Following the conclusion of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills scoured available talent, ultimately securing the services of three seasoned players: wide receiver Chase Claypool, linebacker Deion Jones, and defensive end Dawuane Smoot, all on one-year contracts announced on Friday.
Claypool burst onto the professional scene with an impressive start, tallying 1,700 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns across his initial two seasons with the Steelers after being selected in the second round. However, his subsequent performance saw a decline, with his yardage dipping below 900 over the next two years as he moved from Pittsburgh to Chicago, then to Miami, where his contributions dwindled to just four receptions for 26 yards in nine games last season.
The swift downturn in Claypool’s prominence, transitioning from a notable second-round pick to a peripheral figure, appeared sudden. Nevertheless, he now has an opportunity for rejuvenation with the Buffalo Bills alongside quarterback Josh Allen. The Bills present a promising setting for Claypool, especially given their recent roster moves, including drafting a receiver early in the second round and acquiring Curtis Samuel, while bidding farewell to Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis during the offseason. Claypool will have the chance to vie for a significant role, but ultimately, his success will hinge on his ability to capitalize on this fresh start.
In 2022, Jones officially transitioned into the realm of a veteran “hired gun” when he was traded to Cleveland for a Day 3 draft pick, playing in 11 games and registering 44 tackles along with 2.5 sacks. He then had a brief stint in Carolina, appearing in 13 games in a rotational capacity before hitting free agency again in 2024.
Having once been a Pro Bowl linebacker, Jones’ recent opportunities have largely been based on his reputation. However, at 29 years old, it’s evident that he’s now perceived as a player worthy of consideration, albeit not necessarily a guaranteed asset. With the Buffalo Bills, he’ll strive to secure a place on the roster, particularly given the team’s need for experienced assistance, especially with Matt Milano’s recovery from injury sustained in the 2023 season.
Smoot falls somewhere in between the trajectories of Claypool and Jones. Spending his entire seven-year career with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the 29-year-old defensive end primarily served as a rotational player, starting in 10 or more games only once (in 2021). He consistently recorded five or more sacks per season from 2019 to 2022 but experienced a downturn in production in 2023 before parting ways with the Jaguars.
Joining the Bills, Smoot will add depth to the defensive line, complementing players like Gregory Rousseau, A.J. Epenesa, and Von Miller. The team also added rookie defensive tackle DeWayne Carter and edge rusher Javon Solomon in the draft. Similar to Jones, Smoot aims to secure a roster spot by leveraging his experience and proving his reliability when called upon.
