08/21/2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Buffalo Bill’s tight end Reggie Gilliam (41) runs for a touchdown past Chicago Bears Free Safety Tashaun Gipson (38) during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports
These are the top four takeaways from the Buffalo Bills’ initial 53-man roster.
Cutting day is always an exciting day. Seeing what the squad will look like in the first week of the season can either make fans feel optimistic or fearful. Buffalo Bills fans are no different as they eagerly awaited the team’s announcement of the cuts being made.
The Bills released 23 players today, and it’s worth seeing what we can take away from the decisions made today.
Reggie Gilliam’s versatility saved someone a spot on the roster
Reggie Gilliam is a valuable addition to the Buffalo Bills. His skills as both a full-back and tight end have allowed him to play a role in the Bills for the foreseeable future.
Gilliam was listed as a close finish last season. He only recorded two catches for sixteen yards, but he recorded one touchdown catch. Gilliam only played 7% of the Buffalos’ offensive snaps, but he played a major role on special teams and played 42% of the team’s special teams snaps.
Gilliam’s versatility isn’t limited to a role on the field, however. Gilliam’s cast of both a tight end and a full-back made it possible to clear a squad spot, eliminating another tough squad decision for Brandon Beane.
It’s easy to believe that Gilliam’s versatility saved players like Damar Hamlin and Tyrel Dodson, but there are other names that could have been spared.
Harrison Phillips or Justin Zimmer could have been fired if the Bills had to occupy a third tight spot. The Bills held 11 defensive linemen, and depending on where each of them was on the list at the start of the day, one of them could have packed their bags.
The decision between Phillips or Zimmer would have been by far the toughest decision Brandon Beane had to make, but Reggie Gilliam’s versatility saved one of them.
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