2nd wave of FA

[Kirby Jackson]

11 hours ago, NewEra said:

Didn’t know that about Palmer.  Maybe they try and reach Keon a try (very doubtful) if they worry about Palmer being too fragile for ST.  
 

I would actually for them to give a Keon a shot as a punt returner.  He had some success in college

I like the idea of Keon as a punt returner. He’s good with the ball in his hands IMO. 

10 hours ago, Einstein's Dog said:

Huh, seems like we have a disconnect.  How is having Cooks being an additional block for Skylar to get PT a good thing?

 

Bringing back a declining waiver wire add WR is not a good look.  I think you are confusing trust with usage.  Cooks was the best of a bad group.   And Cooks was not good.

 

Have Josh get used to Bell (and hopefully Burton).  Palmer is everything Cooks was (when healthy).  But Palmer should be getting phased out - same with Coleman.  Why add an additional WR that we would also want phased out  Time for a total reset of the WR room (you had wished for this prior too).  The sooner the WR room is DJ, Skylar, Shakir the better.

He’s not blocking anyone. The last 2 years, they went with guys that weren’t up to the task. They added Cooper. They then added Gabe and Cooks the following year. They didn’t have enough heading towards the playoffs and they knew it. Having Cooks prevents you from panicking and incorporating a vet midseason. 
 

I think we all agree that today, Cooks is a better NFL WR than everyone on the roster but Moore and Shakir. Adding him doesn’t prevent you from playing those guys or Skyler Bell. What it does is prevents you from having to find someone if they aren’t up to the task. For 2 straight years they’ve had to add vets to play because the other guys weren’t good enough. We don’t know if those other guys are good enough. It’s an inexpensive vet in the room, that can stretch the field and raise the floor. I’m really having a hard time being convinced that’s a bad idea (especially knowing Josh trusted him). 

Edited May 6 by Kirby Jackson

[Rochesterfan]

13 hours ago, Kirby Jackson said:

Those all sound like reasons to be back. Josh trusted him. If the young guys aren’t ready, like the last couple years, he raises the floor. He’s cheap. Cooks feels like the perfect safety net. They won’t need to add Cooper or Cooks mid season. You’ll have that floor already. It feels irresponsible to not do that.

 

I just don’t see the spot for him unless there is an injury during the off season work.

 

They have DJ and Palmer outside and Shakir and Bell in the slot, they are working to rehab Coleman’s image - that is your top 5. People may hate it, but that is what it is.
 

Then they have Shavers who is injured with Sherfield that was signed as his WR6 ST replacement and Hardman as a potential return man.  Plus the minicamp invites and UDFAs that will occupy a spot or two in the end.

 

I think if Cooks is signed it as very late and as either an injury replacement or PS guy and if they miss out and need a WR - there are tons that can be moved at the trade deadline. 

[Kirby Jackson]

10 minutes ago, Rochesterfan said:

 

I just don’t see the spot for him unless there is an injury during the off season work.

 

They have DJ and Palmer outside and Shakir and Bell in the slot, they are working to rehab Coleman’s image - that is your top 5. People may hate it, but that is what it is.
 

Then they have Shavers who is injured with Sherfield that was signed as his WR6 ST replacement and Hardman as a potential return man.  Plus the minicamp invites and UDFAs that will occupy a spot or two in the end.

 

I think if Cooks is signed it as very late and as either an injury replacement or PS guy and if they miss out and need a WR - there are tons that can be moved at the trade deadline. 

All fair. So much of it depends on Palmer. With what they’re paying him they certainly want him to play a lot. If they are being honest with themselves, Cooks is a better WR today. If they are okay using Palmer in a spot role and on ST, it could work. 
 

The main reason that I’m so bullish on Cooks coming back, was Beane’s comments before the draft. Both sides were interested in reuniting and they’d circle back after the draft. I don’t think a Day 3 WR changed that. They were absolutely drafting at least 1 guy. I like Skyler Bell a lot as a prospect. I don’t think 1 year of Brandin Cooks blocks him or anyone. It just prevents the panic in October/November where they’re trying to add whoever is out there. Last year they were calling on everybody before adding Cooks. 
 

After this year, they can move on from Cooks and Palmer. We will see where they stand on Keon. We will see how Bell develops. Adding Cooks stabilizes the room for 2026 IMO. 

[Bleeding Bills Blue]

10 hours ago, White Linen said:

 

I thought I read somewhere on kickoffs saw an increase in LB, TE, safeties and RB's.  More reassembling running plays and needing open field tackling.

 

WR still used on punts.  Maybe a bit less important to need WR's for specials?

  

 

The ones you have are probably just very good special teams players regardless of other position.  Hollins is a good example.  I'd imagine most ST WR's are return men though.  

[Bleeding Bills Blue]

13 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

All fair. So much of it depends on Palmer. With what they’re paying him they certainly want him to play a lot. If they are being honest with themselves, Cooks is a better WR today. If they are okay using Palmer in a spot role and on ST, it could work. 
 

