Votes for team captains can be telling, as they’re a barometer of who leads in the locker room (if you trust the veracity of the count).
But sometimes, they can also be signs of pending change.
The Bills just announced their six captains for the coming season, none of whom are starting quarterback E.J. Manuel.
Cornerback Corey Graham, running back Fred Jackson, linebacker Brandon Spikes, defensive tackle Kyle Williams, defensive end Mario Williams and center Eric Wood received that honor.
Granted, Wood and Jackson have been around Buffalo much longer than Manuel, and have the kind of qualities you want in a leader.
But last year in Tampa Bay, quarterback Josh Freeman lost his C, and very quickly his starting job then his roster spot. There’s no indication that Manuel’s in that kind of jeopardy, but it might speak to how he’s viewed by his peers.
Assuming the voting is legitimate, of course.