Veteran WR Cole Beasley comes out of retirement, signs with Bills

Cole Beasley has returned to Buffalo.

According to people familiar with the issue, NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo revealed Tuesday morning that the Cole Beasley have signed the veteran receiver to the practice squad and hope to promote him to the game-day roster soon.

The team revealed the news later, along with the addition of Brandin Bryant to the active roster. In comparable actions, receiver Marquez Stevenson and defensive tackle C.J. Brewer were let go.

Following seven seasons with the Dallas Cowboys to begin his career, Beasley spent three years with the Bills from 2019 to 2021, providing Josh Allen with a consistent, chain-moving target. In 16 games with the Bills last season, the 33-year-old had 82 catches for 693 yards and one touchdown.

The veteran receiver was embroiled in controversy the previous two seasons due to his refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and his disagreement with many of the NFL’s protocols at the time.

Beasley was granted permission to seek a trade over the offseason and was eventually released in March.

Beasley joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad in September but appeared in only two games, catching four passes for 17 yards.

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He announced his retirement in October, adding, “It’s time to be a full-time dad and husband.”

The possession receiver is now returning to Buffalo for the postseason.

Behind Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, and Isaiah McKenzie, the Bills have been looking for seasoned depth. With Jamison Crowder currently on injured reserve, Beasley could fill the slot job right away, providing Allen with a reliable receiver who is already familiar with the offense.

Buffalo was one of three teams to host standout receiver Odell Beckham Jr. on a recent visit (New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys). With OBJ’s availability for the regular season in doubt, the Bills will bring in Beasley, who is ready to play right now. The deal is the second in two days for a club in the Beckham sweepstakes, following the Cowboys’ addition of T.Y. Hilton on Monday. Clearly, clubs are looking elsewhere for immediate help due to doubts over OBJ’s preparedness to return from the ACL.