Isaiah McKenzie
Isaiah McKenzie was set to be a free agent after the season but the Buffalo Bills were able to agree to a two-year contract before the start of free agency. The move presently looks like it could be a great bargain as McKenzie has already shown over the past two years that he can excel in this role.
The first time came at the end of the 2020 season when McKenzie started in place of Beasley, who had suffered a leg injury the week prior. He would start against the Miami Dolphins in the final regular season game and had six receptions, 65 receiving yards, and two touchdowns.
Then last season he would start again in place of Cole Beasley, this time against the New England Patriots. He would have a career game with 11 receptions, 125 receiving yards and a touchdown. ESPN’s Matt Bowen details in the clip below what McKenzie brings to the position with his speed that Beasley wasn’t able to.
On the #Bills releasing WR Cole Beasley…
— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) March 17, 2022
More slot targets for Isaiah McKenzie in ‘22. Saw that on the tape vs. NE last season. Short-area speed to separate. Throw the crossers/unders — and utilize his motion/movement ability on schemed touches. @NFLMatchup pic.twitter.com/HuIsNbwiwn
The Buffalo Bills will likely explore options in free agency and the NFL Draft but with McKenzie on the roster, they already have a player who is more than capable to step into the role if general manager Brandon Beane doesn’t like the other options.