ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Cornerback Dane Jackson is making his return to the Buffalo Bills, as the team fortifies its lineup with wide receiver Laviska Shenault and interior offensive lineman Kendrick Green. These moves come as part of an active 10-day period for general manager Brandon Beane, who has focused on both filling positional gaps and securing key players with long-term deals. Although Beane has indicated that the team is nearing the salary cap limit, he remains open to creating additional financial space to enhance the roster of the five-time reigning AFC East champions.
Among Buffalo’s notable free agent acquisitions were edge rusher Joey Bosa and wide receiver Joshua Palmer. Additionally, the team locked in long-term contracts with quarterback Josh Allen, edge rusher Greg Rousseau, and middle linebacker Terrel Bernard, reinforcing the core of the team’s lineup.
Dane Jackson, now 28, makes his comeback to Buffalo after a stint with the Carolina Panthers last season. Originally drafted by the Bills in the seventh round in 2020, Jackson established himself as a reliable backup, amassing 28 starts out of 52 games for Buffalo. Last season, he started in just three of his nine appearances with the Panthers before being released last month. Jackson’s return is expected to strengthen a secondary that requires depth, especially with a vacancy opposite starter Christian Benford and the departure of backup Kaiir Elam to the Dallas Cowboys.
Laviska Shenault, on the other hand, joins Buffalo as he becomes part of his fifth NFL team. Drafted by Jacksonville in the second round in 2020, Shenault’s initial tenure lasted two seasons before he was traded to the Panthers. Last year, he switched between teams, concluding with the Los Angeles Chargers after being waived by Seattle. Over 30 games with Jacksonville, Shenault caught 121 passes for 1,219 yards and five touchdowns. However, in the past three years, his performance dipped to 42 receptions for 368 yards and one touchdown in 33 appearances. Buffalo is bringing him in to compete as a backup behind Palmer, Khalil Shakir, and Keon Coleman.
Kendrick Green, who carries four seasons of NFL experience, also joins Buffalo. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021, Green initially started 15 games as a center during his rookie year but struggled with a position change to guard, which limited his plays the following season. The 26-year-old was traded to the Houston Texans in August 2023, where he made four starts in 21 games over two seasons. Green’s arrival in Buffalo is set to bolster the team’s interior offensive line.
