So Long, Hal: Bills Dump Rookie WR Presley After Brief Stint, Sign Ex-Raiders Vet Instead!

Hal Presley III, we hardly knew ya.

The Buffalo Bills released the undrafted rookie wide receiver on Tuesday, fewer than two weeks after officially announcing his signing on May 9.

Presley, a Baylor product, wore jersey No. 82 while participating in the team's two-day rookie minicamp, but apparently didn't impress Bills' brass enough to stick around.

Instead, Buffalo opted to use the roster spot on veteran free agent Kristian Wilkerson, who was cut by the Las Vegas Raiders earlier this month. The 28-year-old Wilkerson, who has played nine career games, is one of nine wide receivers, including former second-round draft picks Elijah Moore and KJ Hamler, who will compete for a 53-man roster spot.

As for Presley, he was one of three undrafted rookie wide receivers signed by the Bills prior to minicamp along with Mississippi State's Kelly Akharaiyi and Virginia Tech's Stephen Gosnell.

Presley, who reportedly made an official pre-draft "30" visit with the Denver Broncos, was a four-year contributor for Baylor and averaged 12.9 yards per catch for his career. In 12 appearances (10 starts) last year, he made 31 catches for 429 yards and three touchdowns.

Sep 28, 2024; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Hal Presley (16) makes a catch as Brigham Young Cougars cornerback Marque Collins (2) defends during the first half at McLane Stadium. / Chris Jones-Imagn Images

Bills' WR5 Candidates

KJ Hamler

Tyrell Shavers

Jalen Virgil

Elijah Moore

Laviska Shenault

Kristian Wilkerson

Kaden Prather (rookie)

Kelly Akharaiyi (rookie UDFA)

Stephen Gosnell (rookie UDFA)

Bills K.J. Hamler races upfield with a kick off on special teams drills. / Shawn Dowd/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK