Greg Dortch is officially joining the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad, and while 99 career punt returns, including a hefty 11.6 yards-per-return average in 2025, scream “special teams wizard,” there is a sneaky good reason to be hyped for what he brings to the Bills’ receiving game. His signing feels like a savvy move, born from special teams desperation perhaps, but Dortch could absolutely be a supplemental receiving weapon for this Bills offense.
The Bills’ Longstanding Receiver Problem
Let’s be real, the Bills’ receiver room was one of the least dynamic in football last year. An unusually high amount of injuries coupled with a relative lack of premier talent meant the team had to lean on Tyrell Shavers, Gabe Davis, Mecole Hardman, and Brandin Cooks down the stretch. Hardman and Cooks, signed in November, were even Josh Allen’s final two targeted throws of Buffalo’s 2025 season, both incomplete. Joe Brady’s first big move was trading for D.J. Moore, clearly signaling an urgent need to upgrade the position. But with Moore and fourth-round pick Skyler Bell as the only two receivers of genuine importance added this offseason, a veteran wideout with 145 career catches like Dortch suddenly looks mighty intriguing.
The Man-Coverage Separation Bills Need
The problem is clear: the Bills’ receiver room has collectively needed man-coverage separation ability for the past two seasons. Remember after that 2024 loss to the Texans, when all anyone could talk about was how Allen’s receivers couldn’t get open? Two weeks later, Amari Cooper was on the team and caught a touchdown from Allen in a rout of the Tennessee Titans. Even with Allen’s ridiculous play and incredible team ball security anchoring Buffalo’s highest-scoring units in team history that year , logging 525 points, a 13-4 record, and an AFC Championship Game appearance alongside Allen’s MVP hardware , the Bills didn’t exactly go all-in on adding more to the receiver position. The separation problem continued into 2025, with Palmer being the only Bills receiver above average in man-coverage average separation score. Dortch could be the guy who finally gives them that much-needed edge.
This isn’t just about punt returns, folks. Keep a close eye on Dortch; his ability to get open against man coverage could be the missing piece this Bills offense has been collectively needing. Get ready to see him make plays.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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