Since Brandon Beane took the reins as the Buffalo Bills' general manager, it's been a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows. He started by cleaning up the roster in 2017 and quickly found the Bills a franchise quarterback in Josh Allen.
Beane’s savvy moves have turned the Bills into contenders, but he's also faced criticism for some questionable contracts and missed opportunities. Recently, the spotlight has been on him due to the current state of the roster.
With Sean McDermott's firing in January, many fans thought Beane might follow him out the door. Instead, he was promoted to President of Football Operations. Now, it's time for Beane to prove that owner Terry Pegula made the right call.
The Bills need to make impactful moves in both free agency and the draft. Beane must deliver a strong draft class, which could mean stepping out of the team's usual playbook.
Bills Under Pressure to Trade Up in 2026 NFL Draft
Gary Davenport from Bleacher Report highlighted the Bills as a team that should consider trading up in the 2026 NFL Draft. It's a valid point, given their pressing need at wide receiver.
Buffalo's need is significant enough that Beane should consider leveraging a Day 2 pick to snag a top prospect. While Ohio State's Carnell Tate may be out of reach, 2025 Biletnikoff Award winner Makai Lemon could be a viable target.
Beane has a history of trading up for key players like QB Josh Allen, LB Tremaine Edmunds, CB Kaiir Elam, and TE Dalton Kincaid. However, he has yet to trade up for a wide receiver. In 2024, the Bills traded back twice, allowing other teams to draft receivers, and eventually selected Keon Coleman in the second round.
The bottom line: the Bills have yet to trade up for a wideout, and this might be the year to change that, unless they trade the pick for a proven veteran.
Khalil Shakir is a reliable slot receiver, but not a No. 1.
Joshua Palmer struggled in his first season due to injuries and lack of production. Elijah Moore was released mid-season, Keon Coleman regressed, and Brandin Cooks, a late addition, initially had trouble fitting in.
It's time for the Bills to get Josh Allen a true No. 1 wideout, either through free agency or the draft. Allen doesn't have an endless supply of prime years, and if the Bills don't reach the Super Bowl with him at the helm, they risk becoming a punchline in NFL circles for years to come.