As the Buffalo Bills begin a pivotal offseason, all eyes are understandably locked on the search for their next head coach. But let’s not overlook the equally critical work that needs to happen on the roster. Because regardless of who’s calling the shots from the sideline, Buffalo has some major decisions to make-especially on defense and in the wide receiver room.
Let’s start with the defense. It wasn’t just one issue-it was a cascade of breakdowns.
The run defense struggled to hold up, third downs became nightmares, and with a long list of defensive players heading into free agency, the Bills are staring at a potential overhaul. Fixing that side of the ball isn’t optional-it’s essential if Buffalo wants to remain a legitimate contender in the AFC.
But just as pressing is the need to reignite an offense that, at times, felt like it was missing a gear. Josh Allen is still one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league, but even the best need help-and that help has to come in the form of a true No. 1 wide receiver.
Since Stefon Diggs’ departure, the Bills have tried different approaches to fill that WR1 void-trades, free-agent signings, and most recently, a high draft pick. In 2024, they used a premium selection on Keon Coleman, hoping he’d become that go-to guy.
So far, though, the results have been mixed. Coleman has flashed moments of promise, but he hasn’t consistently delivered the kind of impact Buffalo was banking on.
That leaves the front office with a big question: do they double down on the draft and take another swing at a top receiver, or do they shift gears and pursue a proven veteran who can contribute from day one?
There’s an argument to be made for both strategies. Drafting a receiver in Round 1 offers long-term upside and cap flexibility.
But it also comes with risk-especially when you’ve already tried that route and the payoff hasn’t quite materialized. And when your franchise quarterback is in his prime, waiting for a rookie to develop isn’t always the best play.
Recently, Buffalo was floated as a potential landing spot for Washington wideout Denzel Boston, a big-bodied, physical receiver who’s projected to be a first-round pick in April. Boston’s game is built on toughness-he thrives in contested catch situations and showed a knack for making plays in tight coverage during the 2025 college season, hauling in 10 of 13 targets in traffic. That kind of skill set could pair nicely with Allen’s ability to extend plays and challenge defenses deep and outside the numbers.
But here’s the thing: that profile sounds a lot like the one Buffalo already has in Keon Coleman. Physical?
Check. Contested-catch specialist?
Check. The Bills bet on that archetype once already, and while Coleman isn’t a bust, he hasn’t been the difference-maker they hoped for.
Drafting Boston would essentially be doubling down on a model that hasn’t quite paid off yet.
That’s not to say Boston can’t succeed in the NFL-or even in Buffalo. But when you’re trying to maximize a Super Bowl window, repeating a strategy that’s already shown limitations might not be the most efficient move. What the Bills really need is a receiver who brings a different dynamic-someone who can separate consistently, create after the catch, and open up the field for Allen in ways that force defenses to adjust.
That kind of player might be available in the draft, but more likely, he’s already in the league. A trade for a proven veteran-someone who’s already shown he can be a WR1-would give Allen the kind of immediate help that could elevate the entire offense. It’s a bold move, but bold is what this moment calls for.
Because make no mistake: the Bills are still in the mix. They’ve got the quarterback.
They’ve got the core. But the clock is ticking, and every roster decision from here on out will either push them closer to a Super Bowl-or further from it.