Distractions

Every team in the AFC East has had their share of distractions…and it’s not even July!

Buffalo Bills: Darwin Walker
Walker, a DT who recorded 6 sacks for the Philadelphia Eagles last year, is holding out, waiting for the Bills to renegotiate his contract. Every team has to deal with players holding out, but I can’t remember the last time a team traded for a player only to have that player not show up to mandatory practices. It’s interesting that DarwinWalker.com still shows him in an Eagles uniform. The Bills sent Takeo Spikes, Kelly Holcomb, and a 7th round draft pick to the Eagles for Walker and might end up with nothing to show for it.

Miami Dolphins: Dante Culpepper
Miami sent a 2nd round draft pick to the Minnesota Vikings for Culpepper in 2006, and the results have been disappointing to say the least. Culpepper was benched after only four games and is now unhappy that the Dolphins aren’t giving him a chance to win the starting QB job. It increasingly looks like he will be released or traded before the 2007 season. Adding to the drama, Culpepper was in a minor car accident recently, but it doesn’t appear to have any effect on his ability to play. I might start to feel sorry for Daunte if he didn’t have such an awesome life.

New England Patriots: Asante Samuel
Everyone thought Randy Moss would be the biggest distraction in New England, but it turns out that Asante Samuel has stolen the spotlight. Samuel, who has been the most consistent player in the Patriots’ secondary, is not happy about the team’s decision to use the franchise tag on him. Samuel is looking to follow in Deion Branch’s footsteps and hold out until Week 10. I guess we shouldn’t expect anything less from a young man who has “Get Paid” tattooed across his chest.

New York Jets: Pete Kendall
Kendall, an outspoken OG, feels he was mistreated by the Jets organization. He wants to be traded, released, or rewarded with a new contract. After a scathing press conference where Kendall ripped head coach Eric Mangini and the front office I don’t see a restructured deal coming from the Jets anytime soon. It seems that most people (even Jets fans) agree with Kendall, so it will be interesting to see how this plays out.