Cole Beasley given permission to seek trade

[Hapless Bills Fan]

42 minutes ago, MrEpsYtown said:

 

I guess my place is that he isn’t asked to do what some of those others guys do. He is still pretty productive as compared to other slot guys no?

 

TBH, I don't know what other slot guys do.  I've never seen a listing of "slot WR".  If anyone has such, I would love to see it.

 

Beasley has said he's the best slot receiver in the league.  Others have said top 3.  I legitimately don't know.

 

As far as YAC, in 2019 Beasley was adding almost 5 YAC (4.9) with an 8 yd depth of target  In 2020, fell to 4.3 with a 7.8 yd depth of target.  In 2021, fell to 3.7 with a 5.6 yd depth of target.

 

While the depth of target/YBC numbers fell more, 1) none of these YAC numbers are zero 2) getting 5 YAC gets you a whole lot more first downs than 3.7 YAC does.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

10 hours ago, Simon said:

 

Didn't he just go 0-4 as a starter?

 

Huntley? 

1-3 but doesn't change the point; he threw 4 picks to 3 TDs and fumbled 4 times. 

We know W/L isn't a QB stat but all those TO added to only 154 ypg passing, not good enough to win

5 hours ago, Dr.Sack said:

Trade Beasley by 3/20 save $6.1 million, cut him save $4.6 and carry a $1.5 dead cap. I expect a cut as I don’t see a team willing to pay Beasley that kind of money. 

 

We carry $1.5M dead cap and save $6.1M either way, unless we keep him past 3/20.  Then we only save $5.6M ($500k roster bonus)

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/buffalo-bills/cole-beasley-10318/

 

 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

3 hours ago, Doc Brown said:

He went 1-3 with two losses by a point against the Packers and Rams.  He's a perfectly capable backup.

He is?  Didn't they tender him?

 

Spotrac lists Huntley as signed for 1 yr by the Ravens.  He's an RFA next year.

 

And not sure I agree on the "perfectly capable backup" thing.  He's averaging 2 TO per game.

[Scott7975]

On 3/11/2022 at 5:15 PM, benderbender said:

Forgive my ignorance, but did announcing this do anything but hurt our chances of trading him? Everyone knew his cap hit, but now other teams know for certain he’s going to be cut. They don’t have to deal for him, they’ll just wait for him to be cut.

 

If a team really wants a player they would still trade for them if they found the deal reasonable.  If he gets released then he can go wherever he wants to.

[transplantbillsfan]

I'm starting to wonder if we're keeping Beas. I think we should still draft J Williams if he falls to us in the 1st, regardless. 

[CSBill]

3 hours ago, transplantbillsfan said:

I'm starting to wonder if we're keeping Beas. I think we should still draft J Williams if he falls to us in the 1st, regardless. 

 

I'm having the same thoughts. If no trade partner is found, what happens to Beasley? I see three options:

• Keep him as is? .... And if that is the case, is he splitting time in the slot with McKenzie?
• Do the Bills seek to rework his contract to make it more team friendly? .... Same question about the slot.
• Or, do they eventually release him to save cap money?

And if other teams think number three is more possible than not, then there is little to no trade value for him. Which Beane may use as leverage to rework his salary to keep him in Buffalo.

 

I'm not so sure we've seen the last of Beasley in Buffalo ????

 

 

Edited March 15, 2022 by CSBill

[EmotionallyUnstable]

With the amount of 3-4 WR sets they run, they’re going to need depth. I'm still not sure Beasley is even going to be around next year, but with no splash signings and the return of Lil’ Dirty, who knows?

 

You could argue, this team always carry’s 6 WRs on the active roster. Right now, you could look at it and say 

 

1) Diggs
2) Davis
3) McKenzie
4) Beasley
5) ???????
6) Kumerow*
 

They need at least one viable option, and probably 2. I fully expect them to take one at #25 and possibly pick up another vet option, like crowder, Pringle, Higgins, etc. 

 

*it’s possible he fills at “ST only” roll, as did Taiwan Jones. He was a RB by nature, but wasn’t necessarily counted as such when looking at the formation of the roster. That being said, Kumerow did take plenty of offensive snaps last year in heavy packages. He could genuinely be #6 in their mind. 

