2nd wave of FA

[MarlinTheMagician]

Sign Shaq, Milano, and White.  That is a lot of depth and talent for likely not too much $$$.  And who says Shaq or Milano couldn't start?  I think Milano and Shaq may be better than Bernard if his ankle is chronic (as it seems to be).  Let Shaq compete with Dorian Williams and Milano compete with Bernard.  Linebackers:  Bernard, Elams-Orr, Williams, Milano, Shaq.  Buffalo Joe on the bubble. 

 

Tre White would not only be great depth, he would be great for the young corners in the room.  Consummate professional, as are Milano and (based on the one year I have seen) Shaq.    Let's go!

[Don Otreply]

On 4/26/2026 at 7:37 PM, Rochesterfan said:

 

That’s how you end up with Dane Jackson out there rather than an actual player.  
 

This is exactly what we have done and need to change.

I can understand your thoughts concerning this, but…, not every vet is Dane Jackson, if you know what I’m saying, 

[Don Otreply]

On 4/27/2026 at 10:15 AM, gonzo1105 said:

Yea I assume Palmer/Bell will be the two WRs that do STs duties. Coleman may be asked to PR. He did it in College or it may fall on Shakir again. 
 

Desmond Reid’s way to make the roster is his Punt return ability but Gore is ahead of him and then they would have to not roster a FB. If they don’t roster a FB I would assume they would keep Latu as TE# 4 over Reid/Gore

I really hope Bell will end up being our wr2 by the end of camp/preseason, and won’t be doing special teams, WRs not in the top 3 will be drawing straws for that duty, again jmo. 🤞🤞lol

[Einstein's Dog]

7 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.

You don't sign a J Jennings, Deebo, or even Cooks to play back up to Skyler.  That's a problem if you want Bell to get PT.

 

The Bills already have a veteran in front of Bell - Palmer.  That's enough.  Much like last year when they wanted to give Coleman the opportunity to take a starting job, the Bills need to have an avenue for Bell to get there - Cooks would cloud that future.

 

You think Cooks earned Josh's trust - I didn't see it that way.  Cooks was there by default and didn't earn coming back.  

 

You mention Cooks and Beane talking pre-draft if things didn't work out.  But things did work out for the Bills, they got an excellent WR at great value - so, no need for Cooks.  Play the youngster.  The sooner they get chemistry for Josh-Bell the better.  And I'm rooting for Burton to make the team - once again, signing Cooks is a detriment to that hope.

[Fan in Chicago]

8 hours 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.  

I disagree. He is proven insurance against Palmer and Coleman. Moore is well proved across multiple teams and seasons. Shakir is excellent. 

If again Palmer is injured or if Keon doesnt develop, we will at least have 3+1 viable receivers - Moore, Cooks, Shakir and Bell. 

41 minutes ago, MarlinTheMagician said:

Sign Shaq, Milano, and White. 

I dont understand the interest in Milano. He is just too injury prone to again risk $$ and a roster spot for. We just need to turn the page on him. 

 

That said, I would like the vet insurance from Shaq and White (as with Cooks above). If we sign all 3, we will be in excellent shape going into the season. 

Edited May 6 by Fan in Chicago

[Dr. Who]

3 minutes ago, Einstein's Dog said:

You don't sign a J Jennings, Deebo, or even Cooks to play back up to Skyler.  That's a problem if you want Bell to get PT.

 

The Bills already have a veteran in front of Bell - Palmer.  That's enough.  Much like last year when they wanted to give Coleman the opportunity to take a starting job, the Bills need to have an avenue for Bell to get there - Cooks would cloud that future.

 

You think Cooks earned Josh's trust - I didn't see it that way.  Cooks was there by default and didn't earn coming back.  

 

You mention Cooks and Beane talking pre-draft if things didn't work out.  But things did work out for the Bills, they got an excellent WR at great value - so, no need for Cooks.  Play the youngster.  The sooner they get chemistry for Josh-Bell the better.  And I'm rooting for Burton to make the team - once again, signing Cooks is a detriment to that hope.

