Buffalo Plus: A Buffalo Bills Podcast

Episode: Tyrell SHAVERS SHINES in BILLS preseason finale + are there any SURPRISES ahead of ROSTER CUTS?

Date: August 24, 2025
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes

Episode Overview

In this episode, the Buffalo Plus team breaks down the Bills’ preseason finale in Tampa, zeroing in on standout performances—particularly that of WR Tyrell Shavers—and debating the complicated upcoming 53-man roster decisions. The hosts weigh the cases for fringe roster players, analyze key position battles, discuss the ripple effects of contracts and injuries, and preview how special teams play could affect the final cuts. The tone is energetic and candid, loaded with behind-the-scenes knowledge, observations from training camp, and a bit of friendly ribbing.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Tyrell Shavers Dominates the Preseason Finale

• Immediate Praise for Shavers:

  • Mike Catalana kicks off, emphatic that Tyrell Shavers deserves a roster spot:

    "Tyrell Shavers deserves to be on the roster. He is one of their five best wide receivers. He is a cost-controlled guy. Put him on the roster. That's my take." (01:27)

  • Dan points out the challenge of getting him to the practice squad, stating:

    "You're not sneaking Shavers on any more practice squads. 31 other GMs just saw a guy ball out." (19:18)

• What Makes Shavers Unique:

  • Both Mike and Dan distinguish Shavers from the typical preseason WR intrigue:

    “I don’t like to fall like in that spot of loving some young wide receiver who made a few catches. But this kid I just think is different.” (00:41, 31:13)

  • He’s praised for his size, versatility, and willingness to contribute on special teams:

    "He can play multiple spots… If he can play any teams, I want him on this team." (31:13)

• Key Moment & Locker Room Reaction:

  • The hosts note the importance of Shavers’ game-changing catch and the sideline reaction:

    "The entire team meeting him… was just a really cool moment for a young player." (01:40-02:41)

    • Jenna highlights the emotional and symbolic significance, tying in Sean McDermott’s “true professional” remarks.

2. Wide Receiver Depth Chart and Bubble Players

• Curtis Samuel vs Elijah Moore Debate:

  • The hosts analyze whether Samuel or Moore should make the roster, balancing on-field production and contract realities.
    • Mike:

      "If Curtis Samuel and Elijah Moore had the exact same contract, Mike, you would say keep Elijah Moore?"

      • "I think they would keep Elijah Moore." (12:17-12:27)
    • Jenna:

      "But I've been surprised, not in a good way, with how... invisible... it's felt between Elijah Moore and this offense." (12:55)

• Contract Implications:

  • The difference in “runway” (i.e., leash) for Samuel is attributed to his higher salary.

    "I think he has more of a Runway because of the money. I think it's strictly because of the contract and that's maybe not fair." (08:24)

• Roster Construction Constraints:

  • Injury and thin depth at other positions (LB, DB) may force only five WRs to be kept.

    “In a perfect world, the Bills would love to keep six wide receivers. Every team would. But they are so thin and so injured at linebacker and defensive backs, I don't think they can afford to have six wide receivers.” (15:01)

3. Special Teams: An Underrated Roster Factor

• Special Teams Value:

  • Players like Jimmy Charlo and Joann Driesen are touted for their special teams chops—factors that could give them the edge over similarly-skilled offensive/defensive competitors.
  • Dan:

    "You need some of these guys that their main role is special teams, and then they're serviceable as a backup." (15:24)

• Shavers on Teams:

  • While not “Tasker” elite, Shavers showed willingness and ability, which bodes well for a fifth WR making the team (04:27-05:40).