The main reason that I’m so bullish on Cooks coming back, was Beane’s comments before the draft. Both sides were interested in reuniting and they’d circle back after the draft. I don’t think a Day 3 WR changed that. They were absolutely drafting at least 1 guy. I like Skyler Bell a lot as a prospect. I don’t think 1 year of Brandin Cooks blocks him or anyone. It just prevents the panic in October/November where they’re trying to add whoever is out there. Last year they were calling on everybody before adding Cooks. 
 

After this year, they can move on from Cooks and Palmer. We will see where they stand on Keon. We will see how Bell develops. Adding Cooks stabilizes the room for 2026 IMO. 

 

I'd really only see him as DJ moore insurance, so how much does that cost? Can it be less than Moore's 2.5 last year?  I don't even think i'd keep him active on game days.  

[Kirby Jackson]

6 minutes ago, Bleeding Bills Blue said:

 

I'd really only see him as DJ moore insurance, so how much does that cost? Can it be less than Moore's 2.5 last year?  I don't even think i'd keep him active on game days.  

To me it’s a deal in that range. CJGJ signed a 1 year deal for $3.5M with a $2.4M cap hit. That’s the kind of deal I’d be looking at for Cooks or Shaq or Okereke or whomever they are considering at this point. I don’t think I’d want to commit to anyone beyond this year but would like a couple tweaks still. 

[Sierra Foothills]

What are the chances Brandin Cooks lands on the Bills practice squad?

 

The Bills signed him in late November last year... there might not be a big demand for him.

 

He could be handy as a break glass guy.

 

[Kirby Jackson]

To be clear, I’d also take Jajuan Jennings or Deebo or someone like that. I don’t want to block the young guys & Palmer but if they aren’t ready or good enough, I want someone else out there. This year is a bit of a transition. I don’t think it’s likely that the long term guy across from Moore is on the roster currently. If that is indeed the case, patch it together for 2026 and chase a guy in the 2027 draft. 

1 minute ago, Sierra Foothills said:

What are the chances Brandin Cooks lands on the Bills practice squad?

 

The Bills signed him in late November last year... there might not be a big demand for him.

 

He could be handy as a break glass guy.

 

Certainly possible. My guess is that the Bills would love that but Cooks would wait on another opportunity before jumping at that. I would think Shaq Thompson would be in a similar situation. There should be roster spots for those guys but as of today there are not.

[BearNorth]

Ray Davis was the first team all-pro kickoff returner - averaged 30+ per return - if he stays healthy we should be good there.

 

Bills forced 68 punts but only 30 were returned. The Punt Return crew was mediocre to say the least.  Shakir was the leader with 16 PR's and a 7.8 yard average.   Codrington, who is no longer with the team returned 10 for a 5.8 yard average so room for improvement there.

[Bleeding Bills Blue]

1 hour ago, Sierra Foothills said:

What are the chances Brandin Cooks lands on the Bills practice squad?

 

The Bills signed him in late November last year... there might not be a big demand for him.

 

He could be handy as a break glass guy.

 

 

Not likely here for camp if that's the case.  Guys going to wait for a team to give him a shot to play before he takes that pay cut.  

[Sierra Foothills]

46 minutes ago, Bleeding Bills Blue said:

Not likely here for camp if that's the case.  Guys going to wait for a team to give him a shot to play before he takes that pay cut.  

 

We shall see... there's a few considerations.

 

The vet minimum is $1.2 million prorated... (meaning less by 1/17th or about $71K per week) for those who sign after the season begins.

 

I'm sure he'd like to collect the full $1.2 mil and still miss some of the offseason and preseason stuff but as a guy described as being a consumate professional, he also might find value in signing early and increasing his fluency within the offense.

 

Just spitballing.

 

Edited May 6 by Sierra Foothills

[3rdand12]

4 hours ago, Rochesterfan said:

 

I just don’t see the spot for him unless there is an injury during the off season work.

 

They have DJ and Palmer outside and Shakir and Bell in the slot, they are working to rehab Coleman’s image - that is your top 5. People may hate it, but that is what it is.
 

Then they have Shavers who is injured with Sherfield that was signed as his WR6 ST replacement and Hardman as a potential return man.  Plus the minicamp invites and UDFAs that will occupy a spot or two in the end.

 

I think if Cooks is signed it as very late and as either an injury replacement or PS guy and if they miss out and need a WR - there are tons that can be moved at the trade deadline. 

Cooks should be a priority in the waiting.

 DJ can play all the positions. Palmer is a question mark still , and yes an injury concern.

Bell better learn to play Teams.

 Cooks showed late in the season , overall stats be damned !

They best have a verbal in place

 The math part is tricky. PS will matter this year too for WRs

 

 

 

 

3 hours ago, Kirby Jackson said:

To me it’s a deal in that range. CJGJ signed a 1 year deal for $3.5M with a $2.4M cap hit. That’s the kind of deal I’d be looking at for Cooks or Shaq or Okereke or whomever they are considering at this point. I don’t think I’d want to commit to anyone beyond this year but would like a couple tweaks still. 

Good names and positions to mention.

all one year deals , perhaps with reasonable incentives ?

