ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. – While some NFL teams prepare for next week, Bills GM Buddy Nix was talking next year in Orchard Park on Monday. Nix spent the better part of an hour talking about a variety of topics, including the on-going talks between the Bills and wide receiver Stevie Johnson.
“He fits in,” Nix said. “We do want him back and I know that you think about the antics and penalties, and we’re not happy about that. I don’t think Stevie is either…I think he’s a team guy. We want him back.”
The Bills did make a contract offer to Johnson during the season, but Nix said Johnson’s agent asked the Bills to let the player concentrate on the season. Now that talks have resumed, Nix is hopeful that a new deal will be done to keep Johnson in Buffalo. He would not say, however, if the Bills would use the franchise tag on Johnson.
Nix also said that the Bills do hope to have a contract extension for Fred Jackson before the start of next season, but that he’s not in a hurry to get that deal done.
“We’re going to try to get something done. Does it matter if we do it now or if we do it next week or a month from now? As long as we get it done before the season starts, it’s all the same, really.”
Jackson is a key to the Bills offense and Nix knows it. He acknowledged telling Jackson that the Bills would work with him to make sure that he could remain in Buffalo.
“I’d like for Fred to finish his career as a Buffalo Bill. I’ve got a lot of respect for him and I tell him that.”
Nix also said that Ryan Fitzpatrick has his complete support at the Bills’ franchise quarterback.
“I’ve got no reservations about Ryan. He had some bad games. The thing we know for sure is that we’ve seen him do it. We’ve seen him have good games too. He’s what we thought he would be.”
Nix also quelled rumors that he planned to retire at the end of this coming season after a report had surfaced late last week.
“I hate to disappoint you guys, but I’m not retiring,” Nix said with a laugh. “My commitment is this. I’ve never quit at anything. As long as my energy level stays where it’s at I’m going to do it until the job is done.”
