Laviska Shenault to the Bills

[Logic]

I find the "receiver who can't really play receiver very well"/returner/gadget player guys to be so interesting.

To varying degrees over the years: Deebo Samuel, Curtis Samuel, Laviska Shenault, Cordarelle Patterson, Percy Harvin, even Roscoe Parrish and Isaiah McKenzie.

Guys who are shifty and elusive and whose hands you want to get the ball into, but you have to find creative ways to do it, because they don't fit into the classic WR or RB roles. These guys just fascinate me.

Cordarelle Patterson found a way to hang on in the league for a long time, aided by his switch from WR to RB. Obviously not everyone is cut out for that kind of switch (though Shenault is about the same size and weight as Patterson), but...it helps these guys get matched up on linebackers and safeties rather than corners.

In any case...like everyone else, I'm expecting Shenault to factor into the return competition and to make a few plays in preseason that get everyone excited for him, only to see him released on cutdown day. 

One thing that occurred to me is that maybe they'd rather have their returner be capable of pitching in on offense. Like...Codrington is/was never going to be used much on defense (other than in garbage time), so you're rostering a guy with just ONE purpose. If Shenault could have TWO purposes, by being a returner and also being at least somewhat capable receiver depth...maybe that's an improvement in terms of roster spot usage.

[Bleeding Bills Blue]

I'm not sure this guys gonna make the roster, especially if he doesn't return punts.  I suppose it's good to have guys like this in camp though in case of emergency.  

[Bleeding Bills Blue]

  On 3/14/2025 at 4:40 PM, Logic said:

I find the "receiver who can't really play receiver very well"/returner/gadget player guys to be so interesting.

To varying degrees over the years: Deebo Samuel, Curtis Samuel, Laviska Shenault, Cordarelle Patterson, Percy Harvin, even Roscoe Parrish and Isaiah McKenzie.

Guys who are shifty and elusive and whose hands you want to get the ball into, but you have to find creative ways to do it, because they don't fit into the classic WR or RB roles. These guys just fascinate me.

Cordarelle Patterson found a way to hang on in the league for a long time, aided by his switch from WR to RB. Obviously not everyone is cut out for that kind of switch (though Shenault is about the same size and weight as Patterson), but...it helps these guys get matched up on linebackers and safeties rather than corners.

In any case...like everyone else, I'm expecting Shenault to factor into the return competition and to make a few plays in preseason that get everyone excited for him, only to see him released on cutdown day. 

One thing that occurred to me is that maybe they'd rather have their returner be capable of pitching in on offense. Like...Codrington is/was never going to be used much on defense (other than in garbage time), so you're rostering a guy with just ONE purpose. If Shenault could have TWO purposes, by being a returner and also being at least somewhat capable receiver depth...maybe that's an improvement in terms of roster spot usage.

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It always seems like a good idea, then somehow 6 weeks in we're scrambling and have Hyde or Shakir out there catching them. 

 

Codrington shouldn't be guaranteed a job (he was actually quite good at returns last year though) - but Harty, Roberts, and Hines didn't really do much for the offense either and all of them cost considerably more in an attempt to get more out of that roster spot.  I'd throw mckenzie in there too, but he didn't inspire confidence as a returner even with the TD against Miami.    

[ColoradoBills]

  On 3/14/2025 at 4:38 PM, Bigvinny said:

They have to sign like 30 guys to get to 90 for the off-season, doesn't mean they all will make the team, we go through this every year people.

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No doubt someone at OBD seen he was available, and they snatched him up for camp.

IMO a vet like this is better than an UDFA.  I'm interested how he fits in during the summer.

[MrEpsYtown]

  On 3/14/2025 at 4:46 PM, Bleeding Bills Blue said:

 

It always seems like a good idea, then somehow 6 weeks in we're scrambling and have Hyde or Shakir out there catching them. 

 

Codrington shouldn't be guaranteed a job (he was actually quite good at returns last year though) - but Harty, Roberts, and Hines didn't really do much for the offense either and all of them cost considerably more in an attempt to get more out of that roster spot.  I'd throw mckenzie in there too, but he didn't inspire confidence as a returner even with the TD against Miami.    

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Also with a new special teams coach, there is no rapport there, so Codrignton is likely going to have to earn it all over again. 

[Mat68]

  On 3/14/2025 at 4:58 PM, MrEpsYtown said:

 

Also with a new special teams coach, there is no rapport there, so Codrignton is likely going to have to earn it all over again. 

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Finding a solid depth player who is a good return man is tricky.  Offensive gadget guy is the closest you can get usually.  Codrignton was a good returner.  Wont be easy taking that.   

[The Jokeman]

  On 3/14/2025 at 4:58 PM, MrEpsYtown said:

 

Also with a new special teams coach, there is no rapport there, so Codrignton is likely going to have to earn it all over again. 

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Toss in Daequan Hardy might stay healthy this preseason which adds more competition. 

[Logic]

  On 3/14/2025 at 4:58 PM, MrEpsYtown said:

 

Also with a new special teams coach, there is no rapport there, so Codrignton is likely going to have to earn it all over again. 

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  On 3/14/2025 at 5:04 PM, Mat68 said:

 

Finding a solid depth player who is a good return man is tricky.  Offensive gadget guy is the closest you can get usually.  Codrignton was a good returner.  Wont be easy taking that.   

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I keep thinking about how Codrington -- despite being a good returner all year long -- was inactive for the last few weeks and in the playoffs.

I think it got to the point that they felt the roster spot was more valuable than whatever value Codrington offered as solely a returner. In other words, with roster spots being limited and depth needs elsewhere, it's hard to justify making a guy gameday active whose only role on the team is to kneel the ball in the end zone 9 out of 10 times.

