PITTSBURGH - Could the release of Gary Russell signify something else? Like a potential draft day trade is in the works for a return man?
According to an NFL source, the Bills have been in talks about dealing wide receiver Roscoe Parrish to the Steelers.
The reason the deal would be logical, is twofold. First he is a proven wide receiver, (something the team needs with the loss of Nate Washington) but of more importance is what he can do as a return man.
Parrish not only is good, he has been the best the past two years. He led the NFL with a 16.3-yard average in 2007 and a 15.3-yard average in 2008 on punts. He also has reached the endzone and the past three seasons has scored on returns. Parrish also has a career mark of 23.7 on kickoffs.
Buffalo selected Parrish in the second round of the 2005 draft with the 55th pick. He has six starts in four seasons, catching 97 passes for 1,052 yards and five touchdowns.
If there is a downside, it’s he stands just 5-foot-9, 168 pounds, not exactly the wanted size of a starting receiver in the NFL. His career average per catch is just over ten yards, but the source said Parrish could make a good No. 3 slot man if put in the right situation.
There is also one character flaw which may come into play. On Feb. 17, 2008 he was stopped in Miami and cited for DUI. It came nearly a year prior to Browns receiver Donte Stallworth killing a pedestrian, also in Miami.
The source said the Bills are looking for a draft pick or picks for Parrish.
RUSSELL PICKED UP BY BENGALS
Gary Russell didn't stay on the unemployment line very long. On Saturday, a day after being released by the Steelers he was signed by the Bengals.
According to the Bengalswebsite, Cincy had pursued Russell as a college free agent after the 2006 draft before he signed with Pittsburgh. A native of Ohio, they Bengals were interested in Russell because he played in a University of Minnesota backfield that included NFL starters Laurence Maroney and Marion Barber.
Comments
I like the idea, as long as they don't give up too high of a pick for him
I think he would fullfill a great need, but he is not worth more than a fourth or fifth pick. Isn't the guy from the CFL supposed to be good at kicks too?
Not sure who you are referencing from the CFL, but trust me, he's not as good a returner as Parrish. Parrish is scary fast and elusive. The Bills just happen to have a luxury at both the receiving (Evans, TO, Reed, Hardy) and returner (McGee, McKelvin) positions. A mid-round pick would be a win-win for both teams.
The guy from the CFL is RB/KR Stefan Logan. I've never watched the guy with myself, but from what I hear from people that have, is that he is a decent KR/PR, but not in Parrish's class. ESPN's John Clayton said that the Bills are wanting a 4th round pick, but will probably settle for a 5th round pick in return.
A fifth round pick for the NFL'S All time punt returner.. I say pull the deal. Plus he will push Sweed at the No. 3 slot.
I agree, for a 5th round pick I'd do the deal. He'd give the Steelers a pro-bowl level return guy along with an explosive slot guy. When the Steelers go 4 wide (w/o TE Heath Miller) they'd have Ward & Parrish in the slots and Holmes & Sweed outside. I like it.
I hear it is Parrish and a yet to be defined player for a 3rd round pick. The Bills then flip that 3rd rounder with thier 1st for Boldin to Buffalo.
Patty D where did you hear that from??
Bob, my source says the Bills are looking for a fourth round pick. Also says the Lions and Browns have talked to the team about Parrish. He has heard nothing about a Boldin rumor.
not a good reciever so don't say he is...good return man but not good in the passing game.
less then 100 catches in 4 years isn't good. get your facts straight.
I disagree with you Bsolo. Parrish hasn't been able to show his true potential in the Bills offense due to inept quarterbacks. Put him in a system like your Steelers and he will blossum into a good three/four guy. He also averaged 15.8 yards per catch in college.
I disagree with bsolo too, and have seen the guy in action. Parrish if in the right system could be a very good player. What kind of name is bsolo anyways? Star Wars is dead.
This was written on the 19th...any updates?
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