What to expect from Jamison Crowder this season

Buffalo went out this offseason and signed slot WR Jamison Crowder to a one-year contract worth $2 million.

The Crowder signing came mainly because of the release of Cole Beasley. Without Beasley in the slot anymore, Crowder is able to fill the role in the slot.

Crowder was a very underrated signing, mainly overshadowed by the signing of Von Miller and the extension of Isaiah McKenzie, but he should have a vital role to play in the offense if he’s able to remain healthy.

There have been reports that Crowder has impressed thus far into camp as he competes for time in the slot position. Surely McKenzie will get looks in the slot just because of his time and familiarity with the Bills offense and Josh Allen, but that is not to take away from Crowder playing an important role in this offense.

Defenses are going to be game planning for Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis on the outside and that is going to leave openings in the middle for Crowder to exploit. That is where he is going to make his money. A sure-handed possession WR with a knack for finding an open spot to sit and present himself to the QB.

In over three years with the Jets, he caught 188 passes for 1,979 yards and 14 touchdowns. Although his production has declined over each of those three campaigns, perhaps he’ll reverse course and provide steady value while catching passes from Josh Allen (rather than the inconsistent carousel of quarterbacks he’s used to).

Crowder has a lot of upside as well as experience. The Bills will be his third NFL team he’s played for in his 8-year career. This will also most likely be the best offense he’s ever played on. If there is ever a time for Crowder to flourish, it’s now.

He adds an element of speed and run after the catch ability, something that Beasley seemed to lack at times. The Bills were in the bottom third of the league last year in terms of yards after the catch. That is something that must be improved this year in order to shorten the field and not have to drive the whole length of the field so often. Crowder can utilize his speeds and agility to aid the offense in improving those numbers this year. Combine Allen’s ability to complete deep passes with some more run after the catch ability, and the offense could reach even further heights.

Don’t be surprised to see Allen take a liking to Crowder, and take a liking to him early. He’s going to be a safe and reliable target for them this season. The numbers I project for Crowder to reach this year are 75 receptions, 800 yards, and 5 TDs.

Don’t sleep on Crowder this season. He’ll show why he was a quick signing for GM Brandon Beane this offseason. He’s a valuable guy that they needed to add for this Allen-led offense.