Joe Brady
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Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady will retain pieces of Sean McDermott's staff.
The Buffalo Bills are starting to round out their 90-man roster, filling another hole on offense with a player who is familiar with Orchard Park.
The team announced on Wednesday that they signed veteran wide receiver Jalen Virgil, who spent some time in Buffalo and played an important role on the 2024 team. The Bills have 90 roster spots to fill as they march toward the first offseason workouts, and Virgil will now have a chance to compete for one of the final 53.
Jalen Virgil Has Some NFL Experience
As the team noted, the 27-year-old Virgil had some experience in his rookie season with the Denver Broncos. He signed as an undrafted free agent in 2022, making two receptions for 75 yards — which included a 66-yard touchdown on his first NFL reception.
Virgil had nine appearances and one start that season, but was placed on injured reserve before the start of the 2023 season and did not play at all. He was waived a year later and joined the Bills.
“The Bills signed Virgil to their practice squad the day after he was waived,” the team noted. “The wide receiver eventually made it onto the active roster. He played in seven games for Buffalo in 2024. Virgil was then released and re-signed to the practice squad, signed a future/reserve contract in Jan. 2025 with the Bills but was waived ahead of the season.”
Virgil did not play in the NFL last season, instead spending some time in the United Football League.
Bills Could Make Changes to Wide Receiver Corps
Virgil could have an opportunity to grab a roster spot on a unit expected to see some big changes this offseason. The Bills got only spotty contributions from their receivers in 2025, with the unit often struggling to get separation and opposing defenses putting greater pressure on quarterback Josh Allen.
Many insiders expect some sweeping changes this offseason, with the Bills potentially cutting ties with some of their underperforming veterans. SI.com’s Randy Gurzi believes that could include Curtis Samuel, who has failed to live up to the big contract he signed when joining the team in 2024.
“Curtis Samuel signed a three-year deal with Buffalo worth $24 million ahead of the 2024 season,” Gurzi noted. “Samuel had more than 600 yards in each of the previous two seasons with the Washington Commanders before signing with the Bills, but hasn’t been much of a factor.”
Gurzi added that Samuel has failed to produce much for the Bills through two seasons, making just 31 receptions for 253 yards and one touchdown in 2024. Samuel struggled even more this season as he was often sidelined by injury.
“This past season, he played in just six games, finishing with seven receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown,” Gurzi wrote. “The lack of production could lead to Samuel being released, a move that could save them at least $6 million against the cap.”
The Bills could look to the NFL Draft to add more talent at wide receiver, but have also been connected to some trade rumors. Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson, who has expressed some discontent with his team, is seen as a potential long-shot target.