The New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills have a longstanding rivalry that fans and players take very seriously. That makes any players moving from one franchise to another more interesting than a run-of-the-mill NFL transaction.
While no contract has been agreed upon, former Patriots wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson tried out for the Bills on Wednesday, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston. Wilkerson spent the last two seasons with the Raiders before being released earlier this week. Now, he is looking to take his talents back to the northeast and continue his professional career in Buffalo.
Wilkerson's tenure in New England wasn't a particularly long one, he was a member of the Patriots roster for two seasons, but he did provide fans with a memorable performance during Week 17 of the 2022 regular season campaign. In that game, Wilkerson had four receptions for 42 yards and found his way to the end zone a pair of times.
Unfortunately, Wilkerson has only recorded two receptions since that game in 2022. He made five appearances, including one start, with the Las Vegas Raiders, but never truly found his footing with the franchise before being let go by the organization.
With the Bills bringing Wilkerson in for a tryout, there is at least some semblance of interest in the wideout and what he could bring to the table. Buffalo only selected one receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft, seventh-round pick Kaden Prather, so there could be a need from a depth perspective.
We'll find out soon enough whether the Bills were impressed enough by Wilkerson's tryout to offer him a contract. If they elect to pass on adding the former Patriots wideout, the prospects of landing a job in the NFL could become even more difficult as openings are being filled throughout the league with every passing day.
If Wilkerson winds up back in the AFC East with one of New England's division rivals, it will be interesting to see what type of welcome he receives in his return to Massachusetts.