Both were signed to the active roster per the Bills' official announcement, with cornerback Dorian Strong waived with a non-football injury designation, running back Desmond Reid waived injured, and wide receiver Gabriel Benyard released as corresponding moves.
The Thompkins Catch That Started It All
Thompkins arrived at minicamp on a tryout basis after four NFL seasons with the Buccaneers, Panthers, and Falcons.
He left with a contract.
Per Bills' reporter Sal Capaccio, Thompkins produced the play of the day during Wednesday's practice when he got loose deep and extended to make a highlight grab on a throw from third-string quarterback Shane Buechele, drawing audible reactions from the offensive sideline.
We have made the following roster moves:
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) June 11, 2026
Signed WR Deven Thompkins
Signed WR Max Tomczak
Waived/NFI CB Dorian Strong
Waived/Injured RB Desmond Reid
Waived WR Gabriel Benyard pic.twitter.com/EzAgciKBPF
"Got loose deep," Capaccio reported. "Laid out to catch the ball thrown from Shane Buechele. Offensive sideline with a bunch of ooooooohs."
Thompkins is 5-foot-8 and 155 pounds. He has 29 receptions for 162 yards and one touchdown across 36 career regular season games, along with 1,373 return yards that show his main organizational contributions as a special-teams weapon.
He holds the competitive edge over most players at his roster spot.
The Tomczak Reunion
Tomczak's story carries a family footnote.
He is the nephew of Mike Tomczak, who won a Super Bowl with the 1985 Chicago Bears, and set Youngstown State school records with 225 receptions and 3,024 receiving yards across four college seasons while earning two first-team All-MVFC selections.
He was originally signed by the Bills as an undrafted free agent on May 8 before being waived on May 27 when A.J. Epenesa was signed.
The Patriots met with Youngstown State WR Max Tomczak at the American Bowl, per @HurwitzSports.
— Jack Aylmer (@Jack_Aylmer) April 20, 2026
Listed at 6’0” and 195 lbs. Totaled 70 catches for 1,021 yds and 8 TDs in ‘25. Was charged with zero drops across 143 receptions during his last 2 seasons. pic.twitter.com/0zYxpipDCl
He is back now, rejoining a depth chart that has Garrett Wilson, Skyler Bell, Tim Patrick, and Khalil Shakir ahead of him in the pecking order.
Both Thompkins and Tomczak are competing for the final receiver spots before training camp at St. John Fisher opens at the end of July.
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
