With the hiring of Drew Terrell as the Buffalo Bills’ new wide receivers coach, there’s a fresh wave of energy heading into Orchard Park - and it’s coming at just the right time. After an underwhelming 2025 campaign from the receiving corps, the Bills are clearly signaling that change is on the horizon. The question now is: how do the current wideouts elevate their game and sync up with Josh Allen in what could be a pivotal season for Buffalo’s offense?
Let’s dive into the state of the Bills’ wide receiver room and break down what each player can do to help turn things around in 2026.
Tyrell Shavers: From Camp Darling to Contributor
Tyrell Shavers has been knocking on the door for years, and in 2025, he finally kicked it down. After multiple training camps where he flashed potential but never made the final roster, the undrafted wideout earned his spot and made the most of it. With 15 catches for 245 yards and a touchdown, Shavers showed he’s more than just a preseason standout - he’s a legitimate depth piece with upside.
At 6'4", Shavers brings size and physicality that can be a real asset in the red zone and on contested catches. With a two-year deal in place through 2026, he now has a chance to solidify his role and grow into a more consistent target for Allen. If he continues to develop his route tree and chemistry with the quarterback, he could carve out a niche as a reliable possession receiver.
Khalil Shakir: The Steady Hand in a Shifting Room
Since Stefon Diggs was traded in 2024, Khalil Shakir has quietly become one of the most dependable players on this roster. His 72 catches for 719 yards and four touchdowns in 2025 weren’t flashy, but they were exactly what the Bills needed - consistency, effort, and timing.
Shakir’s offseason work with former Bills great Eric Moulds continues to pay dividends. He’s polished, disciplined, and knows how to find soft spots in zone coverage.
With a contract that runs through 2029, he’s clearly part of the long-term vision. If the Bills can land a true WR1, Shakir can slide back into the slot - a role where he’s shown he can thrive.
Keon Coleman: Time to Reset and Refocus
There’s no sugarcoating it - 2025 didn’t go as planned for Keon Coleman. After a rookie season that showed flashes of promise despite a four-game injury absence, the second-year wideout took a step back. His 38 catches for 404 yards and four scores weren’t enough to justify the expectations that came with being a second-round pick.
Still, Coleman’s physical tools are hard to ignore. He’s big, he’s strong, and when locked in, he can be a matchup problem for smaller corners.
The key now is maturity and focus. If he can sharpen his route running and stay healthy, there’s still a path for him to become a strong No. 2 option.
His contract runs through 2027, so the Bills have time - but the clock is ticking for Coleman to prove he belongs.
Joshua Palmer: A Hometown Story Still Being Written
Joshua Palmer’s first year in Buffalo didn’t go the way anyone hoped. The Canadian native, who grew up just 90 minutes away, was expected to be a major contributor - maybe even a WR1 candidate.
Instead, injuries derailed his season, and he never found a rhythm with Allen. His final line: 22 catches, 303 yards, no touchdowns.
But don’t count him out just yet. Palmer is under contract through 2027, and if he can stay healthy, he still brings size, savvy, and experience to a group that needs all three. A full offseason with Terrell and a clean bill of health could help unlock the potential that made him such an intriguing addition in the first place.
Gabe Davis: The Return of “Big Game Gabe”
Gabe Davis has always been a fan favorite in Buffalo, and in 2025, he reminded everyone why. After starting the year on the practice squad, Davis worked his way back onto the active roster and made the most of his opportunity - 12 catches, 129 yards, and a touchdown.
More importantly, Davis brought toughness and leadership to the field. His run blocking was outstanding, and his chemistry with Allen - forged over several seasons together - was evident.
With his one-year deal now expired, Davis hits free agency again. If the Bills want him back, they could likely lock him in on a team-friendly deal.
He’s not a WR1, but as a depth piece and locker room leader? He still brings value.
Brandin Cooks: A Late Addition with Speed to Burn
Brandin Cooks didn’t have much time to get up to speed after joining the Bills late in the season, but he made his presence felt. Five catches for 144 yards - that’s nearly 29 yards per catch. The man can still fly.
Cooks signed a one-year deal worth around $1.2 million, and given his production in limited snaps, he could be a smart, low-cost option to bring back. He’s a veteran who knows how to stretch the field, and in an offense that thrives on big plays, that’s a skill set worth keeping around.
Curtis Samuel: A Swing and a Miss
Curtis Samuel was brought in to be Buffalo’s version of Tyreek Hill - a dynamic, do-it-all weapon who could create mismatches all over the field. But two years into his three-year, $24.5 million deal, the return has been minimal. Injuries have been a recurring issue, and when he’s been on the field, the production just hasn’t been there: seven catches, 81 yards, and one touchdown in 2025.
Samuel’s smaller frame has made it tough for him to stay healthy and contribute in the run game as a blocker. At this point, it’s hard to see him fitting into the Bills’ future plans. A release would free up cap space, and he may get another shot elsewhere - but his time in Buffalo feels like it’s nearing its end.
What’s Next: Eyes on Free Agency and the Draft
With Terrell now in place and the wide receiver room under evaluation, the Bills have some big decisions to make. Creating cap space will be key, especially if they want to chase a big-name addition.
There’s buzz around potentially targeting a proven star like Justin Jefferson, who already has a connection with offensive coordinator Joe Brady. Or perhaps a move for a young, elite talent like Marvin Harrison Jr., who crossed paths with Terrell during his time in Arizona, could be on the table. Either way, the Bills could also look to the draft to bring in a top-tier receiver to pair with Allen for years to come.
Final Word
Buffalo’s receiving corps is at a crossroads. There’s a mix of youth, experience, and untapped potential, but the group needs more firepower - and fast. Drew Terrell’s arrival is a fresh start, but it’s on the players to respond, grow, and give Josh Allen the weapons he needs to keep Buffalo in the hunt.
The foundation is there. Now it’s about finding the right pieces to elevate this unit from serviceable to dangerous. And if the Bills can do that, look out - because this offense could be ready to take flight again in 2026.