The Buffalo Bills continue to make moves to strengthen their roster, especially at the wide receiver position. On August 29, the team announced the signing of former Denver Broncos wide receiver and return specialist Jalen Virgil to their practice squad, while releasing Deon Cain in a corresponding move. Though he starts on the practice squad, Virgil could quickly become a key contributor, particularly in the kick returner role—a position the Bills are actively trying to solidify.
Jalen Virgil’s Speed Makes Him a Strong Candidate
Jalen Virgil, known for his blazing speed and agility, spent the 2022 season with the Denver Broncos, where he appeared in nine games during his rookie year. He notched two receptions for 75 yards, including a touchdown, and returned one kickoff for 21 yards. Virgil’s reputation as a dynamic return specialist stretches back to his college days at Appalachian State, where he returned 37 kicks for 1,142 yards and three touchdowns. Unfortunately, his 2023 season was cut short due to an injury that landed him on injured reserve, and he was subsequently waived on roster cutdown day.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Kyle Silagyi, the 26-year-old Virgil possesses a skillset that could make him a valuable asset for the Bills, especially on special teams. His experience as a return specialist is precisely what Buffalo is seeking as they look to solidify their kick returner spot for the upcoming season.
New #Bills P-squad player Jalen Virgil is a WR gadget guy/return specialist. Had 3 KOR TDs while at App State from 2017-21. He was with the Broncos since 2022, when they signed him as an undrafted free agent #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/fUryPCw2mD https://t.co/48vqe27Uas
— alex brasky (@alexbrasky) August 28, 2024
Major Changes in Buffalo’s Wide Receiver Corps
The addition of Virgil marks another shift in a wide receiver room that underwent significant changes this offseason. The Bills lost key contributors in Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, two of their top receivers, leaving a major void in the passing attack. In response, the team drafted highly-touted rookie Keon Coleman and brought in veterans like Curtis Samuel and Marquez Valdes-Scantling to replenish their ranks. Virgil joins a competitive group, looking to make an impact, but he’ll face stiff competition.
Even within the practice squad, Virgil is not alone in vying for opportunities. The Bills retained wide receivers K.J. Hamler and Tyrell Shavers on the practice squad after their strong showings in training camp and preseason action. If an opening on the active roster arises, any of these players could step up.
The Battle for Return Specialist Heats Up
The Bills have been on the hunt for a reliable return specialist this offseason. Rookie cornerback Daequan Hardy served as the primary returner during preseason, but the Bills have kept their options open. In fact, Buffalo made a notable move by trading for New York Jets defensive back Brandon Codrington, who stood out as a returner during his college career at NC Central.
Codrington’s preseason performances further solidified his reputation as a return threat. As reported by Sal Maiorana of the Democrat & Chronicle, Codrington had an impressive 63-yard kickoff return against the Carolina Panthers and tallied six punt returns for 89 yards during the preseason. His explosiveness in the return game adds another layer of competition as the Bills seek to fill this crucial role.
This increased emphasis on special teams is partly driven by new NFL rules that promote more kickoff returns, making the return specialist role even more significant this season. Virgil’s experience and knack for making big plays in the return game could give him the edge in the battle for the job.
A Season of Opportunity for Jalen Virgil
For Jalen Virgil, joining the Bills’ practice squad could be the perfect opportunity to prove his value and work his way into a more prominent role. The dynamic receiver and return specialist has the tools to make a difference for the Bills, especially in a season where special teams play may have a larger impact than ever before. If Virgil can capitalize on his speed and versatility, he may become an important piece in Buffalo’s pursuit of success this season.
