In March, the NFL announced that its adopting a modified version of the XFL's low-impact and high-action kickoff rules, beginning in the 2024 season. Bills head coach Sean McDermott sits on the league's Competition Committee, so he was partially responsible for shaping the new-look kickoff, and consequently, the Bills special teams should have early success.
But finding the right player to return kicks could be an open debate amongst members of the team's coaching staff.
Last season, six different Bills returned only 17 kickoffs and four of those players didn't return to the roster. But wide receiver Khalil Shakir and running back Ty Johnson combined for 13 of those returns, although the former will be a significant part of the team's offensive plans this season.
That leaves Ty Johnson as the most likely candidate for full-time duties, but what other Bills could possibly handle kickoffs for the team in 2024?
3 Intriguing Buffalo Bills that can return kicks under new rules in 2024
Curtis Samuel
When the Bills signed Samuel in free agency, general manager Brandon Beane gushed over his versatility.
"We see him as a guy that, yes, can line up in the backfield, can line up at receiver, gadgets, he could be a returner for us."Brandon Beane, Bills General Manager
Samuel hasn't returned kicks since 2018, but while playing for the Carolina Panthers, he returned 20 kickoffs during his first two seasons as an NFL player. And dating back even further, Samuel returned 21 kickoffs in three seasons at Ohio State University.
Samuel's elite speed, combined with his on-field vision as both a runner and receiver, gives him a legitimate argument to be a primary returner for the Bills in 2024. The validity of this argument will stand trial during the Bills training camp and preseason action.
But Samuel's $24 million contract points to him enjoying a big role in Buffalo.
Darrynton Evans
Entering training camps the Bills have five running backs under contract, including Evans. And while Evans is a prime candidate to be released before the season, he could find a home returning kickoffs.
With James Cook, Ty Johnson, and fourth-round rookie Ray Davis already on the roster, Evans won't be competing for offensive touches in training camp. But when the Bills signed him to a reserve/future contract after last year's playoffs, perhaps McDermott had plans for the former third-round draft pick.
In four seasons, Evans has only returned ten kickoffs at the NFL level. But during his time at Appalachian State University, Evans served as the team's primary kick returner — and he was very successful. Evans returned 56 kicks for the Mountaineers, scoring three touchdowns.
Considering the Bills also signed undrafted rookie Frank Gore Jr., they likely won't keep five running backs on the roster and Evans is likely the odd man out. But if he excels at returning kicks on the practice field and in the preseason, he'll have an outside shot at making the team.
In last year's preseason, Evans had a 42-yard kickoff return against the Indianapolis Colts while playing for the Bills.
Keon Coleman
Coleman serves as the least likely candidate of the bunch, but his history of returning punts in college should earn him some consideration.
While playing for the Florida State Seminoles in 2023, Coleman returned 25 punts for 300 total yards. His 4.61 40-yard dash at the NFL combine was disappointing, but Coleman plays with solid game speed, and his punt returns showcased his elite athletic ability.
Because he'll be a rookie, the Bills could use the new low-impact kickoffs as an opportunity to get Coleman some touches without risking significant injury. His lack of experience returning kicks is a red flag, but he's displayed above-average long speed that could translate to special teams.
Considering the Bills don't have a long-standing NFL kick returner on their roster, it's difficult to predict who might assume responsibility for the role before training camp opens next month. There are some players who seem like good candidates, but right now the position is open for tryouts, so it won't be surprising if some of these players get some touches during the preseason.