In his latest mailbag, Vic Carucci of the Buffalo News says that he’s “positive” the Bills knew of first-rounder Shaq Lawson‘s shoulder condition, which ultimately led to the rookie undergoing surgery. Buffalo management made a “pure value judgment” in selecting Lawson, writes Carucci, deciding that securing Lawson for the long haul was worth the chance of losing him for a few months. The Buffalo News scribe tackles several other reader queries, including questions on Rex Ryan‘s relationship with the front office, and whether fullback Jerome Felton could be a cap casualty.
Here’s more from the NFL’s two East divisions…
- The details of the three-year, $24MM contract the Jets have offered Ryan Fitzpatrick help explain why the veteran quarterback hasn’t accepted the proposal yet, Brian Costello of the New York Post writes. As I wrote yesterday when examining the specifics of the deal, Fitzpatrick’s $8MM annual average value would rank 23rd among QBs, behind Nick Foles and just ahead of Robert Griffin III. The contract likely doesn’t guarantee any guaranteed money, per Costello, though I would add that a signing bonus proration in 2017 and 2018 could discourage New York from cutting bait after only one year.
- The Patriots should work out a deal with cornerback Malcolm Butler sooner rather than later, Phil Perry of CSNNE.com opines (video link). As Joel Corry of CBSSports.com explained last night, New England holds most — if not all — of the leverage in any potential negotiations, but Perry believes the Pats would be well served to work out a deal with Butler now, given that another solid season in 2016 would only serve to raise his price. Butler, 26, is sitting out voluntary OTAs, and is thought to be angling for a new contract.
- Earlier today, we learned that Bills right tackle Seantrel Henderson plans to report to the team tomorrow after dealing with stomach issues (and undergoing two corrective surgeries since the conclusion of the 2015 season).