As the Buffalo Bills continue filling out their roster with speed, their latest addition is a kick and punt returner. Brandon Powell is joining the Bills on a one-year contract, according to his agency. NYUpstate’s Ryan Talbot reports that the deal is for the veteran minimum.
Powell, 25, is entering effectively his fourth pro season, after initially breaking into the league in 2018. In his first career start with the Detroit Lions, Powell caught six passes for 103 yards against the Green Bay Packers.
Powell spent the 2019 season on practice squads, but was promoted to the Atlanta Falcons’ roster for 2020. He became their primary punt and kick returner, and also caught 12 passes for 69 yards and two touchdowns. As a punt returner in 2020, Powell brought back 17 kicks for 152 yards (8.9 yards per return) and a long of 24 yards. When returning kickoffs, he made 17 attempts for 343 yards (20.2 average) and a long of 29 yards.
The Bills no longer have Andre Roberts on the roster, after the Pro Bowl returner signed with the Houston Texans this offseason. Powell will enter a wide-open competition to return kicks featuring Isaiah McKenzie, Christian Wade, and pretty much any contender among the backup runners, receivers, and defensive backs.