The first NFL stint for former Detroit Lions wide receiver Quintez Cephus after returning from suspension was short. The Buffalo Bills announced on May 16 that they released Cephus.
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The Bills originally signed Cephus on April 28 according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. His stint with the team lasted two and a half weeks.
While short, it was still the first time Cephus was on an NFL roster since the league suspended him for violating the NFL’s gambling policy. He missed the entire 2023 season with an indefinite suspension for betting on NFL games.
The league suspended Cephus, along with fellow Lions players Stanley Berryhill, C.J. Moore and Jameson Williams, in May 2023. Like Cephus, Moore received an indefinite suspensions. Berryhill received a 6-game suspension.
The Lions released all three players.
Williams also received a 6-game suspension which was reduced to four. Williams was not suspended a full season because he didn’t bet on NFL games.
On May 7, the Lions brought back Moore on a new contract. But Cephus will begin looking for a new job.
Buffalo Bills Release WR Quintez Cephus
Buffalo brought in Cephus this offseason along with several other receivers, including veterans Curtis Samuel, Mack Hollins, KJ Hamler and Chase Claypool. The Bills also drafted Florida State wideout Keon Coleman and signed undrafted free agent Xavier Johnson Jr.
The Bills are trying to replace Stefon Diggs, who the team traded to the Houston Texans, and Gabe Davis, who signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency.
But Cephus was the odd man out even before the official beginning of offseason workouts.
Cephus began his career as a fifth-round pick for the Lions during the 2020 NFL draft. In three seasons with Detroit, he registered 37 receptions for 568 yards and 4 touchdowns.
His best statistical season came during 2020 when he had 20 catches for 349 yards. Cephus also had 2 touchdowns in 2020.
Most of his playing time was during his rookie season as well. Of the 22 games he played with the Lions, 13 of them were in 2020.
About 60% of the snaps he played with Detroit also came during his rookie campaign.
Cephus appeared in four contests, playing 51 offensive snaps during his last season in 2022. He also lined up for 36 special teams snaps.
Could the Lions Be Interested in Signing Cephus?
Detroit electing to give Moore another chance is an indication that the Lions probably wouldn’t rule out a Cephus return. The Lions never really replaced Josh Reynolds, who signed with the Denver Broncos in free agency, this offseason. So a need at receiver exists.
But Cephus signing a new contract in Detroit doesn’t appear very likely.
While the Lions haven’t added another potential starting receiver, they do have depth at the position. Detroit had 10 receivers on its roster prior to the draft and then signed two highly-regarded undrafted free agent wideouts in Isaiah Williams and Jalon Calhoun.
If the Lions make any further additions at receiver before the regular season, it will likely be for a potential starter. Cephus wouldn’t be a receiver to fit that role, as he’s started just six contests over the past four years.
Cephus could catch on with an NFL team searching for a receiver to provide depth and perhaps a return element on special teams.
