And yet, Bills receiver Isaiah McKenzie thinks Buffalo is going to take over the division this offseason. With Tom Brady leaving the Patriots for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, McKenzie thinks the Bills have an opening.
“The Brady situation, I cheered,” he told WROC in Buffalo. “He’s a great player. Our team is stacked. The last two years we’ve been giving him a run for his money, but now that he’s gone, it’s going to kind of be the Bills’ time to take over.”
Isaiah McKenzie said he cheered when Tom Brady left.
After McKenzie’s comments, Bills general manger Brandon Beane backtracked, likely in order to avoid the hubbub about McKenzie’s promise. But the damage is done. Those remarks will surely find their way into the Patriots’ locker room, if and when the team reports for 2020.
Isaiah McKenzie’s future with the Buffalo Bills was in jeopardy, or so it seemed.
Isaiah McKenzie’s future with the Buffalo Bills was in jeopardy, or so it seemed.
On March 16, the Bills declined the restricted free agent tender on his contract, making the 24-year-old a free agent. Later that same day, the Bills traded for Stefon Diggs, who shoots right to the top of their depth chart.
Signs pointed to McKenzie not returning to the Bills, but that was never the case for him. While doing the rounds with Western New York media via video call, McKenzie said returning was always his priority and he officially did so on March 24, inking a one-year deal with the team.
“I told my agents and everybody I want to come back… like no matter what, I want to come back and they gave me an opportunity, they wanted me back and I wanted to be back. It wasn’t anything they had to do to get me there because I would have came back regardless,” McKenzie said.
The reason for his desire to return was what he described as a door opening for the Bills. Tom Brady leaving the AFC helps, but McKenzie said regardless of that he sees an opportunity to achieve something with the Bills, despite having offers from offers from other teams as a free agent.
“Each and every year is a possibility. Last year, what we did last year, we’ve just got to build off that. We’ve got a couple of great guys who came in through free agency and stuff like that… we’ll have some rookies come in to help out… I feel like we’ve got a chance to win the whole thing, if you ask me,” McKenzie said.
And of course the first name that comes to name in McKenzie’s mentioning of free agency is Diggs, who the Bills traded for when the market opened. McKenzie described Diggs as a welcomed addition, not any sort of threat to his potential job security.
“It’s just another piece of the puzzle that we need. It’s going to be a great season,” he said.
McKenzie, like Diggs, John Brown and Cole Beasley, the presumed top-three wideouts on the Bills roster, is not the big-bodied target many projected for Buffalo this offseason. Still, the Bills haven’t been shy in the past about their feelings on the receiver position. Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott have both referenced just wanting the best talent at the position, size or shape doesn’t matter.
What does provide might even more valuable. It’s McKenzie’s versatility, something he’s put on display in his Bills career.
After struggling with fumbles early in his career as a returner, he’s proven to be a valuable asset as a a gadget player. McKenzie had 27 catches for 254 yards and a touchdown, and added 49 yards rushing on eight carries in 15 games last season.
With the NFL Draft to still unfold, McKenzie could be in a battle for a roster spot in training camp.
Todd Gurley, Leonard Floyd, and Thomas Davis are among many Georgia Bulldogs in NFL Free Agency.
NFL Free Agency is especially unpredictable this off-season. Numerous Georgia Bulldogs are headlining some shocking moves.
In a surprising move, the Los Angeles Rams have released Todd Gurley. Gurley would fit in with the Atlanta Falcons, Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and more. He was the engine of Los Angeles’s Super Bowl offense in 2018.
The Chicago Bears have released outside linebacker Leonard Floyd. Floyd signed a one year deal with the Los Angeles Rams. Chicago originally selected Floyd with a first round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Nov 17, 2019; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) makes a pass under pressure from Chicago Bears outside linebacker Leonard Floyd (94) during the first quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
New York Jets outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins is in for a massive raise. New York, who has minimal pass rushing opinions, will have to pay their 2019 sack leader to coax him to stay.
The Bengals have released offensive tackle Cordy Glenn. Glenn, a second round pick out of the University of Georgia, is a free agent. At 30, Glenn will have a market among teams looking to upgrade their pass-blocking.
Recently released former New York Giants linebacker Alec Ogletree is seeking a new home. At 28 years old, Ogletree is still productive. He has the speed necessary to be a linebacker in the modern NFL.
Buffalo Bills decline option on restricted free agent tender on Isaiah McKenzie contract, making him a free agent.
The Buffalo Bills may be moving on from wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie. Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the team declined his restricted free agent option.