Edited March 15, 2022 by EmotionallyUnstable

[eball]

3 hours ago, transplantbillsfan said:

I'm starting to wonder if we're keeping Beas. I think we should still draft J Williams if he falls to us in the 1st, regardless. 

 

Starting?  I think the moment they granted him permission to seek a trade that die was cast.

 

I’m still on board with a WR in R1.

 

[Mark92]

There is a hole at CB that needs to filled.  

[Mango]

38 minutes ago, CSBill said:

 

I'm having the same thoughts. If no trade partner is found, what happens to Beasley? I see three options:

• Keep him as is? .... And if that is the case, is he splitting time in the slot with McKenzie?
• Do the Bills seek to rework his contract to make it more team friendly? .... Same question about he slot.
• Or do they eventually release him to save cap money?

And if other teams think number three is more possible than not, then there is no little to no trade value for him. Which Beane may use as leverage to rework his salary to keep him in Buffalo.

 

I'm not so sure we've seen the last of Beasley if Buffalo ????

 

Totally guessing, but I’m thinking Beasley was searching a trade because he was asked to take a paycut and said no. 
 

It is possible he stays. I might even put it at 50/50. But the odds of him staying at his current contract are probably slim. And honestly, if I am the Bills, I most certainly lower my original contract offer. 
 

The Bills want Bradley’s number lower or gone. He’ll take a paycut here or he’ll play somewhere else. 

[ExWNYer]

1 hour ago, CSBill said:

 

I'm having the same thoughts. If no trade partner is found, what happens to Beasley? I see three options:

• Keep him as is? .... And if that is the case, is he splitting time in the slot with McKenzie?
• Do the Bills seek to rework his contract to make it more team friendly? .... Same question about the slot.
• Or, do they eventually release him to save cap money?

And if other teams think number three is more possible than not, then there is little to no trade value for him. Which Beane may use as leverage to rework his salary to keep him in Buffalo.

 

I'm not so sure we've seen the last of Beasley in Buffalo ????

 

 

 

Option 1 makes no sense when releasing him represents a cap savings of approximately $6 million. I don't see any way he stays 'as is'.

[ALF]

Beas has a cap hit of $7.6 unless they can extend him and spread it out  by a lot.

[nucci]

On 3/15/2022 at 6:38 AM, eball said:

 

Starting?  I think the moment they granted him permission to seek a trade that die was cast.

 

I’m still on board with a WR in R1.

 

I also think he wants to leave

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

On 3/15/2022 at 6:36 AM, EmotionallyUnstable said:

With the amount of 3-4 WR sets they run, they’re going to need depth. I'm still not sure Beasley is even going to be around next year, but with no splash signings and the return of Lil’ Dirty, who knows?

 

You could argue, this team always carry’s 6 WRs on the active roster. Right now, you could look at it and say 

 

1) Diggs
2) Davis
3) McKenzie
4) Beasley
5) ???????
6) Kumerow*
 

They need at least one viable option, and probably 2. I fully expect them to take one at #25 and possibly pick up another vet option, like crowder, Pringle, Higgins, etc. 

 

*it’s possible he fills at “ST only” roll, as did Taiwan Jones. He was a RB by nature, but wasn’t necessarily counted as such when looking at the formation of the roster. That being said, Kumerow did take plenty of offensive snaps last year in heavy packages. He could genuinely be #6 in their mind. 

 

Your forgetting Stevenson.  While he didn't show much as a rookie nor was he given many chances, he now has a year experience under his belt and likely will be given the opportunity to win that spot..  You could fill him in as #6 and Kumerow, #5  Doubt Beasley will be here thought so still will be short one, likely filled in the draft.

 

Also may depend what happens yet a TE.  If they sign a mid level dependable TE, can see them going more with 2 TE sets, thus reducing the WR needs some.  Think they will still sign either a mid level TE or WR and draft a WR fairly early, maybe 2nd round.

