NFL News: Bills sign new weapon for Josh Allen after suddenly losing player to retirement

Just a few days ago, the Buffalo Bills had signed a new weapon for Josh Allen. It was wide receiver David White. Four days after signing him, White decided to retire from the NFL. However, the Bills immediately went looking for a replacement and they’ve got it.

The Bills signed undrafted free agent Kelly Akharaiyi after three training camp sessions. Akharaiyi repped Mississippi State in 2024, where he played 11 games and had 25 catches for 391 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Previously, he played his first two collegiate years at UTEP where he shone brighter. His best year was 2023, where he had 1,033 yards, led the CUSA with 21.5 yards per catch and had 7 touchdowns.

What are Akharaiyi’s expectations?

Akharaiyi is not a big-time prospect, hence his undrafted status. However, we’ve seen poetic stories of overachieving players. Saying Akharaiyi will do that is really premature, but he now has the chance to get an NFL opportunity if he makes the final 53-man roster.

Standing at 6 feet tall, he is not a physically dominating guy like Mike Evans or Tee Higgins. However, he is not as fast as other small-statured receivers like a Ja’Marr Chase or a Tyreek Hill. Still, he has some explosiveness in his release and does have some agility while doing breaks. His route running isn’t great but with his release and breaks he could be a rotational player on the slot.

Who is Akharaiyi battling with to stay on the Bills roster?

The first tier of the receiving roster is pretty clear and established. Khalil Shakir is Josh Allen‘s first option, followed by second-year receiver Keon Coleman and veteran Joshua Palmer. Curtis Samuel, Elijah Moore and injured Laviska Shenault Jr. follow on the depth chart.

This means there’s pretty much one spot left for all the rest. There, Akharaiyi will battle 3-year veteran Jalen Virgil, second-year Tyrell Shavers who spent his rookie season in Buffalo, and seventh-round pick Kaden Prather.