The Buffalo Bills made another under-the-radar move in their ongoing roster shuffle, signing wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson to a one-year contract on Tuesday while waiving undrafted rookie wideout Hal Presley III. The move continues the team’s offseason emphasis on competition and depth at the wide receiver position following a series of high-profile departures and additions.
Wilkerson, 27, brings experience, versatility, and special teams value to a Bills team looking to fill out its depth chart behind newly acquired rookie Keon Coleman and emerging target Khalil Shakir. Having spent time with the Patriots, Colts, and Raiders, Wilkerson is viewed as a potential training camp sleeper who could sneak onto the 53-man roster.
“Kristian’s a grinder,” said head coach Sean McDermott in a brief media session following the signing. “He’s been in different systems, he knows how to work, and he’s going to make our guys better in that room.”
The corresponding release of Hal Presley III, an undrafted rookie out of Baylor, signals that Buffalo is leaning toward experienced depth as they prepare for a highly competitive training camp. Presley had impressed with his athleticism but was still a raw prospect with a steep learning curve.
Kristian Wilkerson Brings Experience, Special Teams Value
While Kristian Wilkerson has yet to carve out a major role in an NFL offense, he’s been on the fringe of active rosters since signing with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2020. His most notable action came during a stint with the New England Patriots, where he recorded 4 receptions for 42 yards and 2 touchdowns in a 2021 blowout win against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 210 pounds, Wilkerson offers a combination of size and speed that fits well with the Bills’ current receiver room strategy. His ability to contribute on special teams gives him an edge in the race for the final wide receiver spots, which will likely include fierce competition among returners, gunners, and versatile backups.
“He’s the type of guy you root for,” said a former Patriots assistant. “He’s not flashy, but he’s dependable and tough. He’ll make a play when you need it.”
For Buffalo, depth at wide receiver is a key storyline heading into training camp. With the departures of Stefon Diggs (traded to Houston) and Gabe Davis (signed with Jacksonville), the Bills are relying on a mix of youth and role players to surround quarterback Josh Allen.
Wilkerson joins a group that includes Keon Coleman, Shakir, Curtis Samuel, Mack Hollins, and Justin Shorter, with several others fighting for a final spot. His signing indicates the team wants every receiver to earn their keep, and that includes special teams reps.
Hal Presley’s Release Signals Shift Toward Proven Depth
The release of Hal Presley III may come as a disappointment to some fans who saw potential in the athletic wideout from Baylor. Presley showed flashes of playmaking ability during rookie minicamp, with his long frame and vertical leap standing out in limited reps. However, scouts also noted inconsistency in his route running and a lack of polish in press coverage.
Presley transferred from Auburn to Baylor and never fully lived up to his high school hype, though he finished his college career with 1,184 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns. The Bills had hoped to develop him on the practice squad, but Wilkerson’s availability and experience seemingly made Presley the odd man out.
“Presley has talent, no question,” a scout said. “But the learning curve at the NFL level is steep. A team might stash him and try again later.”
It’s possible Presley clears waivers and is brought back to the Bills’ practice squad, especially if injuries hit during camp. But for now, Buffalo has made it clear they’re prioritizing players with game-day experience and immediate utility.
As the offseason continues, Kristian Wilkerson becomes the latest name added to the Bills’ crowded receiver competition—a battle that promises to be one of the most closely watched heading into training camp.
With Josh Allen entering a critical year of leadership and performance, every receiver addition matters. And for Wilkerson, this could be the opportunity he’s been waiting for.
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