By flexing that, the Bills would’ve had McKenzie, 24, under contract in 2020 for a $2 million price tag. Instead, McKenzie will now test the open market as a free agent.
McKenzie was a fifth-round draft pick of the Broncos in 2017. He struggled with fumbles in his career with the Broncos, and then did so with the Bills once the team signed him off of the waiver wire in November 2018.
McKenzie did flash an ability for the Bills to be used in a variety of ways though, both as a pass catcher and a rusher.
In 2019, McKenzie had 27 catches for 254 yards and a touchdown. He added 49 rushing yards on eight carries but was replaced by Andre Roberts as the team’s kick returner. McKenzie even played cornerback for a few snaps in the Bills’ season finale against the Jets when a couple of starters were resting.
McKenzie is set to explore the free agent market, but if he doesn’t get many offers, there’s still a chance the Bills could consider adding him as a depth option that competes for a spot in training camp, considering his versatility. The Bills love versatility in their players.
But considering the Bills did, at least for now, move on from McKenzie, it will be a curious situation to monitor. Do the Bills invest another free agent signing or draft pick in their wideout room to bolster the unit?
Georgia Bulldogs Jordan Jenkins, Cordy Glenn, Alec Ogletree,Thomas Davis, Reshad Jones and more are NFL free agents this off-season.
Several Georgia Bulldogs are NFL free agents and will cash in this off-season. NFL Free Agency started Monday morning, March 16 when the contact/negotiation period began. The new CBA has been approved and teams are ready to roll toward the 2020 season.
March 16th was the deadline for teams to place a franchise tag on players. In fact, the Cincinnati Bengals put a franchise tag on wide receiver A.J. Green. The franchise tag prevents Green from entering into NFL Free Agency. Will he sign the tag with Cincinnati or hold out? Green has already stated he’ll skip OTAs (which may be cancelled due to the Coronavirus).
The Bengals have released offensive tackle Cordy Glenn. Glenn, a second round pick out of the University of Georgia, is a free agent. At 30, Glenn will have a market among teams looking to upgrade their pass-blocking.
New York Jets outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins is in for a massive raise. New York, who has minimal pass rushing opinions, will have to pay their 2019 sack leader to coax him to stay.
Recently released former New York Giants linebacker Alec Ogletree will look for another payday. At 28 years old, Ogletree is in his prime and will command a longer term contract.
Oct 10, 2019; Foxborough, MA, USA; New York Giants outside linebacker Alec Ogletree (47) tackles New England Patriots running back Brandon Bolden (38) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Dolphins released veteran safety Reshad Jones. Jones is a Pro Bowl level talent if he can stay healthy. At 32 years old, Jones will sign a short-term deal.
Numerous Georgia Bulldogs are scheduled to become NFL free agents this off-season including: A.J. Green, Reshad Jones, and more.
Numerous Georgia Bulldogs are becoming NFL free agents this off-season. Each of these Bulldogs will get one of the largest paydays of their life or simply another shot to make an impact in the NFL.
NFL free agency kicks-off on Monday, March 16th when the legal tampering period begins. March 16th is also the deadline for teams to place a franchise tag on players. The new CBA is currently being voted on and could complicate the free agency process.
There’s no doubt about the top potential University of Georgia product who could be headed for NFL Free Agency: Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green. The Bengals are expected to give Green the franchise tag to prevent him from hitting free agency.
When healthy A.J. Green is one of the elite wide receivers in the NFL. Unfortunately he missed the entire 2019 season after suffering an ankle injury in training camp. Swelling prevented his attempted return late in the season.
Green, who is 31 years old, has over 600 career receptions for 8,907 yards. He’s scored 63 touchdowns as well, but has never won a playoff game. Will he sign the franchise tag with Cincinnati or holdout? The Bengals have needs across the board and may want to stick with their talented young receivers, who will look to mesh with projected number one overall pick Joe Burrow.
New York Jets outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins will be in for a massive raise. Jenkins led New York in sacks in 2019 with 8.0 sacks. The Jets are desperate for a better pass rush. Green was the only Jets linebacker or defensive lineman with more than three sacks! Look for him to command around ten million dollars per season.
Sep 8, 2019; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins (48) celebrates during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Recently released linebacker Alec Ogletree will be looking for another payday. The New York Giants elected to release him instead of paying his hefty salary. At 28 years old, Ogletree is still in his prime and will command league-wide interest.
