The Buffalo Bills are enhancing their practice squad by signing rookie wide receiver Ahmarean Brown as part of a series of roster changes. The team announced this move on September 26, alongside the elevation of offensive lineman Will Clapp to the active roster and the placement of Tylan Grable on injured reserve.
Ahmarean Brown, known for his speed and versatility, initially went undrafted and signed with the Cleveland Browns. Despite starting on the practice squad, writer Kyle Silaygi from SI.com noted that Brown’s impressive speed could make him a valuable asset on the active roster in the future. During his five-year college career, he recorded 92 receptions for 1,136 yards and nine touchdowns, generating buzz particularly after his final season at South Carolina.
Silaygi remarked that Brown is an intriguing addition, potentially becoming a “gadget” player for the Bills. At approximately 5-foot-8 and 170 pounds, he may be considered undersized, but his performance at South Carolina’s Pro Day showcased his speed, clocking in at 4.31 seconds in both the 40-yard dash and shuttle drill.
In the preseason, Brown caught two passes for 26 yards with the Browns before being released at the roster cutdown. After clearing waivers, he remained a free agent until signing with the Bills this week. Brown has previously discussed the challenges of transitioning to the NFL, acknowledging the steep learning curve.
“It was rough because they throw so much at you,” he said in a recent podcast appearance. “I was studying literally until I went to sleep… I know this game is more mental than physical, so I’ve just been trying to find my routine.”
Finding a spot on the active roster may be challenging for Brown, especially given the depth of the Bills’ wide receiver corps, which was bolstered in the offseason. The team boasts the top offense in the league this year, averaging 37.3 points per game.
After the departure of star receivers Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, quarterback Josh Allen has been distributing the ball effectively among a largely new group of receivers, with six players having caught touchdowns and five making at least five receptions.
Additionally, the Bills have other players with similar profiles on the practice squad, including K.J. Hamler, who showcased versatility in the preseason by lining up as a wide receiver and even taking snaps as a running back. In the final preseason game against the Carolina Panthers, Hamler had three carries for 21 yards and a touchdown.
