With all the latest hype on the Buffalo Bills possible signing Jeremy Maclin to a contract, the Bills snuck in the signing of Rashad Ross this morning. The addition of Ross may have some fans raising their eyebrows and wondering why Ross is getting a shot with Buffalo. The former Washington Redskins receiver only has 9 receptions for just under 200 yards. Is the Ross signing going to be a flop or forward flip for Buffalo?
FLOP: Little wide receiver time
If one only looks at Ross’s receptions and yards, then this signing is a flop. Catching under 10 receptions is nothing to inspire hope for an improved wide receiving core under Tyrod Taylor.
However, during the 2015 season, his 8 catches totaled 184 yards, which is an average of 23 yards per catch. That is a decent number. Yet, he only caught one ball last year for 8 yards. That is still a flop.
If the Ross contract takes away money to sign Jeremy Maclin to the Bills, this move is even more of a flop for the team. Maclin seems more capable of making an instant impact than Ross. Buffalo also let go of wide receiver Kolby Listenbee, who has been plagued with injuries, to make room for Ross. The Bills also lost wide receivers Robert Woods in the offseason. He was a decent number 2 receiver that Buffalo will probably miss.
FORWARD FLIP: Returns and punts
It seems likely that the reason Bills’ coach Sean McDermott gave the go ahead nod to Ross is due to his special teams play.
In his 4- year career, he has 34 punt and kickoff returns for 812 yards. That is almost 24 yards per carry, which signifies a massive forward flip. The Bills could use another guy on special teams. While they do have Brandon Tate who almost had 1000 yards on kick and punt returns last year, a back-up is always needed, especially if they only want Ross as another fourth or fifth wide receiver.
Rashad Ross is quick. He did the 40- yard dash in 4.36 seconds four years ago. Since the Bills lost speedy Olympian Marquise Goodwin to the San Francisco 49ers last year, another guy with bursting speed could add some insurance and give Buffalo better field position in 2017. Buffalo did end up in the top 10 in offense last year.
Yet, red zone problems still plagued the Bills. If Ross can simulate the wide receiving play of the former receiver Justin Hunter and pull in a couple of touchdowns, then this new acquire is a forward flip that may give the Bills some more wins.
Welcome to the Buffalo Bills, Rashad Ross.
