What will WR Robert Foster’s role be with the Buffalo Bills in 2019?

Buffalo Bills’ wide receiver Robert Foster was a bright spot in 2018, but what will his role be in 2019?

When the Buffalo Bills signed 2018 undrafted rookie Robert Foster, expectations were low. Although he was a five-star recruit out of high school possessing a 6-foot-2, 198-pound frame, and speed to boot (4.41 second 40-time), the receiver seemingly disappointed during his time at Alabama. In four college seasons, he tallied just 35 receptions for 389 yards and a couple of touchdowns.

Out of college, most viewed Foster as a deep-threat with a limited game. When the Bills released him in October, that was reaffirmed. He showed in the pre-season that his speed and vertical route-running were legit, but he didn’t offer much else. However, when he resigned to the team in November, the same couldn’t be said.

In his first game back with the Bills, Foster shined to the tune of three receptions for 105 yards. But he didn’t stop there. He wound up finishing the season with 541 yards and three touchdowns. His ability to stretch the field helped him build a rapport with strong-armed QB Josh Allen, but he wasn’t limited to just that.

Foster showed immense growth in his game during his second stint in Buffalo. His speed and excellent vertical route-running flourished, but so did his evolution. Foster’s game could no longer be classified as “speed only,” as he showed physicality when working in the middle of the field or contesting catches.

Included in his newfound well-roundedness was the ability to create separation with quick footwork, and a more diversified route-tree. Yet, most important was his chemistry with the team. The Allen-Foster connection proved to be fruitful — Foster can stretch the field and Allen can get it to him — but, he also teamed up with offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, who coached him at Alabama.

The trio of Allen, Foster, and Daboll appears to be a good one, but what is Foster’s role with the team heading into 2019?

With the addition of speedster John Brown and slot receiver Cole Beasley and continued development of Zay Jones, it’s hard to pinpoint how the Bills will utilize Foster next season. The three previously mentioned should be considered as Allen’s go-to targets. But, phasing out Foster shouldn’t be in their best interests.

Not only has Foster fostered (get it?) chemistry with his coaching staff and quarterback, his upside is tremendous. We know that he brings to the speed to the table, but he showed legitimate No. 1 receiver promise last season. Though his game is reliant on the deep ball, there is potential for it to be diversified.

If Foster’s last seven games of the season prove anything, it’s that he can more than a speedster. He showed development in nearly all facets of the game. But, as of now, it’s not nearly complete. For Foster to be a legitimate starter, he will need to show progression as a horizontal route-runner and body control on contested catches.

Nevertheless, he can get there. But, as it currently stands, he’s the fourth receiver depth chart behind Jones, Brown, and Beasley. For now, that’s the way it should be. Until he can prove to be a reliable all-around receiver, you can bet that he will see most of his snaps off the bench or in five-wide formations.

However, if I were a betting man, I would say Foster does show improvement in 2019. His potential is sky-high — he has all the tools, including familiarity, to be a week in week out threat in the NFL. If he can hone that potential or continue to play as he did in the back half of 2018, one of the Bills’ newest additions, could cede snaps to Foster.

Final verdict: Foster was fantastic in 2018, but the Bills upgraded the position mightily in 2019 with productive veteran receivers. Because of that, Foster probably won’t start week one for the Bills unless something unforeseen happens. But, his talent and chemistry are too great not to use. He will enter 2019 as one of the best No. 4 options in the NFL with the upside to be a No. 1 by the end of the season.