I am rooting for Burton, as well, because he could be a legitimate WR2 based on talent. I am skeptical based on character that he even makes training camp. Bell will need to develop to possibly become WR2 over time. He won't be that from the jump, obviously. As for those who keep maintaining that Coleman and Palmer are the plan to fill that role, that is frankly more of the Beane hope and a prayer mentality that has cost him third round picks at the trade deadline.

 

[Kirby Jackson]

54 minutes ago, Einstein's Dog said:

You don't sign a J Jennings, Deebo, or even Cooks to play back up to Skyler.  That's a problem if you want Bell to get PT.

 

The Bills already have a veteran in front of Bell - Palmer.  That's enough.  Much like last year when they wanted to give Coleman the opportunity to take a starting job, the Bills need to have an avenue for Bell to get there - Cooks would cloud that future.

 

You think Cooks earned Josh's trust - I didn't see it that way.  Cooks was there by default and didn't earn coming back.  

 

You mention Cooks and Beane talking pre-draft if things didn't work out.  But things did work out for the Bills, they got an excellent WR at great value - so, no need for Cooks.  Play the youngster.  The sooner they get chemistry for Josh-Bell the better.  And I'm rooting for Burton to make the team - once again, signing Cooks is a detriment to that hope.

What if Bell can’t play? I was a fan of the pick but what if he can’t play? The Bills drafted him on day 3, not even with their first pick of the 4th. They were 100% drafting at least 1 WR. The Bills actions though don’t scream, “this is our guy.” Maybe he turns out to be but the Bills aren’t telling Cooks, “we don’t need you anymore because we took a guy at 125 overall.” If they took a guy at 26, that would be different.
 

Cooks wouldn’t be coming here to block anyone. He’d be coming here to ensure that they don’t have to panic in the middle of the season and try to get Gabe, or Meyers or Cooks or Cooper or whomever. We already believe Cooks is better than Palmer and Keon (at least I think). Josh Allen threw him the ball 11 times in the 2 playoff games and 6 the game before that. That’s what trust looks like.

 

In terms of Burton, I get it. He’s competing with Keon though IMO. He’s another guy that you can’t count on. He has a relatively high ceiling with a very low floor. The problem the last few years was the floor. That’s still the case outside of Moore and Shakir.

Edited May 6 by Kirby Jackson

[billsfan89]

3 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

What if Bell can’t play? I was a fan of the pick but what if he can’t play? The Bills drafted him on day 3, not even with their first pick of the 4th. They were 100% drafting at least 1 WR. The Bills actions though don’t scream, “this is our guy.” Maybe he turns out to be but the Bills aren’t telling Cooks, “we don’t need you anymore because we took a guy at 125 overall.” If they took a guy at 26, that would be different.
 

Cooks wouldn’t be coming here to block anyone. He’d be coming here to ensure that they don’t have to panic in the middle of the season and try to get Gabe, or Meyers or Cooks or Cooper or whomever. We already believe Cooks is better than Palmer and Keon (at least I think). Josh Allen threw him the ball 11 times in the 2 playoff games and 6 the game before that. That’s what trust looks like.

 

In terms of Burton, I get it. He’s competing with Keon though IMO. He’s another guy that you can’t count on. He has a relatively high ceiling with a very low floor. The problem the last few years was the floor. That’s still the case outside of Moore and Shakir.

 

I liken the Bell pick to Shakir, a good pick but he is likely to need a year before becoming a contributor. 

[Kirby Jackson]

24 minutes ago, billsfan89 said:

 

I liken the Bell pick to Shakir, a good pick but he is likely to need a year before becoming a contributor. 

He might. I liked the pick a lot. I just have no interest in counting on Coleman/Palmer/Bell. If one or more emerges, great!! That’s what you HOPE for. Hope isn’t a strategy though. The Bills hoped over the last couple years with Samuel, Coleman, Palmer, Moore, Claypool, Isabella, Hamler, etc…

Edited May 6 by Kirby Jackson