Buffalo Rumblinks, 5/4: Bills sign three veterans, including WR Chase Claypool

Plus, national football analysts grade Buffalo’s draft class.

General manager Brandon Beane is always tinkering with his roster, trying to find players who could contribute to the team for the upcoming season, and on Friday, the Bills announced they had signed three veterans to address positions of need.

Today’s edition of the Buffalo Rumblinks leads off by examining the signings of wide receiver Chase Claypool, defensive end Dawuane Smoot, and linebacker Deion Jones.

Bills signing three veterans, including WR Chase Claypool

The Buffalo Bills bolstered the back end of their roster on Friday with the additions of WR Chase Claypool, DE Dawuane Smoot, and LB Deion Jones on one-year contracts.

Claypool, 25, is a former second-round draft choice of the Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 49 overall) in the 2020 NFL Draft, a big-bodied “X” receiver. Claypool enjoyed a great rookie season, catching 62 passes for 873 yards with nine touchdowns, but he has been inconsistent ever since his promising debut and has bounced around between the Steelers, Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins.

Smoot, 29, was a third-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 68 overall) in the 2017 NFL Draft, and has amassed 23.5 sacks with 64 QB hits and 27 tackles for loss in 99 career games.

Jones, 29, was a second-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons (No. 52 overall) in the 206 NFL Draft, and has made 731 tackles (475 solo) with 50 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, 24 QB hits and 13 interceptions in 109 career games (91 starts).

• Bills sign three free agents, including WR Chase Claypool – Buffalo News
• Bills sign three free agents to one-year contracts – WGR 550
• Bills add wide receiver Chase Claypool on 1-year deal – ESPN.com Buffalo Bills blog
• Buffalo Bills sign former 2nd-round wide receiver and pass rusher to one-year deals – newyorkupstate.com
• Veteran wide receiver among three players signed by Bills: What to know – Democrat & Chronicle
• Bills announce three free agent signings to one-year deals – BuffaloBills.com
• Buffalo Bills adding former Pro Bowl linebacker to roster on one-year deal – newyorkupstate.com

National analysts grade Buffalo’s draft class

Hear what the national football analysts have to say about the Buffalo Bills’ 10-man NFL Draft class, including how Buffalo emerged with a good haul of talent, how this draft class features the next wave of leaders in the locker room, and the one undrafted prospect that could make an impact.

• National analysts weigh in on Buffalo Bills’ draft class – Buffalo News
• Team draft grades: Bills get good haul after ‘driving their fans insane’ – Democrat & Chronicle
• Execs unfiltered on AFC’s Draft class: Should the Patriots have traded down? Thoughts on all 16 teams – The Athletic (subscription required)
• Analysis: Bills’ draft class contains a new wave of leaders – Buffalo News
• 2024 NFL best UDFA fits: One undrafted prospect to watch on each roster – The Athletic (subscription required)

Even more Bills News

A look back at the Buffalo Bills’ 2021 NFL Draft class, find out how some Bills fans are upset over the lack of transparency when it comes to the cost of the personal seat licenses at the new stadium, learn how owner Terry Pegula transferred a small share of the Bills to his daughter, Laura, and more!

• Inside the Bills: Grading Brandon Beane’s 2021 draft class three years later – Buffalo News
• Lack of transparency over Bills PSL pricing upsets some season ticket holders – Buffalo News
• How Bills stadium PSLs could mean less money for other local leisure venues – Buffalo News
• Terry Pegula transferred small percentage of Bills to daughter Laura Pegula – The Athletic (subscription required)
• Kramer: Eviction notice – WGR 550

Recently featured on Buffalo Rumblings

• Buffalo Bills announce Chris Claypool signing, two other veteran deals – Buffalo Rumblings
• Buffalo Bills signing free-agent LB Deion Jones, per report – Buffalo Rumblings
• Buffalo Bills 2024 NFL Draft: Initial analysis of WR Keon Coleman – Buffalo Rumblings
• Check out all of new Bills WR Keon Coleman’s targets and catches from 2023 – Buffalo Rumblings
• Terry Pegula transferred minority percentage of Buffalo Bills ownership to Laura Pegula – Buffalo Rumblings