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Buffalo Bills: Marcell Dareus standoff holding up other negotiations

By Paul Taylor

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Buffalo Bills want Marcell Dareus situation resolved before turning to other contracts

In a scenario that is likely repeated around the NFL, the Buffalo Bills have a lot riding on their current situation with Marcell Dareus. The longer negotiations go on, the more time passes without being able to concentrate on other areas of the team.

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As confirmed by Sal Capaccio of WGR 550, the Bills have stated that Dareus is their top priority. Capaccio spoke to General Manager Doug Whaley, who admitted they need to resolve the situation with their star defensive lineman, before they can turn to negotiations with other pending free agents.

Such is the world NFL teams live in, when dealing with a salary cap. While Dareus has backed off from his earlier demand of a Ndamukong Suh-type contract, he will still end up with a deal that will seriously impact what other players on the team are looking for.

One such player being made to wait is Nigel Bradham. The 2015 campaign will represent the final season of his four-year, $2.564 million contract.

Cappaccio spoke to the linebacker, who confirmed there have been no negotiations yet: “No talks yet.  But you never know.  We’ll see.  Hopefully everything works out for me.”

Aug 20, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus (99) celebrates after a sack during the second quarter of a preseason game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Bradham is coming off his best season to date. During 2014, he registered 104 tackles, 2.5 sacks and three turnovers.

In total, he has recorded 212 tackles, 2.5 sacks and an interception, since being selected in the fourth round of the 2012 draft by the Bills. Bradham is expected to move from the strong side to inside, in Rex Ryan’s 3-4 scheme.

For his part, the 25-year old’s preference is to remain in Buffalo: “Obviously I want to be here, because this is the place for me.  This is home.”

Bradham is so eager to stay in Western New York, he doesn’t even mind if talks between his agent and the Bills take place after the regular season starts: “I just concentrate on (playing) ball…and let him do everything else.  That’s what he’s great at.

“I don’t know anything about negotiating a contract.  So, I let him do that.  That’s what he’s getting paid for, and hopefully we’ll get something done.”

One other aspect which could affect the Crawfordville, Florida native’s position is if Dareus were to play under the franchise tag in 2016 (around $11.2 million). If this were to happen, it would be interesting to see what impact this has on the Bills negotiations with Bradham, and other players set to become free agents after this season.

Overall, Bradham is optimistic he has a long-term future in Buffalo: “It means everything. Like I said, this is my home, this is who drafted me, and hopefully we can make it long-term.”

Next: Will Stephon Gilmore be ready for the home opener?

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