Thompson gives Bills much-needed target

Oct 23, 2017 - 12:32 AM ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Deonte Thompson signed with the Buffalo Bills on Tuesday and is already one of the team's leading receivers.

Thompson caught all four passes thrown his way for 107 yards in the Bills' 30-27 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. He hauled in a 44-yard reception that led to the winning field goal, the second-longest catch by a Bills wide receiver this season.

"Crazy week, crazy week," Thompson said. "They signed me Tuesday evening. I had to learn the offense and get ready for Sunday. Just a blessing though. I can't thank God enough for this opportunity to come here."

Running back LeSean McCoy leads the Bills with 32 receptions for 220 yards this season. Injured tight end Charles Clay has caught 20 passes for 258 yards and two touchdowns.

Through the first five games, Jordan Matthews led the wide receivers with 10 receptions for 162 yards and a touchdown. Matthews caught two passes for 10 yards on Sunday in his return after missing one game with a broken thumb.

Thompson had 11 receptions for 125 yards and a touchdown in five games with the Chicago Bears before he was released on Oct. 11.

Bills head coach Sean McDermott praised general manager Brandon Beane for bringing Thompson into the depleted receiving corps this week.

"A player like DT out there on the market and they did a great job of being on top of it in a timely fashion so we could get him in and take a look," McDermott said. "Give credit, obviously, to DT and to the coaching staff on offense for getting him up to speed. Love his attitude, man."

Thompson said he also worked out for the New England Patriots on Monday before his Tuesday workout with the Bills.

"It went well," Thompson said. "(The Patriots) said they were going to get back to me. As soon as I left the Bills, they didn't waste any time, they got back to me ASAP and signed me."

This is Thompson's second stint with the Bills. He played in one game for the Bills in 2014 but did not catch a pass. Buffalo brought him back for training camp in 2015 but he did not make the roster.

Thompson already had a rapport with quarterback Tyrod Taylor. They played together in the U.S. All-American game in 2007 and were both scout-team players for the Baltimore Ravens from 2012-13.

"It's great to see him come in and have the game he did," Taylor said. "We've had plenty of reps together in Baltimore. ... I trust him. I trust all those guys. He was able to take advantage of some of the matchups and he was able to make some plays downfield."

Thompson said every play he ran Sunday he had previously run in practice during the week, including the corner go route that led to his big reception in the fourth quarter. The only thing he didn't prepare for was the helmet-to-helmet hit from Buccaneers cornerback Robert McClain that gave the Bills an extra 15 yards on their winning drive.

"I can't thank the guys enough for accepting me this week," Thompson said. "Helping me get adjusted and especially my receiver room. They've been great this week, helping me get the plays, staying after practice with me."