[MrEpsYtown]

What about a guy like TY Hilton? Maybe he can be had for a Sanders like contract. He can play in the slot and outside, so he isn't really taking reps away from Gabe Davis. His production has been down, but I think he would fit well here. 

 

Maybe a young and hungry guy with some return ability like Dante Pettis who I think we liked during draft time. 

[foreboding]

I think Beas on a restructure would be great, but...he is a surly guy and I wonder if with less playing time would he sulk and post stupid ***** on social.

[MrEpsYtown]

10 minutes ago, Ed_Formerly_of_Roch said:

 

 

Also may depend what happens yet a TE.  If they sign a mid level dependable TE, can see them going more with 2 TE sets, thus reducing the WR needs some.  Think they will still sign either a mid level TE or WR and draft a WR fairly early, maybe 2nd round.

 

Maybe this is the year we finally sign Jesse James, who is somehow still only 27. 

[nucci]

2 minutes ago, MrEpsYtown said:

What about a guy like TY Hilton? Maybe he can be had for a Sanders like contract. He can play in the slot and outside, so he isn't really taking reps away from Gabe Davis. His production has been down, but I think he would fit well here. 

 

Maybe a young and hungry guy with some return ability like Dante Pettis who I think we liked during draft time. 

I like Hilton but he's always hurt

[MrEpsYtown]

3 minutes ago, nucci said:

I like Hilton but he's always hurt

Yeah it seemed like his production took a bit of a nosedive. 

[2003Contenders]

Some random thoughts when it comes to Beasley...

 

1. He was heavily utilized in the passing game. His 112 targets and 82 receptions were both top 30 in the league. The 82 receptions were actually 17th for all receivers ahead of such guys as D. Metcalf, C. Lamb, M. Williams and J. Chase. His conversion rate (targets leading to receptions) was 73% which is elite and (top 10). Beasley also saw a rich share of receptions in our offense -- second only to Diggs in receptions and targets. Replacing those targets -- and the confidence that a replacement receiver will make good on such a high percentage of those targets is not going to be easy.

 

2. As others have pointed out, while the volume is great -- the production was seriously lacking. Top 30 in targets and top 20 in receptions -- he was not even top 40 in yards. That little over 8 yards per reception average is (putting it kindly) not very good. And only 1 TD reception on the season?

 

3. Getting McK back is great -- but that just means that this is not ANOTHER hole to fill. E. Sanders is almost certainly gone, so that is one more hole to fill even if Beasley remains. McK is great in his gadget role -- but I am not at all confident that he will be able to step into a full time slot receiver role -- certainly not in the high capacity Beasley role. And we do not have anyone else on the team that I believe is a good fit in the slot. (Diggs can play anywhere -- but it would be a waste to limit him as a slot receiver).

 

4. In Josh Allen we have a rare QB that can get the ball to any spot on the field at any given time. As the season wore on, it became more and more evident that the short passing game was a point of emphasis. Perhaps the "other" McK signing indicates that much of this production will come out of the backfield.

 

5. You have to wonder how much of Beasley's off-field distractions last season (culminating in him having to miss playing time) may have grated on the coaches and team.

 

6. The fact that Beasley was granted permission to seek a trade likely clues us in to what the front office's thoughts are about his future in Buffalo. Maybe not necessarily that they are down on him -- but at his age, contract $ and the team's current cap situation -- they may feel like it is time to move on.

 

 

[Matt_In_NH]

On 3/15/2022 at 6:36 AM, EmotionallyUnstable said:

With the amount of 3-4 WR sets they run, they’re going to need depth. I'm still not sure Beasley is even going to be around next year, but with no splash signings and the return of Lil’ Dirty, who knows?

 

You could argue, this team always carry’s 6 WRs on the active roster. Right now, you could look at it and say 

 

1) Diggs
2) Davis
3) McKenzie
4) Beasley
5) ???????
6) Kumerow*
 

They need at least one viable option, and probably 2. I fully expect them to take one at #25 and possibly pick up another vet option, like crowder, Pringle, Higgins, etc. 

