The Buffalo Bills enter the 2025 season as perennial contenders in the AFC East, but questions remain about their depth at outside wide receiver. Despite key offseason moves, including re-signing core players and adding free agent Joshua Palmer, the team still lacks a clear top option to complement quarterback Josh Allen’s dynamic offense.
Keon Coleman, who showed flashes of potential during his rookie season, leads a group that includes Palmer and several slot receivers. While the Bills boast depth in the slot with players like Khalil Shakir and Curtis Samuel, their outside options remain thin. Seventh-round rookie Kaden Prather and other unproven players leave the team vulnerable should injuries arise.
The Bills’ front office, led by Brandon Beane, has taken calculated steps to maintain the team’s competitive edge, earning a respectable B+ offseason grade. However, analysts highlight the need for another reliable outside target to solidify the wide receiver corps. The departure of Amari Cooper and the reliance on untested talent amplifies concerns about this critical position.
Buffalo’s success in recent years has been fueled by an explosive offense, but sustaining that performance requires balanced options for Allen. With divisional rivals like the Dolphins and Patriots improving their rosters, the need to address this gap becomes even more pressing. A midseason acquisition or free-agent signing could provide the necessary boost.
Buffalo Bills Need Outside Wide Receiver Before 2025 NFL Season
As it stands, Buffalo needs a reliable outside wide receiver before the 2025 season begins. This is detailed more in an analysis by Aaron Schatz for ESPN.
Keon Coleman had a quietly efficient rookie season. Although he missed four games due to injury and had only 29 catches for 556 yards with four touchdowns, Coleman ended with an excellent receiving DVOA of 11.4% — ranked 30th out of 91 qualifying receivers. The Bills added Joshua Palmer in free agency; he’s a useful player with an average DVOA and back-to-back seasons of at least 580 receiving yards. But there’s no clear No. 1 option and very little depth behind Coleman and Palmer.
The next three receivers — Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel and Elijah Moore — are slot options. The third-best outside option is probably seventh-round pick Kaden Prather. The Bills should consider bringing Amari Cooper back, if just for depth purposes. General manager Brandon Beane might be OK with the wide receiver depth, but it’s not optimal.
Despite this challenge, the Bills remain one of the league’s top teams, thanks to Allen’s leadership and a strong supporting cast. The defense has also been bolstered, which should alleviate pressure on the offense to carry games singlehandedly.
As the season approaches, resolving the wide receiver issue could be the final piece in Buffalo’s quest for a Super Bowl. With a strong foundation already in place, the Bills have the potential to overcome this hurdle and make another deep playoff run.
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