Peters, Bills far apart on new contract
Buffalo Bills Chief Operating Officer Russ Brandon painted a less than optimistic picture regarding the possibility of a new contract agreement with left tackle Jason Peters.
Speaking at the NFL owners meetings in Dana Point, Calif., last week, Brandon said talks with Peters' agent, Eugene Parker, are ongoing, but the two sides remain far apart.
"We've had dialogue with Jason's representatives and we will continue to have dialogue," Brandon said. "Obviously, Jason is a tremendous football player and we would like to have Jason as a cornerstone for many years to come. But it takes two to come together. We spoke to Jason at the conclusion of the season. He knows how much he means to us. Hopefully we can make some headway here in the oncoming weeks."
Peters, who was voted to his second straight Pro Bowl last season, has two years remaining on his five-year contract. But it is believed he wants to be the highest-paid left tackle in the NFL, exceeding the $11• million per-year deal signed by Carolina's Jordan Gross in February.
It is clear there is a sense of desperation on the Bills' part to get something done. They don't want this to drag too far into April.
Brandon declined to say the team would explore trade options if a deal isn't completed before the draft, but it can't be ruled out. League sources said one team that may have interest is the Philadelphia Eagles, who have a need for a left tackle and own two first-round draft picks.
"That's another issue that is too early to discuss," Brandon said. "Our focus is on trying to come together on some kind of arrangement with Jason."
Brandon is not sure if the Bills can bridge the considerable gap between them and Peters.
Brandon also is uncertain if Peters will stage another long holdout.
Peters didn't communicate with the team for months after the end of the 2007 season and was fined more than $600,000 for not reporting until the day before the regular-season opener. He has not attended the Bills' voluntary offseason conditioning program, which began last week.
"We would be hopeful that Jason recognizes that we need everybody to take that next step, and he's a key component to that," Brandon said. "Jason is fully aware that he has two years left on his contract and that should be recognized. Hopefully we'll see Jason sometime in the near future."
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