the manner in which it was accomplished, in a bit of irony, likely augurs his departure after this season.
Clements is seeking a big payday, the kind of long-term contract awarded elite cornerbacks, and the small-market Bills will be hard-pressed to provide such a megadeal. For practical purposes, Buffalo executives are working against a July 15 deadline, because signing Clements to a long-term deal after that means that the club would lose the right to use the franchise tag on another player. And like any veteran, the closer Clements gets to having his total freedom and the right to negotiate with all 32 teams on the open market, the less likely he is to sign an extension with the Bills.
On Friday, as he arrived for the start of mini-camp, Clements insisted he is "definitely interested" in signing an extension with the Bills. But such talk is cheap and keeping Clements won't be.
The former Ohio State star, taken by the Bills in the first round of the 2001 draft, could hit the unrestricted market next spring at just 27 years old. He will still be in his prime, a Pro Bowl-level player at a premium position, and other teams will be primed to pursue him.
Under terms of the new collective bargaining agreement, teams can only exercise the franchise marker on a player for two consecutive years. So without the promise made to Clements as part of his one-year contract, the Bills could have limited his mobility next spring as well, and kept him through the 2007 season. But the Bills chose to have Clements in uniform for the weekend mini-camp, and the promise of not having to deal with the franchise tag next spring was so attractive that the standout cornerback cut short a family vacation to Disney World to arrive in time for the first practice.
"I tried to put myself in their shoes and see how I might manage a player of [my] caliber," Clements said of the Bills' rare maneuver. "I take it as a compliment."
It is unusual, but not unprecedented, for a team to stipulate that it will not exercise the franchise marker on a player. The Seattle Seahawks did it last year as part of the one-year qualifying offer signed by tailback Shaun Alexander. After his record-breaking 2005 season, and only days removed from unfettered freedom in March, Alexander signed a long-term extension to remain with the Seahawks.
The Bills can only hope the situation with Clements plays out the same way, but there are no guarantees that it will.
One motivation for signing starting left cornerback Terrence McGee to a contract extension last year was the likelihood that Clements might depart following the 2006 season. The Bills further addressed the corner position in last week's draft, choosing former Ohio State star Ashton Youboty in the third round. But even with such planning, it will be difficult to replace Clements if he departs next spring.
Clements was not as solid in 2005, when he posted a career-low two interceptions, as in the previous season. Still, he is regarded as a premier player at a key position where teams are always trying to upgrade.
In five seasons, Clements has never missed a game, and has started in 75 of 80 appearances. He has 444 tackles, 20 interceptions, 49 passes defensed, 11 forced fumbles, two recoveries and 1½ sacks. Clements has also returned 65 punts for a 9.5-yard average and two touchdowns, and has 31 kickoff runbacks for an average of 20.7 yards.
Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.
5/6
Clements deal includes downside for Bills
By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
Extended as a good faith gesture, and designed to ensure the attendance of star right cornerback Nate Clements at this weekend's mini-camp, a promise made by Buffalo Bills officials to the five-year veteran could well turn out to be very bad news for the franchise.
Nate Clements
Cornerback
Buffalo Bills
Profile
2005 SEASON STATISTICS
Tot Ast Solo FF Sack Int 102 81 21 3 0 2
The Bills announced on Friday that Clements, one of the NFL's top young defenders, has signed the one-year tender offer of $7.2 million for a franchise cornerback. What the team did not announce, but which is a fairly significant caveat, is that the deal included a promise that the Bills will not exercise the franchise tag again next spring to retain Clements' rights.
Translation: Without a contract extension, the Bills have essentially forfeited the only other mechanism at the team's disposal for bolting the door on Clements when his one-year contract expires. So while having Clements on hand for the first major function under new coach Dick Jauron is a plus, the manner in which it was accomplished, in a bit of irony, likely augurs his departure after this season.
Clements is seeking a big payday, the kind of long-term contract awarded elite cornerbacks, and the small-market Bills will be hard-pressed to provide such a megadeal. For practical purposes, Buffalo executives are working against a July 15 deadline, because signing Clements to a long-term deal after that means that the club would lose the right to use the franchise tag on another player. And like any veteran, the closer Clements gets to having his total freedom and the right to negotiate with all 32 teams on the open market, the less likely he is to sign an extension with the Bills.
On Friday, as he arrived for the start of mini-camp, Clements insisted he is "definitely interested" in signing an extension with the Bills. But such talk is cheap and keeping Clements won't be.
The former Ohio State star, taken by the Bills in the first round of the 2001 draft, could hit the unrestricted market next spring at just 27 years old. He will still be in his prime, a Pro Bowl-level player at a premium position, and other teams will be primed to pursue him.
