Cole Beasley’s retirement didn’t last long.
The veteran receiver is returning to the Bills The leaders of the AFC East are gearing up for another round of playoffs, NFL.com reported Tuesday. Beasley, 33, will start practice but is expected to join the 53-man roster “shortly.”
Beasley spent the last four seasons in Buffalo before the two parted ways this offseason. Beasley signed with the Buccaneers in September but opted out after two games.
“After playing for 11 seasons, he’s ready to be with his family and it’s time to be a full-time father and husband,” Beasley’s agent, Justin Turner, told NFL.com at the time.
Beasley’s signing comes a week after Odell Beckham Jr. visited the Bills. The Cowboys, who also had a visit from Beckham, signed longtime Colts wide receiver TY Hilton on Monday. Beckham’s free agency tour, which included the Giants, ended with uncertainty over whether he would be able to play in the regular season as he recovers from a torn ACL suffered in last season’s Super Bowl.
Beasley began his career with the Cowboys as a free agent and spent seven seasons with Dallas. He then played three years with the Bills as a reliable target for Josh Allen. Beasley finished his first Bills stint with 231 catches, 2,438 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Beasley has become a controversial figure in the NFL, playing under COVID-19 restrictions during the league’s first season and frequently speaking out about his anti-vaccine stance on social media.
The Bills are now 10-3 and tied with the Chiefs for the best record in the AFC. Buffalo boasts one of the best receivers in the league in Stefon Diggs and rookie star Gabe Davis. Beasley could split time with Isaiah McKenzie in the slot and provide Allen with a chain receiver.
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