With training camp wrapping up, the preseason will start this weekend for the Buffalo Bills and that opens up opportunities for many players. As of 2024, three preseason games give young players and rookies a chance to get their feet wet at the NFL level. It also allows players to prove their worth to the roster, usually for a backup position, or a spot on special teams.
Through each preseason game, little at a time, players will get cut based on performance or value to their team. These Bills players will most likely get cut after the first week of preseason.
TE Tre' McKitty
Tight ends aren't a position needed in large quantities. Most teams have three to four tight ends on their roster, and the Bills already have their select three, Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox, and Quintin Morris. McKitty was fighting for Morris's spot, but now there's more competition ahead.
So far this camp, tight end Zach Davidson has been very impressive and is even getting some reps with the first team. Davidson has been making monster plays every day during training camp and is probably in competition for Morris's spot. If Davidson keeps this up, McKitty may be off the roster as soon as week one of the preseason ends.
WR Andy Isabella
The Bills offense has already narrowed down their choices of the select few who will be on the roster, and Isabella isn't one of them. He's mainly been on special teams returning kicks, but he's competing with KJ Hamler and Daquan Hardy for that spot.
However, Hamler was getting some time with an offense, specifically the backup offense, indicating that he's likely winning the battle. Hardy is also a rookie, so it's still hard to tell his potential value as a player, putting Isabella in a flaky spot.
Isabella has been in the league for some time now, and coaches know his value already which isn't much besides his speed and experience in the return game. On the other hand, Hardy's max potential is still unknown, and the Bills would probably want to learn more about his potential.
During the preseason, all three players will likely be returning kicks, and one, maybe two of these players have a chance to make the roster together. However, there likely isn't a scenario where Hamler and Isabella make it, and it seems like Hamler is winning the job currently. So unless Isabella impresses in the preseason, he may not be on the roster for much longer.
WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling
This prediction may be a stretch, but there is a lot of competition within the receiver room during this camp, and reports indicate that Valdes-Scantling's spot has "faded in the background" throughout training camp. He is a speedy receiver who can contribute to a couple of home run plays, as he's been that type of player with Green Bay and the Kansas City.
However, that's all he can do. He's not a great route runner, he doesn't provide much with special teams, he can't play well in the slot, and he can't do much after the catch.
Valdes-Scantling has also dropped many passes during his career. His catch percentage has never been over 52%. Last year, he had one of his worst seasons as a pro. There are better and younger players with more potential, and depending on their preseason performance, this could cause Valdes-Scantling to get cut from the roster.