After being reinstated into the NFL, former Detroit Lions wide receiver Quintez Cephus quickly found a new home.
Adam Schefter of ESPN announced that Cephus signed with the Buffalo Bills on April 28.
“Former Lions WR Quintez Cephus, who was reinstated last week after being suspended all of last season for violating the league’s gambling policy, has reached agreement with the Buffalo Bills,” Schefter said on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Former Lions WR Quintez Cephus, who was reinstated last week after being suspended all of last season for violating the league’s gambling policy, has reached agreement with the Buffalo Bills, per his agents @_SportsTrust. pic.twitter.com/g6qNpxVe2M
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 28, 2024
In May 2023, the NFL suspended Cephus indefinitely for wagering on NFL games. The Lions terminated him, as well as fellow wide receiver Stanley Berryhill and safety C.J. Moore, who were both suspended last year for gambling infractions.
The Lions selected Cephus in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL draft. In three seasons with Detroit, he had 37 receptions for 568 yards and four touchdowns.
WR Quintez Cephus joins the Buffalo Bills.
The 26-year-old receiver will join a Bills offense that is currently in upheaval at wide receiver.
This offseason, Buffalo traded Stefon Diggs, their standout wideout. The squad also lost veteran Gabe Davis to the NFL free agency.
To replace those receivers, the Bills signed Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins. Buffalo also signed former second-round pick KJ Hamler to a reserve/future contract this offseason.
The Bills then took the first pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft, selecting Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman.
Cephus will most likely battle this summer for a depth receiver position in Buffalo. He could also join special teams.
His finest statistical season came in his freshman year, when he had 20 receptions for 349 yards and two touchdowns. He also surpassed the 200-yard milestone in 2021, with 15 receptions.
Cephus caught two passes for 15 yards on three targets during his final season with the Lions.
Cephus’ playing time on offense reduced with each season. He also had a career-high 93 special teams snaps as a rookie.
In 2022, Cephus did, however, play a higher percentage of Detroit’s special teams snaps in games in which he appeared. He participated in only four contests in 2022.
The Lions fail to address wide receiver in the 2024 NFL draft.
After rumors circulated that the Lions may add a wide receiver in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft, Detroit stunned many by not addressing the position at all during the weekend.
The Lions divided their six 2024 draft picks equally between offense and defense. However, Detroit selected three offensive players: offensive tackle Giovanni Manu, running back Sione Vaki, and guard Christian Mahogany.
There may yet be options for the Lions to add a receiver this summer. Most notably, veteran Odell Beckham Jr. remains a free agent.
However, the Lions appear to be at ease going into early spring workouts with their current receivers. Of course, All-Pro Amon-Ra St. Brown will lead the way, having tied for second in receptions and third in receiving yards last season. He also finished tied for fourth in touchdowns.
On the depth chart, Jameson Williams, Kalif Raymond, and Donovan Peoples-Jones follow him in order. Williams debuted as a big-playing WR3 late in the 2023 season. In 2024, the Lions could expect Williams to start opposite St. Brown, with Raymond in the slot.
