As every team is focused on the here and now of this year's NFL free agency and the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, we can't help but think back to a few key free agents from the Buffalo Bills' 2023 offseason.
It always makes fans feel a bit better inside when they can see a former player whom they might have missed, go on and not exactly do too hot with their new team after leaving the organization.
Last year, the Bills had a handful of in-house free agents who chose to leave for new teams. Some of them were notable names, while others were more like utility pieces to the roster. In any event, let's look back on a few names from last year's free agency class who didn't necessarily perform up to snuff with their new teams in 2023.
Case Keenum didn't necessarily fail, but he wasn't needed in Houston
The story of the 2023 Houston Texans began and ended with rookie phenom C.J. Stroud. The no. 2 overall pick burst onto the scene and made everyone forget that Bryce Young was, in fact, the no. 1 overall pick.
Because of Stroud's success and sustained health, Case Keenum was rarely called upon. He did make two starts, going 1-1 in those games. Keenum only threw one touchdown as opposed to three interceptions, so you could argue that he didn't really perform well.
Tremaine Edmunds had a slow start to his massive new contract with the Bears
The Chicago Bears signed Tremaine Edmunds to a huge, 4-year contract worth $72 million last offseason and chose to do so instead of keeping and paying Roquan Smith. You could argue it didn't exactly work out in their favor, as their other free agent signing, T.J. Edwards, made a bigger impact than Edmunds, and for far less money.
Edmunds did not look like himself with the Bears last year, and if you asked Pro Football Focus, they'd agree. He was given a grade of just 56.6 on the season in 2023.
Isaiah McKenzie had a hard time finding a role in Indianapolis in 2023
After hauling in 92 receptions and scoring 10 touchdowns over his last three seasons with Buffalo, wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie signed with the Colts and would only go on to catch 11 passes for 82 yards while failing to get into the end zone. He was certainly utilized more heavily in Buffalo, that's for sure.