Bills WR Khalil Shakir (10) - Mark Konezny/USA TODAY
With the XFL hybrid kickoff model in 2024, special teams are heading under a new and innovative brand of kick returns.
Only the kicker can move until the returner catches the ball and moves upfield.
While watching it in the XFL, it will create a grassroots special teams movement.
Because of its success, moving it to the NFL will reimagine a brand like never before.
Who Is Starting on Special Teams?
One of the Bills’ biggest problems last year was their poor special teams. In the offseason, the organization made some uncomfortable and career-ending moves.
The team released prominent names like Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, Jordan Poyer, and Micah Hyde. Additionally, the club lost Tre White, Leonard Floyd, and center Mitch Morse.
Now, head coach Sean McDermott and special teams coordinator Matthew Smiley must decide who will start on special teams for the Red, White, and Blue.
Returning Options
The Bills must find two returners who will give them the best chance to score touchdowns. Incumbent Khalil Shakir may have to step back and play much more as a receiver this year.
Keon Coleman is a rookie, and they’ll not want to risk any serious injuries with him. So, who do you turn to next?
Enter rookie sixth-round cornerback Daequan Hardy. At Penn State, the speedster ran back 17 punts for 248 yards and two scores in 2023.
Happy Valley really enjoyed watching this young man blossom, but they were sad to see him leave.
Now, in the City of Good Neighbors, Hardy can make a friendly impression by adapting to a unique kickoff model.
If he could return 17 punts and some kickoffs with the traditional kickoff, imagine what he can do in a format designed for more returns.
You also have Ty Johnson, who is back to play running back and return kicks. He is a speedy two-way athlete who can play both roles.
The former New York Jet will look to fly into the end zone by competing with Hardy in a civil competition.
The wild card to win one of the two return jobs is veteran receiver Andy Isabella.
The speedster ran a 4.31 40-yard dash at his rookie combine and has maintained his game speed since then.
He has never caught a pass but has experience returning kicks with the Bills and the Arizona Cardinals before that.
He would be a great addition because, theoretically, if he finds an open hole while the defenders are just moving, he’s gone almost every time he returns the ball.
Or, Hardy can be tricky and return it, handing it off to Isabella on a reverse.
With the loss of certain players to the salary cap and the change in the kick-off rule, it will be interesting to see which players step up and start on special teams this season.
