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Former Bills LB Stamer signs with Titans

The 2008 off-season hasn’t involved the Buffalo Bills losing many players at key positions. The only affected area is special teams, where Sam Aiken and now Josh Stamer have signed elsewhere.

Stamer signed a contract with the Tennessee Titans on Wednesday.

Over the past five years, Stamer has been a key part of Buffalo’ special teams units. He’s seen action in 70 games with 90 career special teams tackles. In normal defensive action, he has 15 tackles, one interception and two passes defended.

Back in 2005, I remember Stamer’s intensity before opening kickoff. He would jump up and down and get the crowd going. Stamer became a fan favorite for his special teams coverage, as the guys in one section painted their chests with the letters of his name.

Earlier in his Buffalo career, I always wondered why the coaches wouldn’t give him a shot on normal defensive downs? In 2005, when Takeo Spikes went down, Angelo Crowell got the nod. In 2006, when Spikes again went down, rookie Keith Ellison joined the starting lineup. In 2007, when injures wrecked the team, Mario Haggan, John DiGiorgio and Coy Wire all played over Stamer.

The one play that stands out in my memory came in a goal line situation, but I don’t remember the year or the opponent. Stamer’s role was to cover the team’s tight end. He got burned so badly for a touchdown that I never again questioned why he didn’t get more playing time.

Maybe he’ll get a chance to play more outside of Buffalo.

The team is going to have some questions on special teams in 2008. Linebackers and special teams leaders Mario Haggan and Coy Wire both remain free agents. The Bills do have the best special teams coach in the league in Bobby April, but he may need to do a lot of coaching with his new group.

Bills sign Mayle, Jefferson and Fox

In other news the team re-signed three players yesterday. Defensive tackle Jason Jefferson signed the contract he was tendered as a restricted free agent. Apparently no other teams showed interest which isn’t surprising. Fox, a corner and Mayle, a wide receiver, both signed to stay with the Bills.

This entry was posted on Thursday, March 27th, 2008 at 9:16 am and is filed under Dustin Fox, Scott Mayle, Jason Jefferson, Josh Stamer, 2008 off-season. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.