Wande Owens is back with the Buffalo Bills, signing on the dotted line one day before their preseason opener against the Panthers at the new Highmark Stadium. This dude was literally released in late July, July 31st to be exact, so it’s a quick turnaround for the do-everything safety out of Yale and New Hampshire. You gotta love a comeback story, especially when it involves this kind of raw talent.
The Whirlwind Return of a Raw Talent
Talk about a rollercoaster! Owens was an undrafted free agent signee by the Bills after the 2025 NFL Draft, which tells you they saw something special in him from the jump. Then, boom, he’s released, hitting the market and reportedly working out for four other teams. That means other clubs were sniffing around, recognizing the potential, but the Bills pulled him back in right before they kick off the preseason on Saturday afternoon. This isn’t his first rodeo with Buffalo, either. He spent 2025 with the team on injured reserve, battling an undisclosed injury he picked up during that preseason. It’s gotta be frustrating to get dinged early and miss a whole year, but the fact that the Bills brought him back shows a serious commitment to developing him.
Unleashing the Freak Athlete
Listen, if you looked at Owens’ film from back in his draft prospect days, or his pro-day numbers, you’d be fascinated too. This guy is an insane athlete. At 5’11” and 205 pounds, his 2025 pro-day workout stats are just wild. Picture this: a 43-inch vertical jump, good for the 98th percentile among safeties since ’99. Seriously, 98th percentile! And his broad jump? A massive 135 inches, putting him in the 97th percentile. Those numbers scream pure explosive power. While his 40-yard dash was a decent 4.58 seconds, his 10-yard split at 1.53 seconds was 69th percentile, showing that initial burst. Plus, his short-shuttle time of 4.05 seconds was 87th percentile, proving he’s got quick change-of-direction skills. He’s not just a one-trick pony, either. This guy can play safety, nickel defender, and even linebacker. That versatility, combined with those off-the-charts athletic traits, makes him absolutely tantalizing as a developmental project for the Bills.
What’s Next for Owens?
So, what does this mean now? Owens is back on the roster, but he’s missed the bulk of training camp. The big question is whether we’ll actually see him hit the field in the preseason opener against the Panthers. This is his chance to prove he belongs, to show that those tantalizing athletic traits can translate into real, impactful play. Keep your eyes peeled on Saturday afternoon at Highmark Stadium. This could be the start of something big for a player who’s already overcome an injury and a brief release to get a second shot. He needs to grab this opportunity.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Buffalo Rumblings.
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