Veteran Bills TE Scooped Up By Top Division Rival Days After Release

Veteran tight end Shane Zylstra's brief tenure with the Buffalo Bills came to an abrupt end when the team released him during the final roster cuts. Despite his prior success in the NFL, Zylstra found himself in a crowded tight end room at Buffalo, resulting in his placement on the team's practice squad. However, the Bills' division rival, the New England Patriots, scooped up Zylstra just days later, signing him to their practice squad.

Since entering the NFL in 2021 with the Detroit Lions, Zylstra has appeared in 35 games, making 18 receptions for 136 yards and four touchdowns. During the 2024 preseason, his production dwindled, with Zylstra recording only four receptions for 33 yards. The 29-year-old's special teams versatility could prove advantageous in his new team, the Patriots, as he was a regular contributor on special teams for the Lions, participating in 59% of their snaps in 2024 and 41% last season.

Zylstra's departure from the Bills was largely attributed to the strong performance of rookie tight end Keleki Latu. Latu, a former practice squad player, had a breakout season in training camp and the preseason, leading Buffalo to keep four tight ends on their final 53-man roster. Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane praised Latu's development over the past year, noting improvements in his passing game, pass strength, and run blocking.

With four tight ends on the roster, the Bills gained increased versatility on offense, especially as they bid farewell to the fullback position.