Team news: Buffalo Bills | Page 2

Despite having a quiet training camp amidst reports of struggles, the team is invested in Franklin’s continued development, and they are in a position where they don’t need him to be a No. 1, 2, or 3 right away as a rookie. He’ll likely redshirt or play some special teams.

Related players: Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick, Marvin Mims, Josh Reynolds, Devaughn Vele, Jalen Virgil

Franklin was more of a dynasty name this offseason but the hope was he'd quickly establish himself in a Broncos WR group that isn't necessarily loaded in terms of big names. The story said this is a position that could see five, six, or seven players on the 53-man roster. The writer says HC Sean Payton values size, and he has that with Sutton, Patrick, Reynolds, and Vele. He also values speed, which he gets from Mims, Virgil, Vele, and Franklin. Either way, it doesn't sound like Franklin will have a big fantasy impact at least early on this season.

Beyond Keon Coleman, three other receivers took snaps with Allen: Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Shakir’s usage was the most interesting, as he was an immediate starter with Allen — and in 12 personnel, no less.

The story went on to say as the team’s primary slot receiver, working into two-receiver sets is essential for Shakir to take the next step. The author said that also of note, Shakir was the first receiver the team shut down, perhaps signifying his lofty spot within the offense. He took the first three snaps after Allen left the field, and that was the end of his evening. With Bills WR spots seemingly up for grabs this season, Shakir is looking like he could be a fantasy receiver to target in drafts.

The potential is definitely there for Dalton Kincaid to be one of their top targets in 2024. However, from the looks of things on the first day of camp, those expecting Kincaid to usurp the full-time role from Dawson Knox this year and push the veteran tight end into a backup may have their hopes dashed.

Buscaglia continued, "So while it’s fine to believe Kincaid can better his very strong rookie season output in 2024, it’s important to note his role went back to early season levels after Knox’s return from injured reserve last year."

This definitely isn't *good* news, but we have to remember what the state of the wide receiver room is in Buffalo at the moment. Kincaid can still shine while rotating with Knox, but does he have the top-3 upside we thought he had going into Year 2? Maybe not.

The Browns and star WR Amari Cooper have agreed to a restructured one-year contract, guaranteeing his $20M and adding an additional $5M, per multiple sources.

Cooper earned his fifth Pro Bowl selection last season after a career-high 1,250 receiving yards and 5 TDs, and is poised to be the team's WR1 again this season. Last year, in his ninth season, Cooper set career-highs in receiving yards per game (83.3) and yards per reception (17.4) en route to a WR14 finish. He was the WR9 in 2022. Cooper is entering his 10th season, which is when receivers’ production tends to fall off of a cliff, per Ryan Heath’s excellent Age Curves study. Cooper’s splits with and without Deshaun Watson were similar, so that’s not much of a concern. Cooper’s career-highs last season are reason to be optimistic that his production won’t fall off too much in 2024. His WR27 ADP seems like a solid value given the age discount.

The Browns receiver was not in attendance for Cleveland's Tuesday session and is subject to fines.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski said Cooper's absence was not excused.

"These situations, I understand that they do come up," Stefanski said. "I'll really leave all of that between Amari, Amari's agent and AB (general manager Andrew Berry) and those type of conversations. Again, as you guys know, we focus on guys that are here. We'll get some good work in and really keep it at that."

Related Players: Elijah Moore, Jerry Jeudy, Jamari Thrash

At 30 years old, there aren't many reasons for Cooper to miss time this season, so we assume this will be hashed out sooner rather than later. The Browns offense as a whole has plenty to prove this year, not least of all is their receiving room.

The Buffalo Bills are signing former Chiefs WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling a 1 year deal worth up to $4.5 million, including a $1.125 million signing bonus.

Related Players: Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel, Khalil Shakir, Mack Hollins

We can basically look at this as a Gabe Davis replacement, but not exactly an upgrade. MVS will stretch defenses but shouldn't be considered anything more than a late-round best ball dart throw.

Former Lions WR Quintez Cephus, who was reinstated last week after being suspended all of last season for violating the league’s gambling policy, has reached agreement with the Buffalo Bills.

Related Players: Keon Coleman, Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel, Mack Hollins

Many expected the Bills to add a couple of pass catchers in the NFL Draft, but beyond Keon Coleman and running back Ray Davis, they stayed mum. Cephus will be allotted a chance to carve out a role on special teams and could operate as the team's WR4/5.

The Buffalo Bills are trading WR Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick (via the Vikings).

The Texans also receive a 2025 fifth-round pick and sixth-round pick.

Related Players: Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel, Mack Hollins

The Texans wide receiver room gets a huge boost, and if Tank Dell is ready for Week 1, they are in the argument for best three-deep set in the league. C.J. Stroud looks primed to build on his incredible rookie season.

As for the Bills, they have now lost Diggs and Gabe Davis this offseason but have only replaced them with Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins. They'll need to be aggressive in the NFL Draft to get Josh Allen another piece.

Former Commanders WR Curtis Samuel is signing a three-year, $24 million deal worth up to $30 million, including $15 million guaranteed, with the Buffalo Bills.

Related Players: Mack Hollins, Khalil Shakir, Andy Isabella

Though the signing doesn't seem like a huge deal on paper, the addition of Samuel should add another dynamic to the Bills offense. The former Panthers and Commanders player has played with OC Joe Brady before and creates further depth for a team that may still be aiming for an option through the NFL Draft.

The #Bills have agreed to terms with wide receiver Mack Hollins. More help is on the way for Josh Allen and the passing game.

Related Players: Stefon Diggs, Khalil Shakir, Andy Isabella

Hollins figures to line up along the perimeter, opposite Stefon Diggs on obvious passing situations. His rotation will likely be capped if and when the Bills grab another piece to the puzzle, likely through the NFL Draft.