Bills Release Promising 1,000-Yard College Receiver as Roster Adjustments Continue Ahead of Minicamp
With mandatory minicamp rapidly approaching, the Buffalo Bills continue to fine-tune their roster, making difficult personnel decisions in pursuit of depth, chemistry, and competition. One such move came on May 20, when the team officially parted ways with wide receiver Hal Presley III, an undrafted rookie out of Baylor who had recently joined the squad following the 2025 NFL Draft.
Presley entered the league with impressive college credentials. In his career at Baylor, the 6-foot-1 pass-catcher totaled 81 receptions for 1,048 yards and 7 touchdowns, showcasing consistent production and reliable hands. His performance earned him attention from several NFL teams, including a pre-draft visit with the Denver Broncos. Yet despite the upside and collegiate pedigree, Presley’s tenure with the Bills was cut short before he had a chance to compete in full-team drills.
A significant part of Presley’s story was his resilience. In 2023, he was named to the Comeback Player of the Year Watch List after suffering a season-ending injury midway through the year. Before the injury, he had started all six games and caught 17 passes for 222 yards, continuing the upward trajectory that began with a strong sophomore campaign that included four touchdowns.
The Bills made the decision to release Presley in order to create room for veteran wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson, who was signed shortly after Presley’s release. Wilkerson, a 28-year-old with previous stints in New England and Las Vegas, brings more NFL experience and a better chance to immediately compete for a depth or practice squad role as camp approaches.
Revamped Receiver Room Taking Shape in Buffalo
The move is one of many in a larger overhaul of Buffalo’s wide receiver unit, which has undergone significant change over the past year. With Stefon Diggs traded to the Houston Texans and Gabe Davis departing in free agency, the Bills have adopted a by-committee approach to the passing game—emphasizing balance and opportunity across the depth chart rather than leaning heavily on one or two star targets.
To that end, general manager Brandon Beane has added a blend of veteran savvy and youthful potential. This offseason, the team signed reliable contributors such as Elijah Moore, Joshua Palmer, and Laviska Shenault, each bringing a unique skill set to the offense. Shenault, notably, is also expected to compete for return duties on special teams.
Moore expressed excitement about joining Buffalo’s offense, particularly the opportunity to work with MVP quarterback Josh Allen. After enduring inconsistency at the quarterback position with the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns, Moore welcomed the chance to play in a more stable, high-level environment.
“I haven’t really had too many great opportunities with a stable quarterback the entire season,” Moore said in an interview. “Being blessed with the opportunity to, God willing, have 17 [Allen] for the entire season… I feel like it would just be the best position that I’ve been put in yet.”
Eyes on the Youth
The Bills also added youth to the receiver room through the draft and undrafted free agency, though they waited until the seventh round to select Kaden Prather and signed multiple rookies post-draft. While Presley didn’t make it past the first roster shuffle, his release signals how competitive the bottom of the WR depth chart is becoming.
Second-year wideout Keon Coleman—a high draft pick in 2024—is also being closely watched, as the team hopes he can take a significant leap following a rookie campaign that was slowed by a wrist injury. In addition, Khalil Shakir remains a rising star after a breakout season last year, giving the Bills multiple intriguing pieces as they reimagine their offense.
While parting with a young player like Presley may raise eyebrows for those who followed his college career, the decision underscores the urgency and precision with which the Bills are approaching roster construction. In a crowded and competitive AFC, every move counts—especially when it comes to surrounding Josh Allen with reliable and dynamic targets.
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