The Bills had the painful but necessary task of placing tight end Kevin Everett on the waived/failed physical list. It ends his roster standing with the team but makes him eligible for long-term disability benefits under the NFL's health plan.
Everett's career was ended by a spinal cord injury last September but he has recovered to the point where he can walk under his own power, amazing the medical community and serving as an inspiration for spinal cord victims everywhere.
"The Buffalo Bills continue to be moved by Kevin Everett's heart-warming story and his recovery," the team said in a statement.
"Today we are faced with the difficult decision to place Kevin on the waived/failed physical list, making him eligible to apply for any benefits due him. We had numerous discussions with the league in dealing with this process to assist him in the best way possible. Kevin will always remain a Buffalo Bill in the same way that Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas and so many others before him are held in the highest regard by our franchise."
Some fans are media are suggesting Everett by enshrined on the team's Wall of Fame or be honored with a statue in the stadium concourse.
FRANCHISE PLAYER
None.
TRANSITION PLAYER
None.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
--LB Mario Haggan is likely to be retained for depth and special teams work. He appeared in all 16 games for a fourth consecutive season, recording 13 special teams hits and career-high 16 tackles on defense.
--DE Anthony Hargrove has been suspended for 2008 after violating the NFL's substance abuse policy and has worn out his nine lives.
--FB/TE Ryan Neufeld isn't a priority to retain now that the team has decided to employ a true fullback again.
--DE Al Wallace spent the entire year in IR. Team needs a better option.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered offers)
--RB Shaud Williams (not tendered as RFA) was added to the roster in late December but isn't a high priority at a deep position.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
None.
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS
--LB Blake Costanzo is not a high priority.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
--TE Courtney Anderson: UFA Falcons; terms unknown.
--CB Will James: UFA Eagles; 2 yrs, terms unknown.
--DT Spencer Johnson: UFA Vikings; $17.5M/5 yrs, $6M guaranteed.
--TE Teyo Johnson: FA; terms unknown.
--LB Kawika Mitchell: UFA Giants; $17.5M/5 yrs, $3.5M guaranteed.
--DT Marcus Stroud (trade Jaguars).
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED
--S Dustin Fox: ERFA; terms unknown.
--DT Jason Jefferson: RFA; tendered at $927,000, terms unknown.
--DE Corey Mace: ERFA; terms unknown..
--TE Tim Massaquoi: ERFA; terms unknown.
--WR Scott Mayle: ERFA; terms unknown.
--OT Matt Murphy: UFA; terms unknown.
--S Bryan Scott: UFA; terms unknown.
--OG Jason Whittle: UFA; terms unknown.
PLAYERS LOST
--WR Sam Aiken: UFA Patriots; $1.555M/2 yrs, $225,000 SB/$40,000 WO.
--CB Jerametrius Butler (released).
--TE Michael Gaines: UFA Lions; $10M/4 yrs, $3M guaranteed.
--LB Leon Joe: UFA Buccaneers; terms unknown.
--S Jim Leonhard: Not tendered as RFA/Ravens; terms unknown.
--WR Peerless Price (released/failed physical).
--LB Josh Stamer: UFA Titans; 2 yrs, terms unknown.
--RB Anthony Thomas (released).
--CB Kiwaukee Thomas (released).
--DT Larry Tripplett (released).
--CB Jason Webster: UFA Patriots; $800,000/1 yr, $130,000 guaranteed/$70,000 WO.
--LB Coy Wire (released/failed physical).
Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.
