Monday, Feb. 26, 2001

Broncos cut OT Tony Jones

Former Pro Bowl OT Tony Jones was cut by the Broncos on Friday, several days prior to a scheduled roster bonus of $1.5 million. Jones, 35, spent four seasons on the Broncos and started for the team’s back-to-back Super Bowl championship squads in 1998 and ’99.

PFW: Can you give a scouting report on Jones?

Buchsbaum: One of the best pass-blocking left tackles in the game. It was a salary-cap deal, obviously. He’s going to be very hard to replace him.

Brian Williams cut by Packers

The Packers parted ways with OLB Brian Williams, a cost-cutting move brought on by the recent big signings of S Darren Sharper and PK Ryan Longwell. Both players are now the highest-paid players at their positions. Cutting Williams saves Green Bay $2.75 million against the projected $67.4 million salary cap.

PFW: What are your thoughts on Williams’ release?

Buchsbaum: He wasn’t the same player coming off the injury he had. Plus, he did something that was very questionable: He went against the team doctors’ advice, had a second surgery on his own, ended up with an infection from the second surgery and was virtually useless to the team last year. He’s got a very high cap figure.

Packers sign CFL quarterback

Saskatchewan Roughriders QB Henry Burris, the Canadian Football League’s leading passer last year, signed a contract with the Packers on Friday. Burris, who played college ball at Temple, completed 308-of-576 passes for 4,647 yards, 30 touchdowns and 25 interceptions last season, his fifth in the CFL. He also rushed 68 times for 188 yards and eight touchdowns.

PFW: Can you comment on Burris’ abilities?

Buchsbaum: He’s got a real live arm. He’s got a quick release. He’s a good athlete. He lacks touch. He’s inconsistent throwing the ball and will force the ball into coverage. He’s not quite as big as teams would like, but he’s a good athlete. What it does is it increases the possibility that they will move Matt Hasselback to Seattle.

The Archives
2000 - 2001 Season