Following the signing of former Falcons WR Mack Hollins, a veteran player on Bills is hot sit

In preparation for the 2024 NFL season, the Buffalo Bills are adjusting their offensive strategy. With six veterans released and multiple contracts restructured, general manager Brandon Beane has set his sights on free agency to take action.

Reported by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN on March 13, the Buffalo Bills have signed ex-Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mack Hollins to a one-year deal with potential earnings reaching $3 million.

Hollins had a meager output of 18 receptions for 259 yards in the previous season. But when he joined the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022, his performance surged as he achieved an all-time high record with 57 catches that earned him a total of 690 yards and four touchdowns. Aside from being an impressive special teams asset, this towering athlete standing at six-foot-four and weighing over two hundred pounds is also recognized for his exceptional blocking skills. “He’s like a barbarian type of guy,” commented Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge about Hollins as quoted by The Athletic article on January14,2023 .

The departure of Hollins for Buffalo has raised concerns about the future employment status of Trent Sherfield as a wide receiver in the Bills team. Sherfield, who had joined on a one-year deal worth $1.7 million during last season’s offseason, is now an unrestricted free agent.

After a fan inquired on X if Hollins would replace Sherfield, WGR 550’s Sal Capaccio commented that he too saw Hollins in this light. However, Capaccio noted that they may still decide to bring back Sherfield and emphasized the similarity between their roles.

Despite already owning a house in Buffalo, Sherfield must still earn his place on the team if he is to be re-signed. According to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic, while Sherfield did not meet expectations during the regular season despite a strong showing in spring training and preseason games, he demonstrated versatility by playing all three positions as well as special teams; furthermore, he quickly earned respect among teammates within the locker room.

Getting to know top receiver Stefon Diggs closely, he may find it valuable to have Sherfield back on the team even if only for spring and summer and with an aim of placing him in the practice squad. If fortunate enough to join the team officially, he would likely fill fifth, sixth or seventh position within their wide receivers unit.

Sherfield had 1 touchdown, 86 yards and caught the ball a total of 11 times during last season.

Former Falcons teammates affectionately referred to Mack Hollins as “a caveman” due to his eccentricities.

Hollins’ career has been a tumultuous one, starting with his selection in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. His rookie season saw him make 16 receptions for 226 yards and score a touchdown; unfortunately, he was forced to sit out all of 2018 due to injury troubles.

Following his release from the Eagles in the latter part of 2019, he inked a deal with the Miami Dolphins and remained there for two years. Throughout this time period, he managed to accumulate an overall tally of 30 receptions amounting to 399 yards alongside five splendid touchdowns. Subsequently concluding one season on board with Raiders; he then joined forces with Falcons by signing up as their player.

Despite calling himself “a caveman,” Falcons receiver Drake London was highly respected among his teammates, even though Hollins had a preference for going barefoot and believed that using utensils while eating made one weak. This information was revealed by The Athletic.

Mack garnered immense admiration from his Atlanta teammates. “He established an exemplary benchmark for us,” Hodge complimented. “No matter what you do, he holds you responsible for it. If you claim to have set targets, he ensures that they don’t slip your mind by reminding you every day. Several players hold him in high esteem due to this quality of his; He’s a magnificent leader.”

The search for a wide receiver is ongoing by the Bills.

The addition of Hollins doesn’t eliminate the possibility of the Bills searching for another wide receiver. Since Gabe Davis left for Jacksonville in free agency, Beane must find a new deep-threat receiving option to support quarterback Josh Allen. To accomplish this objective, Beane could explore low-cost veteran options in free agency or select a rookie receiver during the first round pick at 2024 NFL draft.

At the NFL Scouting Combine, numerous wide receivers were interviewed by the Bills. Among them was Keon Coleman from Florida State while Ladd McConkey from Georgia also caught Buffalo’s attention.

Bills head coach Sean McDermott expressed his search for a player who can make an instant impact with their No. 28 overall pick. He acknowledged that rookies are making significant contributions across the league, indicating that youth is currently dominating in football.

An essential aspect for us is to have our young players prepared and capable of playing when they come in. Therefore, I believe that these interviews are crucial as we can truly understand not only their skills but also who they are at the core of their being beyond just sportsmanship.