Earlier today, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported via Twitter that the Bills, Giants, and Raiders have “discussed” trading for Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart. In the ESPN.com version of the report, Schefter said that the Bills have discussed the subject with the Cardinals.
The Bills denied the report via the team’s official website, calling Schefter’s report “erroneous.”
Schefter has responded.
“The Buffalo Bills had ongoing discussions with the Cardinals regarding a trade for Matt Leinart, according to two separate credible and knowledgeable people,” Schefter told PFT via e-mail. “I was told this weekend that a trade to Buffalo was unlikely because the Bills were uncomfortable about bringing aboard Leinart’s contract, which carries a $2.485 million base salary this season and balloons to $7.36 million next season.
“I didn’t report Leinart would be traded to Buffalo. I simply reported that Arizona and Buffalo discussed it this summer, which they had. There’s nothing erroneous about that.”
So there you have it. More evidence that what a team says can’t be taken at face value, even when it’s not a hoax.
Still, we understand why the Bills would deny it. They’re trying to support Trent Edwards or whoever will be taking the snaps. The last thing they need is to undermine Edwards’ confidence by admitting that they had discussions about possibly replacing him.