Breaking Down the Buffalo Bills’ WR Room Heading Into 2026: Who’s Staying, Who’s Going?
The 2025 season was a rollercoaster for the Buffalo Bills - and not the fun kind. Defensive lapses against the run and untimely turnovers played their part in another postseason letdown, but one issue stood out like a sore thumb: the wide receiver group just wasn’t good enough.
Whether it was a lack of top-end talent, inconsistent depth, or just bad injury luck, the Bills' receiver corps didn’t give Josh Allen the support he needed. Now, with Joe Brady officially stepping into the head coach role and a new era beginning in Buffalo, the front office has some decisions to make.
Let’s take a deep dive into the state of the Bills' wide receivers heading into the 2026 offseason - who’s likely sticking around, who could be on the move, and what it all means for the team’s offensive future.
Brandin Cooks
Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
Expectation: Offer a 1-year deal
When the Bills brought in Brandin Cooks late in the season, the move raised eyebrows. He didn’t exactly light it up out of the gate - drops and miscommunications plagued his early snaps - but when the dust settled, Cooks turned into one of the few reliable options for Allen downfield. He became the de facto deep threat when injuries piled up, and to his credit, he stepped up.
Cooks’ veteran presence and ability to stretch the field gave the Bills offense a much-needed vertical element. At this stage in his career, he’s not a WR1, but he doesn’t need to be.
For a team that needs multiple pieces at the position, bringing him back on a short, affordable deal - something in the $5 million range - makes a lot of sense. He’s a known quantity, and Allen clearly trusted him in crunch time.
Khalil Shakir
Status: Contracted through 2029
Expectation: Retain, no change
There’s no debate here - Khalil Shakir was the most consistent and productive wideout the Bills had in 2025. He led the team in receptions, targets, and receiving yards, and chipped in four touchdowns to boot. He’s not a flashy name on the national radar just yet, but Bills fans know just how valuable he’s become.
Shakir’s ability to create yards after contact and find space in tight windows has made him a go-to target for Allen, particularly when the offense needed to move the chains. His role could evolve under Joe Brady, but one thing’s clear: he’s earned his spot, and he’ll be a key piece of the puzzle moving forward.
Joshua Palmer
Status: Contracted through 2027
Expectation: Retain, no change
Palmer was brought in to fill the void left by Gabe Davis - a big-bodied target who could block and stretch the field. Unfortunately, injuries derailed his 2025 campaign before it ever really got going. He landed on injured reserve after a disappointing start, and even when he returned, he never looked fully healthy.
Still, the Bills aren’t in a position to cut bait just yet. Palmer’s cap hit for 2026 is significant ($11.75 million), but releasing him would cost more than keeping him.
If he can stay healthy, he’s still a potential contributor - especially as a secondary or tertiary option in the passing game. Buffalo needs depth, and Palmer can still provide it.
Gabriel Davis
Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
Expectation: No offer
Gabe Davis’ time in Buffalo may have quietly come to an end. He was a late-season addition who showed flashes of his old self, and in the Wild Card round, he looked like he might be a difference-maker - until a brutal hit ended his night and his season.
An ACL tear at this stage complicates everything. Davis is a fan favorite and a respected locker room presence, but with no contract in place for 2026 and a long rehab ahead, the Bills are unlikely to offer him a deal now. Maybe there’s a chance he circles back later in the year, but for now, this chapter appears closed.
Tyrell Shavers
Status: Contracted through 2026
Expectation: Retain, no change
Shavers is the kind of player every roster needs - a grinder who made the most of his opportunity. After two years on the practice squad, he cracked the active roster in 2025 and made an impact as a blocker and special teams contributor.
His season ended with a torn ACL against the Jaguars, but not before he gutted out the second half and helped spring the game-winning touchdown with a key block. That kind of toughness doesn’t go unnoticed. He’s under contract for just $1 million in 2026 and will start the year on injured reserve, but don’t be surprised if he’s back fighting for a roster spot in training camp.
Curtis Samuel
Status: Contracted through 2026
Expectation: Cut pre-June 1st
When the Bills signed Curtis Samuel in 2024, they hoped he’d bring a versatile spark to the offense. That never materialized. His usage was minimal, his production was underwhelming, and he spent most of 2025 on injured reserve with a minor issue that seemed more about roster flexibility than injury severity.
Samuel enters the final year of his deal, but it’s hard to see him sticking around. Cutting him before June 1st frees up about $5 million in cap space - money the Bills can use elsewhere. He was a team player, but this one just didn’t work out.
Keon Coleman
Status: Contracted through 2027
Expectation: Trade if able, keep if unable
Keon Coleman’s rookie year was rough. On the field, he struggled with consistency and discipline.
Off the field, there were concerns about his punctuality and professionalism. Add in some pointed comments from ownership, and it’s clear his standing with the team is shaky.
Still, the talent is there. Coleman’s physical tools are undeniable, and he’s still just entering his third season.
If the Bills can find a trade partner, they’ll likely move on. But if not, there’s still a chance he can turn things around under the new coaching staff.
Joe Brady’s leadership - and a fresh group of position coaches - could be his last shot to make it work in Buffalo.
**Mecole Hardman Jr. **
Status: Future/Reserve Contract
Expectation: Retain, no change
Hardman didn’t have a huge role in 2025, but he made the most of the limited snaps he got. What’s surprising is that he didn’t test the open market - instead, he signed a future/reserve deal to stay in Buffalo.
That gives the Bills a low-risk, high-upside option heading into 2026. Hardman will compete for a roster spot, and even if he doesn’t make the 53-man cut, he’s a strong candidate for the practice squad. His speed and experience are still valuable assets.
Stephen Gosnell
Status: Future/Reserve Contract
Expectation: Retain, no change
Gosnell is a practice squad success story in progress. The undrafted free agent earned respect throughout the building for his work ethic and attitude. While he’s not expected to make the final roster - especially with the WR room likely undergoing a facelift - he’s earned his chance to stick around through the offseason and compete.
Final Thoughts
The Bills’ wide receiver group in 2025 was a patchwork unit held together by duct tape and Josh Allen’s arm talent. Heading into 2026, the front office has a chance to reset - and they’ll need to. With a new coaching regime in place and a franchise quarterback still in his prime, Buffalo can’t afford another year of uncertainty at wide receiver.
Some veterans will stay, some will go, and some young players will get one more shot to prove they belong. But one thing’s for sure: if the Bills want to make another serious run in the AFC, upgrading this receiver room has to be near the top of the to-do list.