Under terms of the new collective bargaining agreement, teams can only exercise the franchise marker on a player for two consecutive years. So without the promise made to Clements as part of his one-year contract, the Bills could have limited his mobility next spring as well, and kept him through the 2007 season. But the Bills chose to have Clements in uniform for the weekend mini-camp, and the promise of not having to deal with the franchise tag next spring was so attractive that the standout cornerback cut short a family vacation to Disney World to arrive in time for the first practice.
"I tried to put myself in their shoes and see how I might manage a player of [my] caliber," Clements said of the Bills' rare maneuver. "I take it as a compliment."
It is unusual, but not unprecedented, for a team to stipulate that it will not exercise the franchise marker on a player. The Seattle Seahawks did it last year as part of the one-year qualifying offer signed by tailback Shaun Alexander. After his record-breaking 2005 season, and only days removed from unfettered freedom in March, Alexander signed a long-term extension to remain with the Seahawks.
The Bills can only hope the situation with Clements plays out the same way, but there are no guarantees that it will.
One motivation for signing starting left cornerback Terrence McGee to a contract extension last year was the likelihood that Clements might depart following the 2006 season. The Bills further addressed the corner position in last week's draft, choosing former Ohio State star Ashton Youboty in the third round. But even with such planning, it will be difficult to replace Clements if he departs next spring.
Clements was not as solid in 2005, when he posted a career-low two interceptions, as in the previous season. Still, he is regarded as a premier player at a key position where teams are always trying to upgrade.
In five seasons, Clements has never missed a game, and has started in 75 of 80 appearances. He has 444 tackles, 20 interceptions, 49 passes defensed, 11 forced fumbles, two recoveries and 1½ sacks. Clements has also returned 65 punts for a 9.5-yard average and two touchdowns, and has 31 kickoff runbacks for an average of 20.7 yards.
Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.
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Dispatch
5/6
NFL NOTEBOOK
Clements signs $7.2 million contract
Saturday, May 06, 2006
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Nate Clements was all smiles after his first practice back with the Buffalo Bills yesterday, when he stepped before the crowd of reporters and cameras and said: "So, what’s going on? "
As if Clements didn’t know.
The Buffalo cornerback was the center of attention, showing up for the start of the team’s three-day voluntary minicamp after signing a one-year, $7.2 million contract.
The deal represents the offer the Bills made Clements in February when they retained his rights by designating him their franchise player.
Clements said he accepted the offer in part so that he can join his new teammates and begin learning the new defensive scheme under firstyear coach Dick Jauron. Jauron is a defensive specialist and former Chicago Bears coach who took over in January after Mike Mularkey resigned.
Buffalo’s first-round pick in the 2001 draft, Clements is a five-year starter who leads the team with 20 interceptions — four for touchdowns — during that span.
Clements should get a chance to tutor two recent draftees, safety Donte Whitner, selected eighth overall last Saturday, and cornerback Ashton Youboty, a third-round pick. Both played at Ohio State, Clements’ former school.
5/6
NFL NOTEBOOK
Clements signs $7.2 million contract
Saturday, May 06, 2006
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Nate Clements was all smiles after his first practice back with the Buffalo Bills yesterday, when he stepped before the crowd of reporters and cameras and said: "So, what’s going on? "
As if Clements didn’t know.
The Buffalo cornerback was the center of attention, showing up for the start of the team’s three-day voluntary minicamp after signing a one-year, $7.2 million contract.
The deal represents the offer the Bills made Clements in February when they retained his rights by designating him their franchise player.
Clements said he accepted the offer in part so that he can join his new teammates and begin learning the new defensive scheme under firstyear coach Dick Jauron. Jauron is a defensive specialist and former Chicago Bears coach who took over in January after Mike Mularkey resigned.
Buffalo’s first-round pick in the 2001 draft, Clements is a five-year starter who leads the team with 20 interceptions — four for touchdowns — during that span.
Clements should get a chance to tutor two recent draftees, safety Donte Whitner, selected eighth overall last Saturday, and cornerback Ashton Youboty, a third-round pick. Both played at Ohio State, Clements’ former school.
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Bills | Clements misses practice, questionable for Week 6
Wed, 11 Oct 2006 13:52:46 -0700
Buffalo Bills CB Nate Clements (thigh) missed practice Wednesday, Oct. 11, and is questionable for Week 6.
http://www.kffl.com/hotw/NFL?page=1
Wed, 11 Oct 2006 13:52:46 -0700
Buffalo Bills CB Nate Clements (thigh) missed practice Wednesday, Oct. 11, and is questionable for Week 6.
http://www.kffl.com/hotw/NFL?page=1
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The Buckeye biographies
11/5/2006
NATE CLEMENTS
Draft: First round (21st overall), 2001
Position: Cornerback
Most memorable moment at Ohio State: "First start against Miami. We lost the game, but I had something like 14 tackles and an [interception]. It was pretty good."
