Even if faces in places are familiar, things can still feel strange. So it is for Bills wide receiver Cole Beasley, who is back in Buffalo after announcing his retirement from the NFL in October.
The Bills elevated Beasley to their 53-man roster on Jan. 12 after signing him to their practice squad in December. Beasley was brought on to bolster a receiving corps whose production plummeted toward the end of the season.
Beasley was with the Bills from 2019-21 after spending seven seasons (2012-18) with the Cowboys as a slot receiver extraordinaire. He and the Bills had a falling out after the 2021 season, and he was granted permission to work out a trade before being released.
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Beasley caught his first career playoff touchdown on Super Wild Card Weekend against the Dolphins, so by that account, his return has already been a success.
The Sporting News lays out the timeline of Beasley's first stint with the BIlls, his departure and his eventual return.
Cole Beasley Bills timeline
March 13, 2019: Signs with Bills
Beasley signed a four-year, $29 million contract that would keep him with the Bills through the 2022 season. The Bills made the playoffs in 2019 but lost to the Texans 22-19 in overtime in the wild-card round.
2020: Named second-team All-Pro
Beasley earned his first season honor, hauling in 82 passes for 967 yards and four touchdowns. That was after being placed on the non-football injury list in July.
2021: Battles COVID, has falling-out with Bills
Beasley was placed in the league's COVID safety protocol twice — once in August and once in December. He became an outspoken advocate against the COVID vaccine and racked up $100,000 in fines for failing to comply with the NFL's protocols. In June 2021, Beasley was active on Twitter decrying the vaccine.
MORE: Beasley reacts to placement on COVID-19 reserve: 'Covid is not keeping me out of this game'
After the season, Beasley was given permission to seek a trade ahead of the final year of his contract before the Bills eventually released him.
2022: Signs with Buccaneers
Prior to the season, Beasley said he had a pair of offers and hit back at those who said he lacked the skill to be signed.
"All these 'unemployed' jokes like I don’t have the skill anymore," he said in a tweet that he later deleted. "You don’t go from drawing double teams in the playoffs to not having it anymore within a few months. I still grabbed 80 catches with 3 broken ribs for half of them. No games missed. Don’t get it twisted."
Beasley was signed by the Buccaneers to their practice squad on Sept. 21 after Tampa Bay's season got off to a good, but not great, start.
Oct. 5, 2022: Announces retirement
Beasley was elevated to the 53-man roster for Weeks 3 and 4. He played against the Packers and Chiefs, making four catches on five targets total for 17 yards.
He decided enough was enough and retired, citing a desire to spend more time with his family.
"He is ready to be with his family after playing in 11 seasons and it's time to be a full-time dad and husband," Beasley's agent, Justin Turner, told NFL.com's Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero.
Beasley had other reasons as well.
They weren’t going to use me. They have too many guys getting paid big money for them not to be on the field. https://t.co/nXC97duDrx
— Cole Beasley (@Bease11) November 6, 2022
Dec. 13, 2022: Comes out of retirement to sign with Bills
The retirement was short-lived. Beasley signed with the Bills in Week 15 as they looked to bolster their receiving corps heading into the playoffs.
"I was retired, but I didn't want it that way," Beasley said, per the Bills website. "It was hard just watching football every week and especially seeing the guys. I missed warmups, like that's some of my favorite times, just with the guys in the locker room getting ready for the game. I just missed that so much, and then just playing the game itself."
MORE: How Beasley fits into Stefon Diggs-led unit after returning to Buffalo
Beasley initially signed with Buffalo's practice squad, but he played in Weeks 15 and 16 before missing Week 18. He was added to the 53-man roster ahead of the postseason.
That's where Beasley is now. Stefon Diggs is the target of choice, but opportunities have opened up with Gabe Davis' production dropping and Isaiah McKenzie having issues holding onto the ball.
As long as there is space for targets, Beasley seems to want to be in Buffalo. As Josh Allen and the Bills look to make a deep run, only time will tell if he solves any of the problems that have arisen in the passing game.
