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PITTSFORD, N.Y. -- There's a lot to like about the Buffalo Bills, but there is nothing more attractive than star wide receiver Lee Evans.
I'm not talking only about his consistent performances over the years, producing big plays and big catches in an offense that isn't known for much of either. I'm talking about what he's doing now, which is going through daily workouts without a complaint.
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| Lee Evans led the Bills in catches, receiving yards and touchdowns in 2007. (Getty Images) |
The Bills would be crazy to let him walk, and you have to believe sooner or later something gets done -- but this is a team that allowed people like Pat Williams, Antoine Winfield, Nate Clements and London Fletcher to escape.
I can't believe that happens here. What I do believe is Lee Evans is doing the best he can to make a case for himself ... and he's doing it by showing up for work.
"This is more about what I have to do," he said. "Whether or not an extension is granted by this organization, I have to figure it's got to come from somewhere.
"Right now, I have to get myself ready for this season. This season is the most important one for me. So coming out to training camp and working to make myself better as a player is my main focus."
Contrast that to the situation of tackle Jason Peters. He's in the middle of a five-year contract, but he wants to renegotiate, and the club says no can do. So Peters has disappeared, with the Bills last seeing him Jan. 15, and the club not only is fining him; it is exploring the possibility of recovering a portion of his signing bonus.
That's not good for anyone, and it demonstrates how grateful the Bills are -- or should be -- for Lee Evans. He hasn't made demands. He hasn't held out. He hasn't sulked. And he hasn't bellyached.
He's here, he's working hard and he will make an impact. Evans is the most important weapon in a passing game that should improve with a second year of experience for quarterback Trent Edwards and the addition of Turk Schonert as offensive coordinator.
Edwards flew to Florida earlier this summer to spend several days with Evans so the two could familiarize themselves with each other on and off the field, and the move seems to have worked: The quarterback frequently connects with Evans during practice.
"It was just a chance to get to know Lee a little bit and for him to get to know me a little bit," said Edwards. "And also to work on our timing.
"Lee hadn't gone through many of the drills in the OTAs, and I hadn't thrown to him since the Philadelphia game in late December. So I needed to get with him before camp."
