Why Cole Beasley is retiring from the NFL after just two games with Buccaneers

Sam Jarden

Why Cole Beasley is retiring from the NFL after just two games with Buccaneers image

Just two weeks after signing with the Buccaneers, Cole Beasley is retiring from the NFL.

The veteran receiver is hanging up his cleats after 11 seasons in the league, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Beasley's agents, Joel and Justin Turner, told Pelissero he made the decision to be able to spend more time with his family.

“He is ready to be with his family after playing in 11 seasons," they said. "It’s time to be a full time dad and husband.”

Beasley signed with Tampa Bay's practice squad on Sept. 21 after a host of injuries and suspensions had depleted the team's receiving corps. He played in two games for the Bucs, catching 4 of 5 targets for 17 yards. 

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The 33-year-old played his college football at SMU, going undrafted in 2012 before signing with the Cowboys. He spent seven years in Dallas, becoming an important piece of the offense while playing alongside Dez Bryant. 

In 2019 he signed with the Bills, where he became one of Josh Allen's favorite targets. He set career-highs in catches (82) and receiving yards (967) in 2020 and was named second-team All-Pro that season. He then matched his total of 82 catches in 2021 before being released by the team in March 2022.

His return to the NFL with the Bucs this season proved to be short-lived, as he decided to call it a career after just 14 days with the team.

The 5-foot-8 Beasley was known for his sharp routes, good hands and durability — he played through the 2020 playoffs for the Bills with a partially broken fibula. 

Here's a look at Beasley's career stats:

Cole Beasley career stats

Year Team GP REC YDS TD
2012 DAL 10 15 128 0
2013 DAL 14 39 368 2
2014 DAL 16 37 420 4
2015 DAL 16 52 536 5
2016 DAL 16 75 833 5
2017 DAL 15 36 314 4
2018 DAL 16 65 672 3
2019 BUF 15 67 778 6
2020 BUF 15 82 967 4
2021 BUF 16 82 693 1
2022 TB 2 4 17 0

(Career highs highlighted in bold)

Sam Jarden

Sam Jarden Photo

Sam Jarden joined Sporting News as an intern in 2020 and returned as a content producer in 2022. In between, he spent a year and a half at Turner Sports, managing the social media accounts for Bleacher Report, NBA on TNT, NBA TV and others. A proud UNC alumnus, he spends his free time following the Tar Heels, Buffalo Bills and Newcastle United FC, and has been known to occasionally hit the links.