 

*it’s possible he fills at “ST only” roll, as did Taiwan Jones. He was a RB by nature, but wasn’t necessarily counted as such when looking at the formation of the roster. That being said, Kumerow did take plenty of offensive snaps last year in heavy packages. He could genuinely be #6 in their mind. 

If they keep Beasley I would think you add via draft.   We don’t need another Sanders to take play time from Davis.  Develop a guy on a roomie contract.  Vets become available in the event of an injury.  

[Back2Buff]

Holding out hope that only reason he is on team is because they have to wait till 4pm today for a trade.

[Big Turk]

Any updates on this?  Seems like we would have heard something regarding this by now.

10 minutes ago, 2003Contenders said:

Some random thoughts when it comes to Beasley...

 

1. He was heavily utilized in the passing game. His 112 targets and 82 receptions were both top 30 in the league. The 82 receptions were actually 17th for all receivers ahead of such guys as D. Metcalf, C. Lamb, M. Williams and J. Chase. His conversion rate (targets leading to receptions) was 73% which is elite and (top 10). Beasley also saw a rich share of receptions in our offense -- second only to Diggs in receptions and targets. Replacing those targets -- and the confidence that a replacement receiver will make good on such a high percentage of those targets is not going to be easy.

 

2. As others have pointed out, while the volume is great -- the production was seriously lacking. Top 30 in targets and top 20 in receptions -- he was not even top 40 in yards. That little over 8 yards per reception average is (putting it kindly) not very good. And only 1 TD reception on the season?

 

3. Getting McK back is great -- but that just means that this is not ANOTHER hole to fill. E. Sanders is almost certainly gone, so that is one more hole to fill even if Beasley remains. McK is great in his gadget role -- but I am not at all confident that he will be able to step into a full time slot receiver role -- certainly not in the high capacity Beasley role. And we do not have anyone else on the team that I believe is a good fit in the slot. (Diggs can play anywhere -- but it would be a waste to limit him as a slot receiver).

 

4. In Josh Allen we have a rare QB that can get the ball to any spot on the field at any given time. As the season wore on, it became more and more evident that the short passing game was a point of emphasis. Perhaps the "other" McK signing indicates that much of this production will come out of the backfield.

 

5. You have to wonder how much of Beasley's off-field distractions last season (culminating in him having to miss playing time) may have grated on the coaches and team.

 

6. The fact that Beasley was granted permission to seek a trade likely clues us in to what the front office's thoughts are about his future in Buffalo. Maybe not necessarily that they are down on him -- but at his age, contract $ and the team's current cap situation -- they may feel like it is time to move on.

 

 

 

Why not with McKenzie?  Dude had great production when he got opportunities. Ask the Patriots.  

 

Also I think we could see McKissic line up in the slot more than we think.

[BuffBills51]

The only way Beasley is on this team long term is if he agrees to take a pay cute. He is due to make a little over 7.5 million this year and the Bills would save over 6 million by cutting him. I just don't see Beasley being willing to take as much of a pay cut that would be needed for the Bills to keep him. I think the Bills are waiting to see if they can get any picks at all for him before they release him this afternoon. I love Beasley and what he brings to the table but McKenzie has shown when given the opportunity that he can be a very good slot receiver and in my opinion gives the Bills a more dynamic offense when out there.

[2003Contenders]

30 minutes ago, Big Turk said:

Any updates on this?  Seems like we would have heard something regarding this by now.

 

Why not with McKenzie?  Dude had great production when he got opportunities. Ask the Patriots.  

 

Also I think we could see McKissic line up in the slot more than we think.

 

Agree about McKissic -- I think much of that underneath volume will go to him. While McKenzie was fantastic in the Pats game, I just don't see him being a huge part of the passing game week in and week out. I think the relatively small size of the contract he signed with the Bills likely echoes that thought as well.

[SCBills]

Just now, 2003Contenders said:

 

Agree about McKissic -- I think much of that underneath volume will go to him. While McKenzie was fantastic in the Pats game, I just don't see him being a huge part of the passing game week in and week out. I think the relatively small size of the contract he signed with the Bills likely echoes that thought as well.

 

Agree.  