That's what brings me back to the idea that maybe they feel like its a more efficient use of a roster spot to have a returner who can ALSO be useful on offense. And I do think that as WR depth and a guy who can take reverses and orbit motions and screens, Shenault could be more useful than Codrington.

I could be way off base, but it's food for thought.

[gonzo1105]

  On 3/14/2025 at 5:08 PM, Logic said:

 

I keep thinking about how Codrington -- despite being a good returner all year long -- was inactive for the last few weeks and in the playoffs.

I think it got to the point that they felt the roster spot was more valuable than whatever value Codrington offered as solely a returner. In other words, with roster spots being limited and depth needs elsewhere, it's hard to justify making a guy gameday active whose only role on the team is to kneel the ball in the end zone 9 out of 10 times.

That's what brings me back to the idea that maybe they feel like its a more efficient use of a roster spot to have a returner who can ALSO be useful on offense. And I do think that as WR depth and a guy who can take reverses and orbit motions and screens, Shenault could be more useful than Codrington.

I could be way off base, but it's food for thought.

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They were also keeping 75 DL even more than usual though I think they had what 12 on the active roster at points late last year 

[MrEpsYtown]

  On 3/14/2025 at 5:04 PM, Mat68 said:

 

Finding a solid depth player who is a good return man is tricky.  Offensive gadget guy is the closest you can get usually.  Codrignton was a good returner.  Wont be easy taking that.   

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I just think this signing is what the new special team coach wants with their past history in Carolina.  The Bills sign a guy who has been available forpennies  a bunch of times in the past, who, it appears, they have never shown interest in and sign him on the second day of free agency? It implies it was something Tabor wanted and it was a priority. Just my evaluation of the situation. I may be reading to far into it and jumping to conclusions, but I think Codrington is in for a battle. 

[The Jokeman]

  On 3/14/2025 at 5:08 PM, Logic said:

 

I keep thinking about how Codrington -- despite being a good returner all year long -- was inactive for the last few weeks and in the playoffs.

I think it got to the point that they felt the roster spot was more valuable than whatever value Codrington offered as solely a returner. In other words, with roster spots being limited and depth needs elsewhere, it's hard to justify making a guy gameday active whose only role on the team is to kneel the ball in the end zone 9 out of 10 times.

That's what brings me back to the idea that maybe they feel like its a more efficient use of a roster spot to have a returner who can ALSO be useful on offense. And I do think that as WR depth and a guy who can take reverses and orbit motions and screens, Shenault could be more useful than Codrington.

I could be way off base, but it's food for thought.

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I think he got hurt late in the season which may be why we left him on the sidelines. 

[Mat68]

  On 3/14/2025 at 5:20 PM, MrEpsYtown said:

 

I just think this signing is what the new special team coach wants with their past history in Carolina.  The Bills sign a guy who has been available forpennies  a bunch of times in the past, who, it appears, they have never shown interest in and sign him on the second day of free agency? It implies it was something Tabor wanted and it was a priority. Just my evaluation of the situation. I may be reading to far into it and jumping to conclusions, but I think Codrington is in for a battle. 

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No, he is 100 direct competition for KR.  Likely leader in the clubhouse with the ability to play some wr and viable on game days.  I have always been intrigued by him. 

[Bleeding Bills Blue]

  On 3/14/2025 at 5:41 PM, Mat68 said:

No, he is 100 direct competition for KR.  Likely leader in the clubhouse with the ability to play some wr and viable on game days.  I have always been intrigued by him. 

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Shenault isn't really a core special teamer and has never returned a punt.  

[Augie]

  On 3/14/2025 at 6:23 PM, Bleeding Bills Blue said:

 

Shenault isn't really a core special teamer and has never returned a punt.  

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Let me just take a moment to say that I’m glad we didn’t listen to the people who wanted to draft this guy.  😂 

[Mat68]

  On 3/14/2025 at 6:23 PM, Bleeding Bills Blue said:

 

Shenault isn't really a core special teamer and has never returned a punt.  

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Returned a kick last year.  Could see them trying him at PR.  Special teams are his path to the roster.  What he can bring to the offense is limited but more than what Codrignton brings to the defense.  More likely he is cut and the money will reflect that.  

[GunnerBill]

  On 3/14/2025 at 4:40 PM, Logic said:

I find the "receiver who can't really play receiver very well"/returner/gadget player guys to be so interesting.

To varying degrees over the years: Deebo Samuel, Curtis Samuel, Laviska Shenault, Cordarelle Patterson, Percy Harvin, even Roscoe Parrish and Isaiah McKenzie.

Guys who are shifty and elusive and whose hands you want to get the ball into, but you have to find creative ways to do it, because they don't fit into the classic WR or RB roles. These guys just fascinate me.

Cordarelle Patterson found a way to hang on in the league for a long time, aided by his switch from WR to RB. Obviously not everyone is cut out for that kind of switch (though Shenault is about the same size and weight as Patterson), but...it helps these guys get matched up on linebackers and safeties rather than corners.

In any case...like everyone else, I'm expecting Shenault to factor into the return competition and to make a few plays in preseason that get everyone excited for him, only to see him released on cutdown day. 

One thing that occurred to me is that maybe they'd rather have their returner be capable of pitching in on offense. Like...Codrington is/was never going to be used much on defense (other than in garbage time), so you're rostering a guy with just ONE purpose. If Shenault could have TWO purposes, by being a returner and also being at least somewhat capable receiver depth...maybe that's an improvement in terms of roster spot usage.

Expand  

 

He could have two purposes. Dropping the ball and running into his blockers. 

[BillsFanForever19]

 

[Mr. WEO]

I liked him in the draft.

 

he’ll be gone next year.  
 

Beane doing his WR room routine…

[Cash]

Hopefully no guaranteed $$, because he sucks.

[wppete]

#15