After five years with the Buffalo Bills and coming off a season that saw him post a career-high in catches (42) and receiving yards (423), receiver Isaiah McKenzie was cut by the team on March 17.
One of the mainstays of a tight-knit Bills sqaud that rose to perennial-contender status during his time in Orchard Park, McKenzie's departure was a part of a business decision that was undoubtedly tough on both sides.
And McKenzie, who signed a one-year, $1.23 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday, didn't hesitate to admit during his introductory press conference on Wednesday that leaving the Bills was something that hit him hard.
“It was sad,” McKenzie said. “It was a sad moment. I had a sad moment because I had a great time there, great organization, great fan base and everything about that place was amazing. It came to an end, and I understand all good things don’t last long."
McKenzie was a fifth-round pick by the Denver Broncos in 2017, but was waived after one season and quickly joined the Bills in 2018 before becoming an important depth piece in the receiving room in the seasons to follow.
In 2020, he posted a personal single-season best with five receiving touchdowns, solidifying himself as a staple of the team.
But despite the emotions that have arisen due to his departure, he's come to terms with the fact that all good things come to an end.
"You try to make the best of it while the good gets going, and I feel like for me, my time was up and that was totally fine with me," he said.
McKenzie finishes his Buffalo career with 79 games played, 1,345 receiving yards and 16 total touchdowns (11 receiving, four rushing, one kickoff return). He'll now look to retain a similar role on a rebuilding Colts team that will likely snag a new franchise cornerstone at quarterback in April's draft after a 4-12-1 season.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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