The Miami Dolphins released veteran safety Reshad Jones to open up cap space. Jones, when healthy, is an impact player. At 32 years old, Jones will sign a shorter deal.
John Jenkins, who played in 16 games for the Miami Dolphins as a defensive tackle, is set to be a free agent as well. Jenkins is coming off one of his best seasons, where he recorded one sack along with 34 total tackles. Look for him to re-sign in Miami.
Buffalo Bills receiver Isaiah McKenzie will hit the NFL Fee Agent market. The 24 year-old had an career-best 2019 campaign, where he caught 27 passes for 257 receiving yards and scored a touchdown. His versatile skill-set will be coveted.
Ben Watson, who played with the New England Patriots in 2019, is a free agent. Watson announced his retirement following New England’s defeat to the Tennessee Titans in the postseason. Watson has returned after retiring before, so don’t be shocked if he plays one more season.
Bonus: Las Vegas Raiders running back Isaiah Crowell, who missed the 2019 season with an Achilles injury, is set to become a free agent. Crowell never got to play for the Raiders, but he’ll look to make an impact somewhere in 2020.
There are numerous Georgia Bulldogs who will become a free agent this off-season in the NFL. Each of these Bulldogs will get one of the largest paydays of their life or simply another shot to make an impact in the NFL. There’s no doubt about the top …
There are numerous Georgia Bulldogs who will become a free agent this off-season in the NFL. Each of these Bulldogs will get one of the largest paydays of their life or simply another shot to make an impact in the NFL.
There’s no doubt about the top University of Georgia product who is headed for NFL Free Agency: Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green.
Sep 30, 2018; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) celebrates with running back Mark Walton (32) after making the game-winning touchdown catch as Atlanta Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver (20) and cornerback Brian Poole (34) look on in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
When healthy A.J. Green is one of the elite wide receivers in the NFL. Unfortunately he missed the entire 2019 season after suffering an ankle injury in training camp and swelling when he attempted to return.
That won’t stop the Georgia legend from getting a big pay day. Green, who is 31 years old, has over 600 career receptions for 8,907 yards. He’s scored 63 touchdowns as well, but has never won a playoff game. Will he return to Cincinnati? The Bengals have other needs and may want to stick with their young receivers, who will look to mesh with likely number one overall pick Joe Burrow.
Beyond Green, New York Jets outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins will be in for a huge raise. Jenkins led New York in sacks in 2019 with 8.0 sacks. The Jets are desperate for a better pass rush. Green was the only linebacker or defensive lineman on the Jets with more than three sacks!
Recently released linebacker Alec Ogletree will be looking for another payday. The New York Giants elected to release him instead of paying his hefty salary. Now, Ogletree will likely look for a new home. At 28 years old, Ogletree is still in his prime and will command interest.
Ben Watson, who played with the New England Patriots, is a free agent. Watson announced his retirement following New England’s defeat to the Tennessee Titans in the postseason. Watson has returned after retiring before, so don’t be shocked if he gives it one more shot.
John Jenkins, who played in 16 games for the Miami Dolphins as a defensive tackle, is set to be a free agent as well. Jenkins is coming off one of his best seasons, where he recorded one sack along with 34 total tackles. Look for him to re-sign in Miami.
Lastly, Buffalo Bills receiver Isaiah McKenzie is set to hit the NFL Fee Agent market. The 24 year-old had an excellent 2019 campaign, where he caught 27 passes for 257 receiving yards and scored a touchdown. His versatile skill-set will be coveted.
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Bonus: Isaiah Crowell, who missed the 2019 season with an Achilles injury is set to become a free agent. Crowell never got to play for the Raiders in 2019 and will look to make an impact in 2020.
There are numerous notable Georgia Bulldogs who will become a free agent this off-season in the NFL including: A.J. Green and Jordan Jenkins
There are numerous notable Georgia Bulldogs who will become a free agent this off-season in the NFL. Each of these Dawgs will get one of the largest paydays of their life or simply another shot to make an impact in the NFL.
There’s no doubt about the top UGA product who is headed for NFL Free Agency: Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green walks the field before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Frank Victores)
When healthy A.J. Green is one of the elite wide receivers in the NFL. Unfortunately he missed the entire 2019 season after suffering an ankle injury and swelling when he attempted to return.
That won’t stop the Georgia legend from getting a big pay day. Green, who is 31, has over 600 career receptions for 8,907 yards. He’s scored 63 touchdowns as well, but has never won a playoff game. Will he return to Cincinnati? The Bengals have other needs and may want to stick with their young receivers, who will look to mesh with likely number one overall pick Joe Burrow.
