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Buffalo Bills re-sign WR/PR Isaiah McKenzie

Free agency was set to open Monday

Matt Warren is Associate Director of NFL coverage for SB Nation and previously covered the Bills for Buffalo Rumblings for more than a decade.

The Buffalo Bills have avoided heading to free agency with slot receiver and punt/kicker returner Isaiah McKenzie, as the team announced a new two-year deal on Sunday. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network says it’s two years and up to $8 million. It will be interesting to see how the deal is structured.

McKenzie had an up and down season for the Bills in 2021 playing on a veteran minimum contract. He was inactive for two games after punt fielding became a concern, but stormed back with 11 catches for 125 yards and a touchdown against the New England Patriots in Week 15. He finished the season with 20 receptions, 178 receiving yards, that lone receiving touchdown, nine rushes, 47 rushing yards, and a rushing TD.

Our Jeff Kantrowski broke down McKenzie’s 2021 season for us, and cautioned that he isn’t a direct replacement for Cole Beasley, but can be a successful slot receiver.

“Isaiah McKenzie had a career breakout against New England but there is a question of sustainability. McKenzie’s speed is supplemented by a good set of hands and a variety of ways he can be brought in to cause some chaos. His athletic profile suggests that’s he’s physically capable of a complex route tree, but it appears the Bills are convinced otherwise with a clear emphasis on gadget plays and crossing routes.”

Beasley has been given permission to seek a trade.

No word yet on how much of the contract will be paid in candy.

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