When undrafted cornerback Jabari Greer pulled into St. John Fisher College for his first NFL training camp in 2004, he was no bonus baby.
"I came in on the bus, bro," Greer said Tuesday from his home in Tennessee.
Greer made the Buffalo Bills' final roster and worked his way up the depth chart, starting the past two years. He's coming off his best season, and his contract just happens to be up.
Greer is on the verge of unrestricted free agency. He's about get paid one way or the other.
He is Buffalo's most significant free agent. Cornerbacks are a precious commodity in the NFL, and there aren't a lot in this year's pool. Greer could be looking at a four-year contract annually worth between $4 million and $5 million on the open market.
But Greer isn't necessarily interested in going up for bids.
"I definitely want to get something done with Buffalo," said Greer, who will turn 27 next week. "It's a spot that I have so much appreciation for. I appreciate the opportunity that they gave me.
"It's kind of weird to be in this situation, to have a choice. But at the end of the day, I know the community. I know my teammates. They're a spectacular group of guys, and it's a fun place to play."
Greer missed six games with a knee injury but started all 10 of the other games at right corner after fending off rookie Leodis McKelvin, the 11th overall draft choice, in training camp. Rest assured, McKelvin had enough bonus money to roll into camp in a shiny new ride.
Greer recorded 43 tackles and two interceptions, returning both for touchdowns. He defensed nine passes and forced a fumble.
"I'm just waiting for Buffalo to approach me with an offer, and once they do I'll consider it and go from there," Greer said. "I want to see what they're looking for for their future of the franchise.
"I know my worth in a sense. If it comes down to being in the market, that's the business of the game. But I don't think I value my worth by what another team is willing to offer. I know what type of player I am and what I bring to the field."
A long-term contract for Greer would make left cornerback Terrence McGee a lame duck. McGee, a Pro Bowl return man, is entering the final year of his contract and will turn 29 during next season.
With two young cornerbacks -- McKelvin and Reggie Corner -- theoretically ready to emerge, McGee could become expendable, especially since McKelvin is an electric kick returner himself.
Even though McKelvin might be ready to start, the Bills still have concerns about his rawness. If they re-sign Greer, then they'll have enough depth to get by. If they can't re-sign Greer, the McGee becomes more valuable heading into a contract year.
"Everything that I've been through, with being undrafted and finally earning a staring position and contributing and having some early success, I'm very appreciative of the road that I've taken," Greer said. "This is an opportunity to take a step in my career, another step in my life. I have much more to accomplish as a player and a man."
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by treYdaWg