Beyond Green, New York Jets outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins will be in for a huge raise. Jenkins led the Jets in sacks in 2019 with 8.0 sacks. The Jets are desperate for a better pass rush. Green was the only linebacker or defensive lineman on the Jets with more than three sacks!
Ben Watson, who played with the New England Patriots, is technically a free agent. Watson announced his retirement following New England’s defeat in the playoffs. Watson has returned after retiring before, so don’t be shocked if he tries to win one more Super Bowl.
John Jenkins, who played in 16 games for the Miami Dolphins, is set to be a free agent as well. Jenkins is coming off one of his best seasons, where he recorded one sack along with 34 total tackles.
Lastly, Buffalo Bills receiver Isaiah McKenzie is set to hit the market as well. The 24 year old had an excellent 2019 campaign, where he caught 27 passes for 257 receiving yards and scored a touchdown.
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Bonus: Isaiah Crowell, who missed the 2019 season with an Achilles injury is set to become a free agent. Crowell never got to play for the Raiders.
The Buffalo Bills wide receiver room improved immensely this past year.
Here is Bills Wire’s position-by-position breakdown of the team’s roster, continuing with the wide receivers, including the season that was and projecting forward:
Buffalo Bills wide receiver John Brown. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
The Buffalo Bills wide receiver room improved immensely in 2019. The additions of John Brown and Cole Beasley gave the team a legitimate threat in the aerial attack. The free agent acquisitions provided quarterback Josh Allen with two sorely needed reliable targets to help with the young signal caller’s growth.
Brown came through with a 72-catch; 1,060-yard season with six scores, all career-highs. Beasley, the shifty slot receiver, finished second on the team with 67 catches and 778 receiving yards. He also set a career-high with six touchdown passes.
Beyond this duo, though, the remainder of the aerial attack distribution was thin. Isaiah McKenzie provided a threat of speed, and he was utilized in motion and on sweeps in games. He caught 27 passes for 254 yards and one touchdown receptions while adding eight rushes for 49 yards.
Duke Williams, an intriguing, big-bodied prospect who gave Josh Allen a large target out wide, dressed for only four games. In his limited time on the field, he did bring fans to their feet. However, he also struggled with some issues of consistently catching the ball.
Most of the contributions of Robert Foster and Andre Roberts were on special teams. Foster was used primarily on the coverage unit, while Roberts provided a spark in the return game, earning a Pro Bowl nod there. Foster, unfortunately, could not replicate his break out performances from last year, catching only three passes on the season. Roberts averaged 26.6 yards per kick return.
Let us not forget Zay Jones, who was traded after playing five games for the Bills. he caught only 7-of-18 targets.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Cole Beasley. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Contract situation
Brown is under contract through the 2021 season after signing a three-year, $21 million contract this past offseason. Beasley will be in the fold a year longer, as he signed a four-year $29 million contract.
Roberts and Williams enter the final year of their respective contracts. Roberts will be the primary returner, as he has a reasonable $2 million cap hit.
McKenzie is a restricted free agent, while Foster is under exclusive-rights free agent status, so he’ll be back with the Bills, or else’ by rule, will sit out a season, essentially. Buffalo will have the first crack at re-signing these players in the offseason.
The future
Brown and Beasley are set in stone for the upcoming season. The duo combined for 139 receptions, and the Bills will do anything to upset the chemistry that the pair has made with Allen.
Roberts will come back as the primary returner for the team. He is a threat every time he touches the ball, so his presence is important in the special teams game.
While Williams, McKenzie, and Foster have flashed some promise in the past, there is no doubt that this group could use another game-breaking player.
McKenzie was an effective player who fit into several schemes on offense. However, the Bills could look to Roberts to fill the role that McKenzie occupied. It’s a speculatory option at this point.
Williams, for his part, gives Buffalo a physical receiver on the boundary. However, the team still sees that former CFL star has a little ways to go, as he dressed for only five games (including the playoff game). Williams’ playoff game participation ahead of Foster may give an indication into the Alabama product’s future on the roster.
Even with the improvement in the group this year, expect Buffalo’s brass to try and find another piece to upgrade this unit in the offseason.
The question is, could that be in free agency via another vet like AJ Green? Or this year’s draft class contains several wide receivers who could support the Bills’ need for an explosive player out wide. Players such as CeeDee Lamb, Laviska Shenault and Tee Higgins are just a few prospects that could be on Buffalo’s radar with their first-round pick at No. 22.
