The Buffalo Bills have had many players try to hold down the tight end position over the past decade. They've drafted players all over the 3rd-7th rounds of the draft and brought in free agent after free agent, but none have grabbed hold of the job for any long-term success in the decade. We're starting to get into the dregs of this team, folks.
Now that I've really pumped you up to read, here are the biographies for the All-Decade tight end candidates:
Jay Riemersma
Only three of Riemersma's six-year Buffalo career fell in the 2000s, but all three were solid seasons. He was originally drafted out of Michigan in the seventh round of the 1996 NFL Draft, but didn't play at all in that first year. He became only the second Bills tight end in history to record more than 50 receptions in a season when he caught 53 in 2001. In the decade, the big tight end started 42 games in Buffalo, catching 116 passes for 1,312 yards and eight touchdowns. Those numbers are all good for tops among the Bills tight ends in the decade.
Mark Campbell
When Riemersma departed via free agency, the Bills signed Campbell to fill the void. Campbell was productive and racked up 70 receptions in his three seasons. His reception total, 681 receiving yards, six touchdowns, and 33 starts are all third in the decade.
Robert Royal
When Campbell left via free agency, the Bills signed Royal to fill the void (see a pattern?). Royal was also productive in his time with Buffalo, catching 81 passes for 832 yards, seven touchdowns, and 37 starts, which all place him in the middle of the Bills 2000s tight ends.
Best of the rest
Derek Schouman is the best of the rest with 27 career receptions, 275 yards, and a touchdown in 21 games. Michael Gaines had 25 receptions, 215 yards, and two touchdowns in 2007, his lone year in Buffalo. Dave Moore grabbed 23 receptions and 4 TDs in 2002 and 2003.
Now it's your turn to vote on who was the best Bills tight end of the decade. Leave your rationale in the comments section.