Buffalo Bills reportedly re-sign wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie

The Buffalo Bills continue to bring back key players from last year’s team with the recent re-signing being wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie, according to his agency. He joined the team in 2018 and over the past two and half seasons has developed a role as a gadget player for Brian Daboll in this offense.

The Buffalo Bills claimed McKenzie off waivers after he was released by the Denver Broncos. The Broncos had drafted McKenzie in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of the University of Georgia. This past season McKenzie had one of his best seasons with 30 receptions, 247 yards, and five receiving touchdowns. He also returned a punt for a touchdown in Week 17 against the Miami Dolphins.

While he has been an effective playmaker on offense, his value and role could grow even more this coming season on special teams. This offseason the Buffalo Bills lost their primary returner on kickoffs and punts in Andre Roberts, who played in that role the past two seasons.

The Bills don’t have many players who had experience in either, with Micah Hyde having the most on punts. However, now with McKenzie returning he potentially could be the answer to replacing Roberts in both areas.

For his career, McKenzie has 39 punt returns for an average of 9.5 yards per punt and 20 kickoff returns for an average of 19.2.

This isn’t to say that he won’t have a role on offense as Brian Daboll has used him as a wide receiver as well as out of the backfield. He has 75 receptions during his years with the Bills but also has 28 rushing attempts.

The Buffalo Bills likely had competition for Isaiah McKenzie as it was reported the Chicago Bears were interested in signing him. However, now that he is set to return he potentially addresses one of the biggest needs the team had left this offseason if they believe he can handle return duties this coming season.