Fletcher-Baker Bolting Buffalo

Nate Clements was the first '06 Bill to move on to a new team via free agency this off-season. Now, former Bills middle linebacker London Fletcher-Baker (left) is joining him on that list.

Fletcher-Baker has reportedly agreed to a 5-year, $25 million deal ($10.5 million guaranteed) to play for the Washington Redskins next season. Fletcher, who has long been one of the more underrated defenders in the league, will immediately become the Redskins' starter inside.

This is a typical Dan Snyder move. Don't get me wrong, I love LFB - he has been a very good player and community leader for the Bills since he arrived here in five years ago. But he is 31, and Washington will be his last professional stop. Ever notice how Washington is the last professional stop of pretty much any high-priced veteran player in the last few years? This signing is nice for Fletcher, but in no way will it help the Redskins become winners. Keep spending, Mr. Snyder.

Filling the Holes
After spending nearly $75 million on their first three free agents, the Bills now have two major holes to fill with Clements and Fletcher-Baker departing. At this point, it appears that replacing Fletcher will be far easier - all indications are that the Bills will move Angelo Crowell into the middle, giving the team a much needed size boost inside.

With Takeo Spikes on the trade block, that would leave second-year man Keith Ellison as one outside starter, while reserve Mario Haggan would compete with converted safety Coy Wire for the other spot. While I love Ellison and Wire as reserves, they should not be starting in a Tampa 2 defense. It is looking more and more like the Bills will use the draft to resolve this issue - Patrick Willis is looking better and better every single day.

As far as cornerback goes, the team is far thinner. Terrence McGee is now the team's top corner, even after an '06 season in which he repeatedly got picked on by opposing offensive coordinators. Ashton Youboty and Jabari Greer are the only other "experienced" corners on the roster; neither is ready for a starting role. I anticipate that the team will re-sign Kiwaukee Thomas to start opposite McGee until Youboty is ready. Greer will play dime sets, and the Bills will bring in a mid-round corner (preferably one with size) to round out the depth chart.

A lot hinges on getting Thomas back in the fold, however - that needs to happen quickly. Thomas' stock will shoot up now that Clements is off the board, thinning out the cornerback market.

Chris Brown Update
Updating a Yahoo report yesterday, the Bills apparently have not shown interest in free agent running back Chris Brown (Titans). The team has not yet been reported having any contact with available running backs.

Willis McGahee Update
Reports out of Denver indicate that the Broncos are hot on the tail of trading for running back Willis McGahee (right). Denver coach Mike Shanahan is searching for a running back to carry the bulk of the load, and has also shown interest in free agents Jamal Lewis and Ahman Green. McGahee is far younger than either of those two options and has far less wear and tear on his body, so the interest is not unfounded. Stay tuned here - it's very possible McGahee could be moved today, possibly for a 3rd-round draft pick.

Free Agency Day 2
I expect this to be a quiet day at One Bills Drive after yesterday's flurry of signings. Sure, we'll hear a few trade rumors surrounding McGahee and Spikes, but I would be very surprised if the Bills entertained any free agents today.

Of course, if anything happens, you'll read about it here!