http://www.buffalorumblings.com/201...agent-rumors-2011-drayton-florence-bills-jets The Buffalo Bills already lost one bidding war today, with free agent linebacker Paul Posluszny agreeing to a six-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Now, they're reportedly in the midst of a bidding war for the services of another free agent they'd like to retain. Per the very busy Jason La Canfora (NFL.com), the Bills are now in a bidding war with the New York Jets for the services of cornerback Drayton Florence. The Jets are readying themselves for the free agent departure of Antonio Cromartie - a former teammate of Florence's in San Diego - and Rex Ryan is a collector of cornerbacks. Their interest is obviously very serious, and just like with Posluszny, so is Buffalo's. It's a blow to the team's plans that they've already lost Posluszny; if they lose Florence, too, it'll be a far bigger blow. Right now, the Bills have five cornerbacks on the roster - three veterans under contract and two drafted rookies. Florence was, by a considerable margin, the team's best defensive back in 2010. It's absolutely imperative that they find a way to out-do the Jets on this one.
Well, I can't post the link due to my post count, but there's a video on youtube of Florence demolishing Kevin Jones in '07. Boner inducing, even.
If the Jets can't bring back Cro (and assuming that they can't do the impossible and bring in Asomugha,) I like the idea of signing Florence. He's an effective veteran who will protect Wilson from being targeted too heavily, and he's played a lot of nickel in his career also. Worst case scenario, we cause Buffalo to overpay for an inconsistent 30 year old.
Talking to all these other cornerbacks doesn't say good things about Cromartie's odds of coming back.
"Talking to" doesn't necessarily mean we are trying to sign them. Probably just throwing out feelers. You have to be prepared for all scenarios. If it becomes obvious we are losing Cro after a few days, you don't want to have talked to no one at all. You need to have alternatives, but you can't if you don't talk to them.
Because they're a division rival, and it's in our best interest that they keep sucking. Every dollar that they give to Florence is a dollar that their cheapskate owner won't give to a better player. Every season that Florence is their #1 corner is a season that they haven't acquired a new guy who can actually cover our receivers. If we can bring Florence in on a reasonable deal to be the Jets #2/nickel corner, I'm all for it. If our interest in Florence causes Buffalo to overreact and overpay him as though he's a true #1, that's not such a bad outcome either.
This move is interesting... is he being brought in as the new #2 CB? or is this just how little faith they have in Kyle wilson to bring in a new #3 CB and push him to #4?
Florence would be the #2 corner, but he's got experience as a nickel back so I'm sure the Jets wouldn't have a problem bumping him down if Wilson proves that he's ready for a bigger role. Frankly, I don't think that the Jets coaching staff knows what to think of Wilson right now. You'd like to see a player start to "get it" during his second season, but because of the lockout the coaches have no idea what to expect from Wilson right now. I suspect they'll take a wait and see approach with him.
I can't help thinking that all this CB contract noise is just a smokescreen for the re-signing of Cro.
I don't see how the Jets can get in a bidding war for this guy until Holmes and another top 20 player is signed. Yes I expect the Jets to sign 2 top 20 free agents. With the Jets being Rex and Mr T's Jets I expect them to try and sign 3 top 20 players but will most likely settle with 2. I also expect the Jets to get some players willing to play for them for minor discounts - cause they are Rex's Jets.
