After five seasons with four different teams, Bills tight end Scott Chandler can finally unpack his bags and relax.
The Bills, eager to solidify their offensive attack this off-season, signed Chandler to a two-year deal Thursday, just days after agreeing on a multi-year deal with top wide reciever Stevie Johnson.
“I’ve been cut four times and I think the last couple of times that I got cut I didn’t know if there was going to be anymore NFL ball for me,” Chandler told the media Thursday. “I’m just really grateful to the Bills for the opportunity and am very excited to move forward and continue to build with our team. I think we’re going to come back next year and have a great year.”Chandler wowed coaches and fans from the get-go last season, catching five passes for 63 yards and two touchdowns in their season-opening victory against the Chiefs. Chandler went on to amass six touchdowns for the season, a Bills franchise record, along with 38 catches, the most by a tight end in Buffalo since 2001.
Chandler was not without issues last year though, missing games due to ankle and knee injuries, and Buffalo was tenative at first to sign the 26-year-old to a multi-year deal. Chandler told buffalobills.com, however, that he is healthy and has a hankering to get back on the field.
“This is definitely where I wanted to be,” Chandler said. “I think it’s the best place for me and I think it’s a great fit for the Bills, too. I think I bring some things to the table. At the same time this is definitely the ideal place and offense for me with the teammates and coaching staff.”
Chandler’s signing solidifies a solid run-blocking, receiving tight end on the roster, but don’t expect to see him on every snap. Buffalo has a few young tight ends that could see time as well, such as rookie Lee Smith from Marshall, a blocking specialist who was placed on IR last season following an ankle injury. 25-year-old Kevin Brock, who spent time with Chicago and Dallas before heading to Buffalo, could see some reps as well, filling in nicely for Smith and Chandler toward the end of the season last year.
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