Buffalo Bills 2022 Free Agent Profile: Wide Receiver Isaiah McKenzie
The wide receiver position for the Buffalo Bills could look very different next year with a few key players set to be free agents. One of those players is Isaiah McKenzie, who is going to be a free agent for the third straight offseason.
The past two years, McKenzie has returned on a one-year deal but this offseason he may have more of a market and Buffalo could have some competition in free agency. Let’s take a look at his career, what he did last year and if Buffalo should re-sign him.
Career Overview
Isaiah McKenzie was a fifth round pick by the Denver Broncos in 2017 and would play 12 games for Denver until he was released midway through the 2018 season. He had a limited role over those 12 games with only 4 receptions and 29 yards.
The Buffalo Bills would claim him on waivers and he would have a chance to have a bigger role as a gadget-type player. He would appear in 38 games and 16 starts through the 2021 season with 75 receptions, six receiving touchdowns, and two rushing touchdowns.
2021 Season Recap
This past season, Isaiah McKenzie would see his role in the offense drop significantly as he was the starting returner. However, McKenzie struggled in that role, particularly in ball security, and would lose that job midway through the season.
The coaching staff would make him a bigger part of the offense to bring back a speed element that had been missing. He played well and had a breakout game against the New England Patriots in place of Cole Beasley, as he finished with a career-high 11 receptions, 125 receiving yards while adding one receiving touchdown.
Should the Buffalo Bills re-sign Isaiah McKenzie?
There is no question that Isaiah McKenzie has played well on offense when given the chance. He is one of the fastest players on the team and fills a need at the wide receiver position.
The question is do they see him having a bigger role moving forward, potentially as the starting slot receiver and replacing Beasley (either this year or next year). The type of contract they sign him to if they do bring him back will give an indication of how they envision him in this offense.
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This would be a good upside signing because at a minimum he is a great depth player with the potential to be a starting wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills.