The Buffalo Bills are heading into a pivotal offseason, and all signs point to one clear priority: getting Josh Allen a true No. 1 wide receiver.
Since trading away Stefon Diggs in the spring of 2024, Buffalo’s passing game has lacked a go-to threat. Khalil Shakir has stepped up admirably, but he’s more of a complementary piece than a top-flight WR1.
The Bills took a swing in the draft with Keon Coleman, but that experiment hasn’t panned out. With ownership publicly voicing frustration over Coleman’s development, it’s fair to question whether his time in Buffalo is already over.
That leaves the front office with a major decision to make. The Bills need a difference-maker on the outside, and they need one now. While the draft is an option - especially with a receiver-rich 2026 class - there’s buzz around the idea that Buffalo could look to free agency for a more immediate solution.
One name drawing attention? George Pickens.
Pickens just wrapped up a breakout season with the Dallas Cowboys, posting career highs across the board: 93 catches, 1,429 yards, and nine touchdowns. He earned his first Pro Bowl nod and was named Second-Team All-Pro - not bad for a player who started the year with question marks about his consistency and effort. Those concerns were part of the reason Pittsburgh moved on from him, but in Dallas, Pickens showed what he can do when fully engaged in a high-powered offense.
If Buffalo were to land Pickens, it would be a game-changer. He’s the kind of alpha receiver who can win at all three levels, stretch the field, and give Allen the kind of dynamic playmaker he hasn't had since Diggs was in his prime. It’s the type of move that could redefine the Bills’ offense overnight.
But here’s the catch - and it’s a big one.
Dallas holds the cards here. The Cowboys can place the franchise tag on Pickens, and given his production, it’s hard to imagine they’d just let him walk.
Even if they did, Buffalo would face serious financial hurdles. The Bills are currently $14 million over the salary cap, which makes a major free-agent splash tough to pull off without some significant roster reshuffling.
Still, the urgency is real. After parting ways with head coach Sean McDermott, the pressure is on GM Brandon Beane to get this roster over the hump.
The window is still open, but it’s not going to stay that way forever. Josh Allen is in his prime, and the clock is ticking.
If Pickens isn’t in the cards, the draft may be the more likely route - and fortunately for Buffalo, it’s a strong year for wideouts. The 2026 class is deep with talent, and the Bills could find a future star if they play their cards right.
Either way, expect Buffalo to be aggressive in addressing its receiver room. Whether it’s a splashy free-agent signing or a high-upside rookie, the Bills know they need to get Allen some help - because without a true WR1, this offense can only go so far.