South Carolina football alum signs with new squad for 10th NFL season

Back in 2015, South Carolina football wide receiver Damiere Byrd signed his first NFL contract as he inked an undrafted free agent deal with the Carolina Panthers. After spending four years with the Panthers, Byrd has bounced around the league, spending some time with the Arizona Cardinals, New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons (twice), the Carolina Panthers again, and Houston Texans.

Earlier this offseason, he signed a contract with the Washington Commanders, but things didn't work out. Now, though, the speedy wideout has another opportunity to play his 10th year in the NFL as the Buffalo Bills announced they had come to terms with Byrd on a one-year contract.

For the Bills, Byrd will bring receiver and special teams depth. He also provides big-play ability. One of just a handful of players in the NFL who have run a 40-yard dash in the 4.2-range, Byrd has scored 5 touchdowns in his career longer than 45 yards. With the new kickoff rules coming into play this fall, Byrd is an intriguing option to return kicks.

Despite the South Carolina football program producing NFL All-Pro talents like Sterling Sharpe, Robert Brooks, and Alshon Jeffery, no Gamecock wide receiver ever has played ten years in the league. If he is still on the roster when the NFL season begins in less than a month, Byrd will become the first receiver from USC to reach a full decade of service.

During his 9 years as a pro, Byrd has logged 7 receiving touchdown and a 103-yard kickoff return for a score. His best year came in 2020 when he had over 600 yards as a primary starter for the New England Patriots. He recorded no stats in 2015 (his first year) or 2023. He has a good chance to stick with the Buffalo Bills, though, as the team lacked depth at wideout and has dealt with injuries in the receiver room this preseason.