4. Defensive Stand-Outs & Young Players Impressing

• Cole Bishop’s Bounce Back:

  • Dan praises Bishop for a significant improvement after a rough previous game:

    "I saw a guy that anticipated better today, filled in the run more, had a nice pass breakup on third down. It was encouraging to see a guy bounce back..." (19:56–21:02)

  • Mike wants to see Bishop play aggressively and isn’t interested in patience:

    "I don't give a shit about that right now. It is Week one… he needs to be better." (21:23)

• Dion Walker Disrupts:

  • Walker’s athleticism and impact are highlighted:

    "He also has this ability to destroy games from the interior. And his size and his ability to... His swim moves are so smooth for a guy that's 6'7", 340." (23:31)

  • Mike clarifies that Walker is an “athlete,” not just a space-eater. (24:09-24:23)

5. Injury and Roster Manipulation

• Key Injury Updates:

  • Max Harrison:
    • Mike summarizes Brandon Bean’s TV remarks:

      “Brandon Bean talking during the broadcast saying they’re figuring out if he’s a potential IR candidate ... looking like week three he could possibly come back.” (33:57)

  • Tre’Davious White:
    • Dan:

      "Brandon Bean spoke like a hockey coach. It was a lower leg injury and we'll see next week what the timeline is. ...It was as vague as can be." (34:18)

• Practice Squad & Roster Juggling:

  • Dane Jackson might be cut and re-signed to allow for flexibility, and guys like Jimmy Charlo would be risky to sneak onto the practice squad:

    "Dane Jackson could start week one getting elevated off the practice squad." (17:52) "If you cut him, somebody very well might pick him up because they know they can plug them right in to be a special teams guy." (17:52)

6. Final 53-Man Roster Projections & Battles

• Dan’s Predicted Roster:

  • Outlines expected numbers at each position:
    • 3 RBs, flexibility at OL, 5 WRs (no Elijah Moore), 6 LBs, 8 DBs.
    • Notably, prioritizes special teamers and defensive flexibility due to injuries.
      (Starts at 26:31)

• Ongoing Trade Possibilities:

  • Mike:

    "I still think, honestly, I think Bean's going to be active at the deadline. ... Some of that comes honestly from being stuck with some contracts..." (32:35–33:18)

• Cap Constraints and Cut Candidates:

  • DaQuan Jones and Ogun Joby’s production and contracts analyzed—could be post-week 6 roster cuts if depth emerges. (33:18-33:49)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mike on Shavers (01:27):

  "Tyrell Shavers deserves to be on the roster. He is one of their five best wide receivers. He is a cost-controlled guy. Put him on the roster. That's my take."

• Dan on Practice Squad Risks (19:18):

  "You're not sneaking Shavers on any more practice squads. 31 other GMs just saw a guy ball out."

• Jenna on Shavers' Moment (02:41):

  "I loved the sideline reaction because...they have been rooting for, that they've seen...So to see a player put in the work, to see him have to be patient and then when he has the opportunity, make a huge play...it's just awesome."

• Mike on Defensive Roster Manipulation (17:52):

  "Dane Jackson could start week one getting elevated off the practice squad."

• Mike’s Roster Philosophy (31:13):

  "I just think [Shavers] could become a good player for them. I really do. And I like the fact that he can play multiple spots. I honestly, I think he can be a little bit like Gabe was as a rookie."

• On Special Teams Value (15:24, Dan):

  “You need some of these guys that their main role is special teams, and then they're serviceable as a backup.”

• Cap Management Realities (32:35, Mike):

  "You need some flexibility at this time. And some of that comes honestly from being stuck with some contracts of guys who just haven't performed..."

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Tyrell Shavers’ Roster Case: 01:22–05:40, 19:18–19:34; revisit at 31:13–32:19
• WR Bubble: Curtis Samuel vs Elijah Moore: 06:24–12:57
• Special Teams and Roster Construction: 15:00–16:13
• Cole Bishop & Dion Walker Defensive Discussion: 19:34–25:09
• Injury Updates (Max Harrison, Tre White): 33:57–34:52
• Dan’s 53-Man Roster Projections: 26:31–30:32
• Trade & Cap Dynamics: 32:19–33:18
• End of Episode Banter & Live Event Promo: 36:03–39:41

Language & Tone

The hosts speak with passion, bantering while maintaining their typical “beat reporter with an edge” vibe. The episode features direct quotes, strong opinions, and playful jabs, exemplified by their “Steve Bushel” running gag and self-deprecation about preseason deep-dives.

For diehard Bills fans or casual observers alike, this episode provides an authoritative, compact breakdown of Buffalo’s preseason finale, the mounting intrigue around Tyrell Shavers, and critical context for the forthcoming roster cutdowns.