Free-agent WR Cole Beasley reportedly drawing 'significant' interest

It sounds like Cole Beasley won’t be unsigned for much longer. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the veteran wideout has drawn “significant” interest around the NFL.

Beasley was released by Buffalo earlier this offseason after the team and the player unsuccessfully found a new home for the receiver. As Garafolo notes, the Bills considered re-signing Beasley once he was cut, but the receiver continues to hold out for the right opportunity. That “right opportunity” goes beyond a clear spot on the depth chart; Garafolo mentions that Beasley is also seeking at least a modest payday and won’t settle for a minimum contract.

The former undrafted free agent spent his first seven seasons in Dallas. He started 22 of his 103 games for the Cowboys, mostly serving as a secondary target on offense. He did have a standout campaign in 2016, hauling in 75 receptions for 833 yards and five touchdowns. Beasley signed a four-year deal with the Bills in 2019, and he saw a significant increase in targets during his three seasons in Buffalo (325 vs. 450 in Dallas). Beasley hauled in 231 receptions for Buffalo, and he added another 25 receptions in six playoff games.

This past season, Beasley started eight of his 16 appearances, hauling in 82 receptions for 693 yards and one touchdown. Despite the 2021 campaign being his age-32 season, his 82 catches tied a career-high (from the year before). Beasley landed just about in the middle of the pack on Pro Football Focus’ ranking of wide receivers (59/115), but his score was partly dragged down by poor run-blocking metrics. While the wideout is clearly getting up there in age, he’s proved that he can still be productive, so it shouldn’t be long until a WR-needy team gives Beasley the contract he desires.