Bills Cut WR Isaiah McKenzie; Could He Land Behind Enemy Lines?
As the old saying goes, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.”
Yet, can you “join ‘em” when you routinely beat ‘em?”
The scenario might have a chance to play out in the AFC East this offseason after the Buffalo Bills released slot receiver Isaiah McKenzie on Friday.
Due to a move which provided Buffalo with $2.17 million in additional cap space — as well as shedding a similar skill set to the former New Orleans Saint Deonte Harty (who signed with Buffalo on Wednesday) — the 27-year-old now finds himself in search of a new football home for the first time in five years.
Much to the Bills’ chagrin, one particular destination makes some sense: the New England Patriots.
McKenzie has had notable success in his eight games played against Buffalo’s division rival. The former Georgia Bulldog caught 25 passes for 233 yards, including an 11-catch, 125-yard, one-touchdown performance in Week 16 of the 2021 season. Needless to say, McKenzie has caused some mismatches for New England’s slot corners.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is well-versed in McKenzie’s abilities, as well as his versatility. When asked about the Bills’ wideout on Friday, Belichick offered the following insight to reporters:
“He's an explosive player,” Belichick said. “Very explosive. [He’s a] Home run guy in the return game and, offensively, he gets the ball in space. He's very quick, elusive, and if he gets a crease, he can make a big play, go all the way. He's a dynamic returner … he's a guy who can break the game open with one play.”
McKenzie first joined the NFL as a fifth-round selection by the Denver Broncos in the 2017 NFL Draft. He became a member of the Bills in 2018, where he compiled 1316 yards on 137 catches and 11 touchdowns over the past five seasons. McKenzie had a standout year in 2022, recording 423 yards and four touchdowns on 42 receptions out of the slot.
Despite being courted by other teams last offseason, McKenzie signed a two-year extension with the Bills. At that time, he revealed that New England was one of the teams which showed interest in securing his services.
While New England recently signed former Kansas City Chiefs wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster, and still employs Kendrick Bourne, the appeal of adding a slot/gadget receiver such as McKenzie may once again be worth a look for New England.
Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL
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