Buffalo Bills make decision on controversial wide receiver roster status

The NFL means “not for long” when it comes to wide receiver Quintez Cephus’ stint with the Buffalo Bills.

Less than three weeks after signing the recently reinstated pass catcher, who served a one-year gambling-related suspension, the Bills released Cephus to make room for defensive back Dee Delaney.

Buffalo had a maximum number of 90 players registered plus one international exemption.

Cephus, a rehab project signed in late April, became expendable when Buffalo added two more receivers to a crowded room. The Bills agreed to terms with former Steelers second-round pick Chase Claypool as well as two-time Super Bowl champion Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who spent four seasons with the Packers followed by two with the Chiefs.

Before his short stint in Buffalo, Cephus last competed for the Detroit Lions. The 2020 fifth-round pick was released by Detroit in April 2023 when the NFL imposed an indefinite suspension for illegal gambling activities.

Cephus never gained traction with the Lions. He made 22 appearances over a three-season period prior to his suspension. The 26-year-old receiver has totaled 568 yards and four touchdowns on 37 career receptions.

Meanwhile, the Bills still have plenty of players who will compete for targets that once belonged to Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. Buffalo, which signed veteran free agents Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins early in the offseason, also added former Broncos second-rounder KJ Hamler.