No reunion for Buffalo Bills and former second-round draft pick

It was likely the product of unfounded speculation on social media, but any thoughts of wide receiver Zay Jones returning to the team that drafted him can be put to rest.

The Buffalo Bills made numerous changes to their receiving corps this offseason, but apparently didn’t see the value in pursuing their former second-round pick who was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars last month. Jones, the No. 37 overall selection in 2017, reportedly landed a one-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals.

According to NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom PelisseroJones signed a deal worth up to $4.25 million to join Kyler Murray and Co.

Jones played in 36 games with Buffalo before being traded to the Raiders for a fifth-round pick amid a slow start to the 2019 season. He was largely disappointing as Bill, catching just 90 of 194 targets for 1,037 yards and nine touchdowns.

In 2022, Jones had his most productive season as a pro. He made 82 receptions for 823 yards and five touchdowns while making 16 appearances for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

With the departures of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, Buffalo reworked its receiver room by signing veteran free agents Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins while taking a flier on former second-rounder KJ Hamler. Then they used the No. 33 draft pick on Keon Coleman, a physical receiver who made 11 touchdown receptions for Florida State in 2023.