The Bills’ Wide Receiver Problem Isn’t New - But It’s Getting Harder to Ignore
The Buffalo Bills are no strangers to winning games without a prototypical No. 1 wide receiver. They did it last season, finishing 13-4 despite lacking a true alpha target on the outside. But trying to replicate that formula again in 2025 is proving to be a much taller task - and the cracks are starting to show.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t about effort or ignoring the issue. The front office made moves.
They brought in Joshua Palmer, took a flyer on Elijah Moore (who’s since been released), and spent a draft pick on Kaden Prather - though he didn’t even make the practice squad. But none of those moves have filled the glaring void on the outside.
The Current WR Room: Serviceable, But Not Scary
Khalil Shakir has carved out a role as a dependable slot option, and he’s done well with what’s asked of him. But he’s not the guy defenses are circling in red ink on the whiteboard.
Keon Coleman, while physically intriguing, is still a developmental project - not a WR1. And when you take a step back and look at the group as a whole, it’s missing one thing: juice.
There’s no one in this receiver room right now who consistently tilts the field. No one who forces double teams, dictates coverage, or makes defensive coordinators lose sleep on Saturday night. And while Josh Allen is still doing Josh Allen things - extending plays, making throws on the run, and keeping Buffalo competitive - the lack of a reliable, explosive outside threat is putting a ceiling on what this offense can be.
Let’s not forget how much Stefon Diggs changed the equation when he arrived in Buffalo. He gave Allen a true No. 1, and their connection helped elevate the Bills into perennial contenders. Without that kind of weapon now, the offense is feeling a little toothless, especially when it matters most.
Looking Ahead: The Draft Could Hold the Answer
Buffalo isn’t likely to land a top-tier receiver this season - the trade deadline has passed, and the free agent market is thin. But no matter how this season ends, GM Brandon Beane will need to make it a top priority to get Allen the kind of playmaker he can grow with - whether it’s in free agency or, more likely, the draft.
Enter Jordyn Tyson.
In a recent mock draft, the Bills are projected to land the Arizona State standout - and it’s easy to see why. Tyson brings a tantalizing mix of size, speed, and ball skills that could finally give Allen the outside threat he’s been missing.
At 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, Tyson doesn’t just look the part - he plays it. He’s got the burst to separate quickly, the hands to win in traffic, and the versatility to line up both outside and in the slot.
He’s not just a vertical threat, either. Tyson’s short-area quickness gives him value in the screen game and on intermediate routes, where he can create separation and yards after the catch. That kind of skill set is rare for a receiver with his frame - and it’s exactly the kind of dynamic presence Buffalo’s offense needs.
Production That Backs Up the Hype
Tyson’s numbers this season tell the story. Over 60 catches, 711 yards, and 8 touchdowns - and he’s done it while consistently flashing big-play ability.
Four games with over 100 receiving yards, multiple scores in two of them, and only three games without a touchdown. That’s not just steady production - that’s difference-making impact.
And that’s what the Bills are missing. Right now, this offense doesn’t have a player who consistently wins on the outside. Tyson might not walk into the building and become a Pro Bowler from Day 1, but he represents a clear step toward solving a problem that’s been lingering for too long.
Bottom Line: It’s Time to Reload at WR1
The Bills have done a lot of things right over the past few seasons. They’ve built a strong culture, a top-tier defense, and they’ve got one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league. But if they want to keep their Super Bowl window open, they need to give Josh Allen a true No. 1 receiver again.
Whether it’s Jordyn Tyson or another top prospect, the mission is clear: get Allen the kind of weapon who can change games - and help bring Buffalo back to where they believe they belong.