5 breakout stars to watch for Buffalo Bills in 2021

Isaiah McKenzie

One of the more fun signings for the Bills this season is veteran wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie. He’s not known for his accomplishments in the passing game, though. Andre Roberts went to the Texans, so McKenzie provides an upgrade in the return game. Sure, Roberts was great, but McKenzie brings an ability to beat everyone, and that could swing games for the Bills.

The Bills signed McKenzie to two-straight one-year deals in the past two offseasons. This year, he is going to get more opportunities to touch the ball, and he can break more plays for touchdowns. The speedster did just that in Week 17 when he scored three total touchdowns against the Miami Dolphins in a must-win game for them. That includes an 84-yard punt return that seemed to take all of the air out of the Dolphins in the first half.

McKenzie is going to get an extended look in this offense with John Brown out of the lineup. When he will come on the field, defenses know something funky is about to happen. He’s already coming off his best season, and he will get better from here. He’s only 26 years old, so there’s no reason to believe he will lose a step this season. The gadget plays the Bills put in the offense will lead to more than his six touchdowns last season.

The Bills are still stacked at wide receiver, with Diggs, Cole Beasley, and Emmanuel Sanders in the room on top of Gabriel Davis. None of them bring what McKenzie brings, and his new role as the main returner will lead to a lot of Sportscenter Top 10 plays this season.