The Buffalo Bills, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, released Jacob Hollister this morning. Hollister, 27, was brought in as a free agent during the offseason after four seasons with New England and Seattle.
In those four seasons, Hollister caught 72 passes for 652 yards and six touchdowns. Hollister was considered to be the primary backup to Dawson Knox at tight end. Hollister’s release could result in several different scenarios for the tight end position in Buffalo.
The Buffalo Bills bring Hollister back
Jacob Hollister’s release could be a temporary one. Last season, the Bills released Andre Roberts and Dean Marlowe before bringing them back after placing Jon Feliciano and Isaiah Hodgins on injured reserve. If the Bills place someone on injured reserve, Hollister could very well be right back on the Bills roster.
Brandon Beane makes a trade
The release of Jacob Hollister could also mean that Brandon Beane has a trade in place. The biggest name that comes to mind is Zach Ertz. Ertz is apparently unhappy in Philadelphia, and has been involved in trade rumors all offseason.
There were rumblings back in late June that Ertz could be sent to Buffalo, but nothing ever materialized. Ertz being traded to Buffalo would be a very intriguing pickup for an offense that is very reliant on its wide receivers. While things have been relatively quiet on the Ertz trade front, Jacob Hollister’s release could be a sign of a trade for Ertz or another tight end.
The Bills like their tight end depth
Hollister’s release could also mean that the Bills like the younger tight end depth that they have. The tight ends that currently sit behind Dawson Knox on the depth chart are Tommy Sweeney, Nate Becker, and Quintin Morris. However, it has been reported this morning that Becker and Morris also have been released.
There’s a chance that the Bills only keep two tight ends due to Reggie Gilliam’s flexibility to play both fullback and tight end. Given that possibility, there’s a chance that the Bills like Tommy Sweeney enough to let Hollister walk.
Jacob Hollister’s release is certainly the most surprising one for the Bills thus far. His release, however, opens up many possibilities for change at the tight end position in Buffalo.