Rushing Leader Released After Free Agency Futility By "Mon Calamari"
Off-Season 2104
(Orchard Park, NY) - The Buffalo Bills announced they have decided not to pick up the option on RB Benjamin Strickland's contract. Last year's rushing leader with 1,979 yards and 18 TD's was clearly dismayed by the news. 'I'm flabbergasted' the normally quiet back spouted. 'I really don't know what to say. I guess they just didn't have a place on the roster for an old man like me.' Strangely, neither did any other team. Strickland, the former 8th overall pick in the 2093 Draft, was an unrestricted FA this season but didn't receive any interest from other teams. Rumors linked him to a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, but that obviously didn't pan out if it was true. By not accepting an offer sheet, it enabled a clause the team negotiated into his contract that granted him FA in his 11th year, yet gave them an option if he didn't receive any offers. Strickland's agent, Sammy Ray, could not be reached for comment.
GM Mark Ricotta expressed regret at the decision and indicated it wasn't the route they preferred to take. 'We hoped Benjamin would be able to continue his career with another team via Free Agency. I'm very surprised he didn't receive any offers. We had made the decision at the end of last season to let him shop the market - not thinking we would have to make the decision to not pick up his option. We appreciate everything he's done for this organization, but unfortunately, these types of situations happen from time to time.'
A starter his third season with the Bills, Strickland gained 13,085 yards rushing and 86 TD's to go along with 3,062 yards receiving and 10 TD's. He led the league in yards only once (2103) but finished no lower than 10th in yards for any given season. His 13,085 yards and 86 TD's ranks him 3rd all-time among Buffalo running backs, behind Rueben Block and Jere Stucky.
Off-Season 2104
(Orchard Park, NY) - The Buffalo Bills announced they have decided not to pick up the option on RB Benjamin Strickland's contract. Last year's rushing leader with 1,979 yards and 18 TD's was clearly dismayed by the news. 'I'm flabbergasted' the normally quiet back spouted. 'I really don't know what to say. I guess they just didn't have a place on the roster for an old man like me.' Strangely, neither did any other team. Strickland, the former 8th overall pick in the 2093 Draft, was an unrestricted FA this season but didn't receive any interest from other teams. Rumors linked him to a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, but that obviously didn't pan out if it was true. By not accepting an offer sheet, it enabled a clause the team negotiated into his contract that granted him FA in his 11th year, yet gave them an option if he didn't receive any offers. Strickland's agent, Sammy Ray, could not be reached for comment.