Orchard Park, New York – May 8, 2026 Just days after signing an undrafted free agent (UDFA) wide receiver, the Buffalo Bills have officially terminated the contract of the promising rookie after he arrived 30 minutes late to the first practice of Rookie Minicamp.

According to internal sources confirmed by Buffalo Rumblings and The Buffalo News, the wide receiver – regarded as one of the most promising “hidden gems” in the 2026 UDFA class – failed to report on time when the team began activities at 8:00 a.m. this morning (May 8) at ADPRO Sports Training Center’s practice fields.

This was the first and final disciplinary violation for the 24-year-old rookie.

Immediately following the incident, head coach Joe Brady held a brief press conference and issued a stern statement:

“This is not college. This is the NFL, where no one evaluates you based on your skills or accolades. The Bills demand iron discipline from every player, starting from day one. There are no exceptions. If you cannot meet the standard from day one here, the opportunity will not come to you a second time in the NFL.”

Brady, known for his focus on precision and professionalism, emphasized that the team will not tolerate any behavior that undermines overall professionalism, no matter how talented the player may be. “We sign players for their talent, but talent must come with responsibility. If not, we will find someone else,” he added.

The player in question is Ja’Mori Maclin, a 5-foot-11 (1.80m), 188-pound (85kg) wide receiver from Kentucky, who made a strong impression during pre-draft workouts with his elite speed and production in the SEC.

In his final college season, he recorded 13 receptions for 189 yards and showed high potential as a deep threat, earning an invitation to post-season showcases.

The Bills gave him a significant guaranteed salary for a UDFA — a figure reflecting their high hopes — and many analysts predicted he could become a major “steal” in this year’s rookie class for the WR room.

However, today’s events have ended Maclin’s hopes with the Bills after less than a week. Per NFL rules, his UDFA contract is a standard three-year minimum-value deal, and the team has the right to release him at any time during this period without significant compensation.

This is not the first time the Bills have enforced a “zero tolerance” policy with rookies to maintain team standards. Under the current leadership, maintaining a focused and punctual locker room culture is paramount.

Even in the modern era under Joe Brady and General Manager Brandon Beane, the culture of ironclad discipline and absolute professionalism remains firmly in place in Orchard Park.

The Bills have not yet announced their plan to replace the wide receiver spot in the rookie group. Rookie Minicamp continues from May 8-10, featuring draft picks and remaining UDFAs, including standout running back Desmond Reid (Pitt) and defensive end Cade Denhoff (Clemson).

Update: Ja’Mori Maclin’s representatives have not issued an official comment. Maclin can still sign with other teams as a free agent UDFA, but his stock has been significantly damaged by being just 30 minutes late.

A costly lesson for all rookies: In Buffalo, no matter how much of a “star” prospect you are, “This is not college” remains the supreme rule.