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Buffalo Bulletin: A Robert Woods Reunion

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After one season as a Tennessee Titan, veteran WR Robert Woods was cut last week. Robert Woods was originally drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2013. A rare successful drought-era draft pick. Though he never got the #1 receiver role in Buffalo, he was a consistent producer and fan favourite during his tenure. For Woods, one benefit of hitting the free agent market so early is that there’s nothing stopping him from signing with a new team ahead of schedule.

For the Bills, familiarity, Woods’ track record, and getting another veteran in the room are all big reasons to bring him on board. Could we be in the market for a Robert Woods reunion?

Bobby Trees: The Bees Knees

Robert Woods was beloved during his first stint in Buffalo. Be it his incredible and oft-unexpected plays or the character he brought to the team, he was a bright spot in one of the darkest periods of team history.

Incessant were the calls for him to take over for Sammy Watkins, to become a focal point on offense. He was efficient, but the Bills didn’t have the QB play to become a pass-first team. They struck out at the most important position in the game right up until the end of Woods’ tenure.

Buffalo Bills (4 yrs)YardsY/RTDsGames
2013-2016245112.11257
Stats Per PFR

No-one could blame him for leaving when he got the chance. Over his four-year rookie contract he produced well, but was stuck behind the likes of both Watkins and poor QB play from a wide range of incapable passers. His play was good. Everyone knew it. He deserved credit, but it was still surprising to see the offer he got from the L.A. Rams.

It wasn’t surprising that he took it. With the stroke of a pen, he was on a 5-year deal worth $39M.

Since You’ve Been Gone

Leaving turned out to be the best thing for Robert Woods, as he immediately became a star for the Los Angeles Rams. In his first four seasons there, he was phenomenal.

L.A. Rams (4 yrs)YardsY/RTDsGames
2017-2020407012.61959
Stats Per PFR

He’d earned an extension with a massive raise, having outplayed his value, and didn’t stop there. Critical to the Rams offense, he contributed to their 2018-19 Super Bowl appearance. Not only that, he was crucial to their early success in their 2021 title run. If not for Woods’ tragic ACL tear midseason, he would likely have played in the Super Bowl for the second time in his career.

Robert Woods L.A. Rams Buffalo Bills Receiver
USA Today

Instead, he got a championship ring from the sidelines, unable to play in the biggest game of his career. The Rams signed Odell Beckham Jr. only two days before Woods tore his ACL in practice. Tragically, their expectation to retain OBJ made the now-injured Robert Woods expendable, and he was shipped off to the Tennessee Titans for a pittance. The Rams received a sixth-round pick, and signed Allen Robinson to fill the hole.

Which brings us here, one season later, after Woods was cut to save salary cap space.

Bring Robert Woods Home

So, the mighty fell. But there’s no reason to believe that he doesn’t have some gas left in the tank. He’ll have a range of suitors, but the market isn’t what it used to be for Bobby Trees.

Woods isn’t expected to draw another massive payday, coming off an ACL injury into the first down year of his career. All he can hope for is to be competitive, on a contending team with a real shot to win the Super Bowl. A Super Bowl that he can play in. The Buffalo Bills are in desperate need of both veteran depth and young talent at the receiver position. Can Robert Woods answer one of those problems?

Depending on the size of the contract, he could well be the short-term answer we need.

Like this piece? Check out the previous Buffalo Bulletin on the absurd idea of trading Stefon Diggs.

The Buffalo Bulletin on Buffalo Fanatics is a weekly editorial by Iestyn Harris. Check back regularly for hot topics, riveting discussion, and, occasionally, some actual insight.

Original Featured Image: Timothy T. Ludwig/USA TODAY Sports; Composite By Iestyn Harris

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One of the owners The Sports Wave, and a Journalist at Buffalo Fanatics, I'm an English immigrant living in Canada. A huge Buffalo Bills fan, I also love my Boston Celtics, Toronto Blue Jays, and Queens Park Rangers.