Most memorable moment in the NFL: "First pick, Peyton Manning, took it back for a touchdown against Indy."
The Buckeye biographies
11/5/2006
NATE CLEMENTS
Draft: First round (21st overall), 2001
Position: Cornerback
Most memorable moment at Ohio State: "First start against Miami. We lost the game, but I had something like 14 tackles and an [interception]. It was pretty good."
Most memorable moment in the NFL: "First pick, Peyton Manning, took it back for a touchdown against Indy."
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OSUBasketballJunkie
Never Forget 31-0
Clements' play resonates
Cornerback's big stop turns tide against Texans
By ALLEN WILSON
NEWS SPORTS REPORTER
11/20/2006HOUSTON - With the Houston Texans facing third-and-2 from their 19-yard line, Buffalo Bills cornerback Nate Clements' thoughts turned to a week ago in Indianapolis.
Like the Colts, the Texans were trying to protect their lead and run out the clock. Clements and his defensive mates were in the same situation last week but couldn't stop the Colts.
Someone needed to make a play to halt the Texans' drive and Clements delivered, breaking up a quick slant pass intended for wide receiver Andre Johnson to force a punt and set the stage for the Bills' game-winning drive.
"It was third-and-1 [actually 2], and I'm anticipating something quick," Clements said.
Clements said he was anticipating "something quick" on the play.
"You've got to have a lot of courage to throw something deep on [third-and-2]. They happened to run a slant and I saw it and batted it down."
That proved to be the biggest defensive play of the day and put the capper on another strong effort by Clements.
Johnson entered the game as the NFL's leader in catches and second in yards. But with Clements shadowing him all day, Johnson finished with 76 yards on six receptions. Not bad numbers, but not enough to make a significant impact.
"I just wanted to stay focused on technique," Clements said. "They do a lot of things with him. I knew he was going to get the ball. Whatever the defensive call was I just tried to play to the strength of the defense and go from there."
Johnson, who combines great size (6-foot-3 and 222 pounds) and speed, is a tough matchup for any cornerback. He got Clements a few times, but more often than not Clements held his own.
Clements also ended a long interception drought with an interception in the first quarter. He hadn't recorded a pick since Week 13 against New England last season.
"I didn't even feel like celebrating because I was so happy to get that ball," he said. "It just felt so good to know what that feeling feels like again."
The Texans tried to test Clements deep but suffered the consequences of those actions. Clements outfought Johnson to make a leaping interception on one long pass and would have had another had Johnson not pushed him from behind.
"They tried to hit me twice with straight go routes," Clements said. "They tried to trick me the third time with a stutter and go. I knew they would do that. [Johnson] is a deep threat and he can run, so why not try to stretch the field for your offense? I just played to the strength of the defense and made plays on the ball when the opportunity came."</B>? ? ?
Bills left tackle Jason Peters obviously didn't buy the hype surrounding Houston rookie defensive end Mario Williams. The top pick in April's draft was mostly invisible Sunday. He was in on two tackles but didn't record a sack.
Thanks to the prodding of his teammates, Peters was fired up about facing Williams.
"I went into the game with a chip on my shoulder," Peters said. "Everybody was talking about Mario Williams this, Mario Williams that and him being the first pick in the draft. Guys were saying, "What are you going to do about it?' I just said I was going to go out and block him like anybody else."
? ? ?
Clements, safety Donte Whitner, defensive tackle Tim Anderson and cornerback Ashton Youboty were in extra high spirits in the locker room. Not only were they celebrating a Bills win, they were still aglow over Ohio State, their alma mater, beating Michigan on Saturday.
"To win this game and to get that big win on Saturday, it doesn't get any better than this," Whitner said. "It was a good weekend."
Conversely, the weekend was bittersweet for running back and former Michigan star Anthony Thomas, who was saddened by the death of legendary Michigan coach Bo Schembechler the day before Saturday's game. "He had an office on campus and he was always a guy you could talk to," Thomas said. "He tried to mentor us and tell us what is going on. He watched over us like he was still the coach."
? ? ? The Bills announced there are 7,500 unsold tickets for Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. . . . Running back Willis McGahee, linebacker Keith Ellison, offensive guard Tutan Reyes, wide receiver Josh Reed, defensive end Eric Powell and defensive tackle Jason Jefferson were inactive.
e-mail: [email protected]
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
Washington's secondary has been ineffective, and there could be changes. Springs is coming off another major injury and, with his salary cap figure around $7 million next season, restructuring his contract may be required. The Redskins will definitely need a new nickel corner with Wright and Mike Rumph not panning out, and many in the NFL expect them to pursue Buffalo cornerback Nate Clements, considered the best free-agent defensive back available.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/14/AR2006121401589.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/14/AR2006121401589.html
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