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Fred Taylor visiting Buffalo (update)

By Brian Hillabush

 With Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch in more legal troubles and facing a suspension by the National Football League, the team is looking for another option to help out Fred Jackson while Lynch is on break.

The Bills are visiting with Fred Taylor today, and it seems like a great option that will not involve a long-term commitment.

Taylor is an 11-year veteran and 33 years old, so Buffalo will probably be looking to give him a one or two year deal. This would be a great move because it gives the team a chance to see if Lynch is going to clean up his act or if they have to move on.

Taylor can be a stop-gap.

He rushed for 11,271 yards with the Jacksonville Jaguars before the Jags released the NFL's 16th all-time leading rusher. And he's healthy and fresh after getting under 150 carries last season because Maurice Jones-Drew became more of a feature back.

Taylor is a strong and fast runner, even at his advanced age, and is also being targeted by the New England Patriots in free agency.

Signing Taylor would give the Bills three capable backs - when Lynch returns from suspension - and would allow a unique rotation that could maximize Jackson's speed and pass catching ability.

It would also allow Buffalo to focus on addressing more pressing needs in the draft, like guard, outside linebacker and tight end. Having to use an early draft pick to get an insurance policy for Lynch would take away from fixing weaker spots on the roster.

UPDATE: Taylor's visit today went very well, according to buffalobills.com lead journalist Chris Brown.

“My job is to come in and be a helper, not to stir up any problems or things like that,” said Taylor while making his free agent visit to One Bills Drive Tuesday.

This is good news for Buffalo fans who have to worry about Lynch and his future with the team.

 

Gabor Deutsch

Fred Taylor is a good blocking back too. If he is going cheap he can also be a pitch or short pass threat as well. Make lynch fight for his job. It would be crazy to have two fred's in the backfield. Maybe you would just say " fast freddie squared".

Feb 24, 2009, 3:51pm Permalink
Gabor Deutsch

I think Fred Taylor would cost the Bills big even for one year. Taylor comes from warm Jacksonville to the subartic zone. He is looking good to Buffalo, but if he gets a better "package" from NE Pats, Hmmmm. Who is got best chance for Superbowl and performance bonus ? Not to mention he just be filling in for Lynch till he gets "well" or traded. I would be suprised if he picked Buffalo.

Feb 24, 2009, 6:16pm Permalink
Brian Hillabush

I don't know, it seems the visit went well. Taylor will probably get more money from the Bills and would probably end up splitting carries with Lynch.
We aren't talking about LT here, we are talking about a 33 year old "Fragile" Fred, as we used to call him in my fantasy football league. He has been healthy for the last several years, but there are still question marks, especially with other backs like Deuce McAllister and Shaun Alexander out on the market. Remember, the Pats have Maroney and Faulk on the roster and might even still have LaMont Jordan (I'd have to look that up).
I think Taylor is a good fit for Buffalo because he's low risk and has the potential to really make his mark filling in, and then sharing carries, with Lynch.

Feb 24, 2009, 6:21pm Permalink
Gabor Deutsch

I guess if I looked at it fantasy wise I would trade losman for jackson and pick up a cheap second string vet QB for now. I agee with you on the draft. Lynch could still pull things around but he must produce. After The last two years, Ralph Wilson knows ML#23 (as he signs his autographs) is no LT or Adrian Peterson.

Feb 24, 2009, 7:32pm Permalink

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