So much for 48 hours? Lee Evans was traded to the Baltimore Ravens today for a 4th round pick, and there is a pretty substantial backlash from fans, media and players. As momentum gained for a likely Evans trade, it became apparent that there may be more to the story than meets the eye with how quickly it went down. That being said, Evans has an excellent opportunity to flourish in Baltimore, and the Bills will scramble to figure out their new wide receiver depth chart. Here are some thoughts on the move:
- Evans is probably going to have a very good year for the Ravens. They have a solid offensive line and skill players who will allow Evans an opportunity to not be the focal point of opposing defenses. Some fans are sure to point to whatever Evans does and use it as further evidence to validate their opinions on the trade. Really, now that Evans is gone, whatever production he has for the Ravens is a non-factor. Good luck, Lee.
- A fourth round pick was my tipping point on a potential trade. A third round pick made the deal an easier choice because there are normally very good players available in those rounds. In addition, it would have been easier to take a 2nd third round pick and package it for a chance to move up in the draft. A fourth round pick doesn’t help the Bills now, but for all we know, it could in the future.
- There’s a lot of chatter that this move will force either Roscoe Parrish or David Nelson to really step up, however I see it slightly differently. I think the move gives Naaman Roosevelt, Marcus Easley or Buster Davis a chance to make an impact. Parrish and Nelson, in my opinion, will be more effective out of the slot. That’s not to say I don’t think Gailey won’t move players around, but I think one of those three have a better chance of playing outside.
- I feel for the players in this trade and not the fans. This move has long-term planning written all over it. Even if you don’t think the compensation was fair, it’s part of that strategy. Players on the other hand don’t care about long-term planning. They are competitive creatures who want to win and win now. Losing a leader, a captain and a player like Evans certainly doesn’t help this happen.
- I think this move also helps Nix and Whaley evaluate Stevie Johnson. Johnson is in a contract year and before they hand out big time money, let’s see if Johnson can handle some extra pressure. At first I bought into the notion that Lee Evans was needed to have that second threat, but great receivers make plays regardless and I’m excited to see if Johnson can handle the added expectations.
- Fans, on the other hand, are acting as if this move is dismantling a perennial playoff team. Evans is a very good player, but at the end of the day we don’t know if it was him asking to be traded or Gailey thinking he was expendable. I’m in the minority here, but I think this is actually part of a larger plan to help build a sustainable product for years to come rather than “see what happens this year”.
I still believe that this is part of re-establishing a culture in the organization (albeit a shaky one at the moment). Evans is a holdover from a forgettable era in Bills football. He was an extremely likable player and has made a significant contribution (43TDs) during his time in Buffalo, but my memory of Evans is his sporadic production. He would have 3 TD games (like last season against the Ravens) and then have minimal impact.
When push comes to shove, this is a tough pill to swallow for Bills fans. But for me, it further validates the idea that the Bills don’t believe they can truly contend with the likes of New England and New York. It stings and it seems redundant to hear the term “rebuilding”, however, Evans departure is slightly different than previous ones. This wasn’t a matter of not re-signing him. They moved him. This isn’t like not paying Nate Clements or Antoine Winfield or Jason Peters legitimate money. This is a philosophical changing of the guard and I plea, beg and ask Bills fans to take this in stride. The Bills offense should still be fun to watch and more productive than they were last year. The Bills will still be a competitive team to deal with week in and week out. Let’s enjoy this team for what they are: A young, inexperienced team trying to come of age. Let’s focus on the future and not dwell on the past, at least for once. Good luck Lee, I will certainly be rooting for you when you aren’t playing the Bills.
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