The Oakland Raiders have made a strong play for Seattle Seahawks backup Matt Flynn and that has shuffled the top of the NFL draft as well as the plans of teams that are looking for a quarterback, including the Buffalo Bills, who were interested in Flynn but now will go after Kevin Kolb.
According to ESPN.com, the Bills have turned their attention towards the free agent quarterback after exploring a trade for Flynn from the Seahawks. Sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that the Bills are bringing in Kolb on a two-year, $13 million contract to compete at the starting position after releasing starter Ryan Fitzpatrick earlier in the month after two disappointing seasons.
Kolb himself was released from the Arizona Cardinals earlier in the month after an injury plagued 2012 campaign that saw him throw just eight touchdowns. The team originally wanted to restructure his contract after he signed a six-year, $63.5 million when he was traded from the Eagles. Last season Arizona was one of the worst offensive teams in the league last season with Kolb, John Skelton and Ryan Lindley starting games and the offense ranked 31st in passing yards per game.
Kolb played in just six games last season and threw for just 1,169 yards and eight touchdowns with three interceptions. Kolb has been a disappointment since being acquired from the Eagles, throwing 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in two seasons with the team after being traded for a second round pick. Kolb has gone 9-12 as a starter in his career and he was cut after being due a $9 million bonus.
Fitzpatrick was released by the Bills after two disappointing seasons and he went just 20-33 as a starter during his time with Buffalo. He signed a six-year, $59 million contract in 2011, but after missing the playoff for two straight seasons with him under center the Bills decided to move on, as he threw a career-worst 23 interceptions in 2011 and had 16 last year.
The Bills went 6-10 last season and now the team has Tavaris Jackson and Aaron Corp on the roster at quarterback as they head into 2013. The team had interest in Flynn, but bringing in Kolb is likely the cheaper option and also puts the team in a decent position to draft Geno Smith if they'd like, as the Raiders probably won't pick him if they complete the trade for Flynn.
Buffalo ranked 25th in the league last season with just over 200 yards per game and have not been able to find a consistent option at quarterback since Jim Kelly was a success over a decade ago. Smith could be an option for the future, while Kolb could act as a bridge for a year or two until he is ready.