Buffalo Bills: Is Cyrus Kouandjio’s NFL career over?

Previously rated as a five-star prospect, Cyrus Kouandjio has been released by the Buffalo Bills, one month after being involved in a bizarre police incident.

The NFL has a long history of players who had undoubted talent, but failed to live up to their potential. You have to wonder if Cyrus Kouandjio is about to join that list, after the Buffalo Bills cut him on Wednesday morning.

Kouandunjio’s release was reported by WGR 550‘s Sal Capaccio. It brings to an end what was ultimately a disappointing three seasons in Western New York.

However, it was a sequence of events this year which ultimately led to the demise of the 23-year old’s time in Buffalo. This sequence started with a mysterious incident in January, when he fell in his home and needed hip surgery.

However, this was nothing compared to the bizarre and worrying story on April 20, when Kouandjio was found in a field wearing just a t-shirt and underwear, near the scene of an accident on Route 400 in Elma. As reported by Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News, he entered the field after climbing over an electric fence and yelled at police to shoot him, after they went to detain him.

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The police determined the 2013 First-team All-SEC selection was acting confused but was no threat. As a result, he wasn’t arrested, but was taken to Erie County Medical Center for observation.

Kouandjio arguably lost his last support within the organisation, when Doug Whaley was fired at the end of last month. The Bills’ former general manager was responsible for picking him in the second round of the 2014 draft.

At the time, the selection was hailed as a major coup for Whaley and the Bills. Once ranked as a five-star prospect and the top offensive lineman in the nation by the likes of Scout.com and Rivals.com, he built up an impressive resume at Alabama.

This list of accomplishments included winning two national championships and being named a Consensus All-American in 2013. As a result of his success, Kouandjio decided to forego his senior season with the Crimson Tide and declare for the draft.

Unfortunately for the offensive tackle, he struggled during his first two seasons in Buffalo, starting just two games. This led to 2016 being called a make-or-break year for him.

Kouandjio went on to start a career-high five games during the 2016 campaign. However this was more as a result of injuries, rather than him outright earning more playing time.

Now, the Cameroon native — who became an American citizen last November — finds himself without a team, with questions surrounding his future in the NFL. And while it is conceivable to imagine someone else giving him another chance, he serves as a cautionary tale of how superior talent does not always guarantee you success in your chosen field.

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In related news, the Bills also released quarterback Josh Woodrum. This was countered by signing wide receiver Rod Streater and tight end Wes Saxton.

Next: What can Bills expect from Reggie Ragland?

What do you predict will happen to Kouandjio now? Will he be given another chance somewhere else, or does this mark the end of his professional football career in the NFL? Share your thoughts in the comments section.