The Buffalo Bills roster was thin at tight end headed into the 2021 offseason. Many expected Brandon Beane to make an addition at the position at some point.
They have done just that with the signing of free agent Jacob Hollister.
Hollister was, indeed, Josh Allen's tight end in college at the University of Wyoming. The two hooked up for seven touchdowns in the 2016 season.
Since entering the NFL, Hollister has served as a quality depth tight end, especially with the Seattle Seahawks.
Trying to find playing time in a crowded Seahawks tight end room with Greg Olsen and Will Dissly, Hollister had 66 receptions for 558 yards and six touchdowns in 27 games. Hollister's production came playing just 35.1% of offensive snaps in 2020 and 46.3% of offensive snaps in 2019.
He actually played more on special teams last season with 62.7% of special teams snaps.
Hollister has a different skill than the departing Tyler Kroft. Hollister is a better athlete once the ball is in his hands than Kroft, but is a smaller target at 6-foot-4, compared to Kroft's 6-foot-7.
The Bills signing Hollister could put an end to rumors of the Bills being interested in Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz.
Without another move, like an Ertz trade, the Bills' tight end room will include Hollister, Dawson Knox, Reggie Gilliam, and Tommy Sweeney heading into 2021.