The Buffalo Bills bolstered their wide receiver group this offseason by bringing in several experienced players to compete for roster spots.
However, one of them—might be in danger of not making the final roster. Top veteran star could be the odd man out by summer’s end, as the team may opt to carry a leaner wide receiver unit.
Bills Expected to Keep Light Wide Receiver Room
Sabato projected that the Bills would carry only five wide receivers on the final roster—fewer than in previous years. He expects last year’s top targets, Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel, and Keon Coleman, to be joined by newcomers Elijah Moore and Joshua Palmer.
Opting for five receivers instead of the usual six would allow Buffalo to add depth at cornerback, a position of need following the departure of 15-game starter Rasul Douglas in free agency.
“It’s unusual for the Bills to keep five receivers who don’t contribute on special teams, but it opens a spot for an extra cornerback,” Sabato explained.
He also predicted that last year’s practice squad members Tyrell Shavers and Jalen Virgil, along with rookie Kaden Prather, would land on the practice squad again this season.
Another Avenue to the Roster for Shenault
Sal Maiorana of the Democrat & Chronicle also projected that Laviska Shenault could have a difficult time securing a spot on the Bills’ final roster, pointing out that Elijah Moore’s arrival pushed him further down the depth chart. However, Maiorana noted that Shenault’s ability to contribute in the return game could give him an edge during final roster decisions.
“The Moore signing might push Shenault off the roster unless he can definitively win the kickoff return job and contribute elsewhere on special teams,” Maiorana wrote.
Shenault showcased his return skills last season with the Seattle Seahawks, where he averaged 28.7 yards on 16 kick returns, including one touchdown.
Meanwhile, Sal Capaccio of WGR 550 suggested that Buffalo’s decision to sign Shenault might have been influenced by potential rule changes that would promote more kickoff returns. Head coach Sean McDermott, a member of the NFL’s competition committee, likely anticipated the shift.
“My assessment of the Bills Laviska Shenault signing: I think it has a lot to do with the possibility of touchbacks on kickoffs being moved to the 35,” Capaccio posted on X. “Sean McDermott is on the competition committee. He knows this could be happening (not a certainty).”
With the departure of Mack Hollins to the New England Patriots, the Bills lost a key contributor on both offense and special teams. Capaccio pointed out that Shenault might be able to fill parts of that role.
“If the rule is changed, teams won’t be kicking touchbacks nearly as much, and the Bills will have two very good return men,” Capaccio added. “Shenault would also provide depth at wide receiver, and if he’s the primary returner, it could allow the team more flexibility with other positions on game day, depending on the matchup.”