 

I think we get a legitimate inside/outside WR that can stretch the field to add to Diggs/Davis - Likely in the Draft.  Essentially a 3-wide where all 3 can lineup anywhere.  

 

McKissic will be a big part of the passing offense, both out of the backfield and motioned to the slot.  

 

McKenzie likely has a bigger role as WR4, but is still primarily the gadget/jet-sweep/part-time slot.

[ndirish1978]

 

[Reed83HOF]

5 minutes ago, ndirish1978 said:

 

 

 

 

 

[Mark92]

The fact they brought back McKenzie is the writing on the wall for Beasley.  Not that they don't want both but they are in no way keeping both.

[TheyCallMeAndy]

Shows his level of intelligence if he’s willing to force himself off a team with an elite QB.

 

Trade him to the Texans ✌️ 

[Einstein's Dog]

1 hour ago, BuffBills51 said:

The only way Beasley is on this team long term is if he agrees to take a pay cute. He is due to make a little over 7.5 million this year and the Bills would save over 6 million by cutting him. I just don't see Beasley being willing to take as much of a pay cut that would be needed for the Bills to keep him. I think the Bills are waiting to see if they can get any picks at all for him before they release him this afternoon. I love Beasley and what he brings to the table but McKenzie has shown when given the opportunity that he can be a very good slot receiver and in my opinion gives the Bills a more dynamic offense when out there.

Beas is nowhere near a long term plan.  It would have been a slight set back even short term.  Time to draft a stud WR.  The grooming would be in splitting time with McKenzie - or just wait until McK gets hurt.   

 

McKenzie is not made for the beating that occurs over the middle.  Beas has been beaten like an old RB.  Time to move on.

 

I think the plan has been get rid of Beas, keep a low priced replacement (which was preferably McKenzie), draft a stud WR, and get another good TE.  One element - get McK has been done.

[Billzgobowlin]

3 hours ago, ndirish1978 said:

 

Not completely sure I buy this.  

[D. L. Hot-Flamethrower]

I completely buy this 1000%. He ain't coming back.

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

They likely will hang onto Beasley until they need the money saved or he agrees to a large pay cut, or a trade.  As soon as that need arises, he'll be gone.  When will that be? Could be tomorrow, Friday, next week, April?  We'll find out!

 

But don't see them cutting him until they need to.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

 

5 minutes ago, Ed_Formerly_of_Roch said:

They likely will hang onto Beasley until they need the money saved or he agrees to a large pay cut, or a trade.  As soon as that need arises, he'll be gone.  When will that be? Could be tomorrow, Friday, next week, April?  We'll find out!

 

But don't see them cutting him until they need to.

 

Beasley has a $500k roster bonus due on March 20th.  If the Bills want to free up the maximum  cap benefit, expect him to be shipped out by then one way or another.

 

He is not gonna agree to a "large pay cut".

[Malazan]

Beasely has been an ex-bill for a couple months. Just waiting for the paperwork to catch up the reality. 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

Just now, Malazan said:

Beasely has been an ex-bill for a couple months. Just waiting for the paperwork to catch up the reality. 

 

Say more?

[muppy]

4 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

 

Beasley has a $500k roster bonus due on March 20th.  If the Bills want to free up the maximum  cap benefit, expect him to be shipped out by then one way or another.

 

He is not gonna agree to a "large pay cut".

Im changing my stance on Beasley. He's a goner. I wish him well but I just can't see the Bills keeping him now that they have spent like they have in free agency. I say draft a WR and CB in first 2 rounds ...and I hope they also happen to be BPA when the Bills do draft them. Im an idealistic thinker eh? 

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

11 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

 

Beasley has a $500k roster bonus due on March 20th.  If the Bills want to free up the maximum  cap benefit, expect him to be shipped out by then one way or another.

 

He is not gonna agree to a "large pay cut".

 

Forgot about the roster bonus.  So agree it will happen soon then!  And yes doubt he'd take the large pay cut, if he was open to it then likely never would have allowed him to look for a trade.

 

But what if in trying to find a trade teams all tell him yes we'd love to have you but only at $3 mil a year.  Would he then think different about going back to Bills at less money?

[Malazan]

14 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

Say more?