[3rdand12]

3 hours ago, Kirby Jackson said:

To be clear, I’d also take Jajuan Jennings or Deebo or someone like that. I don’t want to block the young guys & Palmer but if they aren’t ready or good enough, I want someone else out there. This year is a bit of a transition. I don’t think it’s likely that the long term guy across from Moore is on the roster currently. If that is indeed the case, patch it together for 2026 and chase a guy in the 2027 draft. 

Certainly possible. My guess is that the Bills would love that but Cooks would wait on another opportunity before jumping at that. I would think Shaq Thompson would be in a similar situation. There should be roster spots for those guys but as of today there are not.

Next year might be the year to draft Wrs early and often.

 One year deals for Cooks and Palmer (currently ) and all those WR  guys whose name starts with an S and reload next year

[Bleeding Bills Blue]

1 hour ago, Sierra Foothills said:

 

We shall see... there's a few considerations.

 

The vet minimum is $1.2 million prorated... (meaning less by 1/17th or about $71K per week) for those who sign after the season begins.

 

I'm sure he'd like to collect the full $1.2 mil and still miss some of the offseason and preseason stuff but as a guy described as being a consumate professional, he also might find value in signing early and increasing his fluency within the offense.

 

Just spitballing.

 

 

Thats not a PS spot though.  PS players don't make the full check. 

[Sierra Foothills]

1 minute ago, Bleeding Bills Blue said:

Thats not a PS spot though.  PS players don't make the full check. 

 

You're right... Practice Squad tops out at about $25K/week.

 

Good call.

 

[Bleeding Bills Blue]

Just now, Sierra Foothills said:

 

You're right... Practice Squad tops out at about $25K/week.

 

Good call.

 

 

Going to camp gets him a workout bonus, and maybe a signing bonus.  But if he's playing for WR6 and there is no market for him, he'll probably end up cut and stashed.  If he can make a roster out of camp he'll make more money, and he has to hope he can either be cut or dealt to a playoff-bound team. With the new practice squad rules its a lot easier to only carry 5 WRs on the active roster.   

 

The goal can't be "all" money, since most veterans are motivated by winning (he's never won a championship) - but there might be a way to get a little bit of both.  

[Kirby Jackson]

9 minutes ago, Bleeding Bills Blue said:

 

Going to camp gets him a workout bonus, and maybe a signing bonus.  But if he's playing for WR6 and there is no market for him, he'll probably end up cut and stashed.  If he can make a roster out of camp he'll make more money, and he has to hope he can either be cut or dealt to a playoff-bound team. With the new practice squad rules its a lot easier to only carry 5 WRs on the active roster.   

 

The goal can't be "all" money, since most veterans are motivated by winning (he's never won a championship) - but there might be a way to get a little bit of both.  

It looks like he’s made about $125M in his career if I’m seeing it correctly. You would think that would help a contender. He can be a little pickier than most. 

[Paup 1995MVP]

4 hours ago, Kirby Jackson said:

To be clear, I’d also take Jajuan Jennings or Deebo or someone like that. I don’t want to block the young guys & Palmer but if they aren’t ready or good enough, I want someone else out there. This year is a bit of a transition. I don’t think it’s likely that the long term guy across from Moore is on the roster currently. If that is indeed the case, patch it together for 2026 and chase a guy in the 2027 draft. 

Certainly possible. My guess is that the Bills would love that but Cooks would wait on another opportunity before jumping at that. I would think Shaq Thompson would be in a similar situation. There should be roster spots for those guys but as of today there are not.

Let Cooks compete against Hardman for the #6 receiver spot.  Best man wins.  Cooks did zero last season to warrant getting any guaranteed money.  

 

So you go with Moore Shakir Palmer Coleman and Bell.  And if Shavers gets healthy he is better than Cooks and Hardman too.  But at least Hardman can return punts, maybe?  

[Kirby Jackson]

11 minutes ago, Paup 1995MVP said:

Let Cooks compete against Hardman for the #6 receiver spot.  Best man wins.  Cooks did zero last season to warrant getting any guaranteed money.  

 

So you go with Moore Shakir Palmer Coleman and Bell.  And if Shavers gets healthy he is better than Cooks and Hardman too.  But at least Hardman can return punts, maybe?  

If you think Cooks and Hardman are comparable as WR, we disagree. If you want Hardman to return punts, maybe.
 

Last year, sadly, Cooks was the best WR on the team not named Shakir. Josh also trusted him. He looked to him often and Cooks got open. I’m not sure you could make an argument that Palmer/Coleman are better NFL WRs than Cooks today. For the contract he likely gets, I’m really not understanding why people wouldn’t want that. Worst case scenario, he’s a reserve the stretched the field. If the other guys fail like the last 2 years, he plays opposite Moore for a year. It feels like such a no brainer.

[Dillenger4]

Sounds like none of us have to worry - KC Chiefs want to sign Cooks.

 

Brandon Ray of FanSided predicts Cooks will sign with Buffalo’s heated rival, the Kansas City Chiefs.  I just read the article. Makes sense to me over Buffalo. B. Ray get's most Chiefs news correct which makes me believe this rumour.