Bills Sign Brandon Powell, Explore Options at Return Specialist

The Buffalo Bills have signed WR/Return Specialist Brandon Powell to a one-year deal, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. According to Ryan Talbot of NYUpstate.com, the deal is reportedly worth the veteran minimum.

Who is Brandon Powell?

Power played four years at the University of Florida, before entering the NFL in 2018. He signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent. In 2018, he served as a reserve receiver for the Lions, recording just 11 receptions for 129 yards and four total returns for 51 yards in six games. Powell spent the 2019 season on the Atlanta Falcons practice squad before getting an opportunity as their return specialist this past season. In 2020, he had 17 kick returns for 343 yards as well as 17 punt returns for 152 yards in 15 games. (He also recorded 12 receptions for 69 yards and two touchdowns.)

What does this mean for the Bills?

Earlier this week, Isaiah McKenzie told the Bills media that he wanted “to win it all” and become the team’s kick and punt returner in 2021. Well, he got his wish. With the Powell signing, as well as other recent meetings (see the section below), it is clear there will be a competition to replace Andre Roberts this preseason. (This also means there may be more contestants for the Matt Breida-Isaiah McKenzie foot race.)

In other news…

• It has been reported that the Bills worked out former Eastern Michigan and Spring League WR/RS Mathew Sexton earlier today.
• The Bills will also host former Green Bay Packers Running Back/RS Tyler Ervin, per ESPN’s Field Yates.