Buffalo Bills: 4 players with the most to prove on offense in 2018

Kelvin Benjamin

This is a very important year for Kelvin Benjamin and his potential future earnings.

Benjamin is in his first full season with the Bills on the final year of his contract. He enters the season as the team’s No. 1 receiver but he must prove that he is a player of that stature, whether that be in Buffalo or somewhere else, with a big year on offense.

Benjamin only played in six games for the Bills last season so it is hard to gauge how well he fits into this offense. He will be starting this season healthy and with a new quarterback, so last year shouldn’t factor too much into how fans view him.

If the Bills are going to have any success in the passing game in 2018, Benjamin needs to have a career year. He must prove that he can be the focal point on offense and be someone who can help an average quarterback look great.

That would mean some similar numbers to what he had as a rookie in Carolina in 2014 when he hauled in 73 receptions for 1,008 yards and nine touchdowns. Having Cam Newton throwing him the ball helped too.

Next: Bills 2018 Position Battles: The battle at quarterback

While Zay Jones is fighting for relevance, Benjamin is fighting to maintain a reputation as a No. 1 receiver, and as someone who deserves top ten money. If he can put up 1,000 yards with either McCarron, Allen or Peterman at quarterback, Benjamin will cement himself as a No. 1 guy.