The Buffalo Bills are heading into the 2026 offseason with a mix of urgency and optimism. After a crushing loss to the Denver Broncos in the divisional round-a game that felt like a missed opportunity for a team many believed was primed for a Super Bowl run-there’s a clear sense that change is not just coming, it’s already underway.
The most immediate shift? A new voice at the top.
Sean McDermott is out, and Joe Brady is stepping in as head coach. Brady, who took over play-calling duties during the 2025 season, now has the full reins.
And with that comes a new chapter for Josh Allen and an offense that still has the firepower to contend-if they can fill one glaring hole.
Let’s talk about the wide receiver room. Since Stefon Diggs’ departure following the 2023 season, the Bills have lacked a true WR1-someone who can consistently win matchups, stretch the field, and give Allen the kind of target who can change the game with one play. That’s not to say the current group lacks talent, but the absence of a dominant, go-to receiver has been noticeable.
So, who could fill that role? One name floating around is Brandon Aiyuk.
He’s certainly the type of player who could step in and take over that WR1 mantle. But adding a top-tier receiver like Aiyuk would likely require a trade-something that comes with its own set of complications, especially when it comes to draft capital and cap space.
Free agency, however, might offer a more flexible path. One intriguing option being discussed is Rashid Shaheed, who finished the 2025 season with the Seattle Seahawks after being acquired from the New Orleans Saints at the trade deadline.
Shaheed’s numbers-59 catches for 687 yards and two touchdowns-don’t jump off the page, but the context matters. He’s never had a full season with a stable quarterback situation, yet he’s shown flashes of being a legitimate deep threat.
That’s where things get interesting for Buffalo. Josh Allen has one of the strongest arms in the league, and pairing him with a receiver who thrives downfield could be a match made in offensive heaven.
Shaheed’s speed and ability to stretch defenses vertically could open up the entire playbook for Brady and Allen. Think fewer dink-and-dunk drives and more explosive plays that put pressure on opposing secondaries.
And while Shaheed might not be a household name yet, the potential is there. He’s just 27 and entering what should be the prime of his career. For a team like Buffalo, which doesn’t need a complete overhaul but rather a few key pieces to get over the hump, Shaheed could be a smart, high-upside addition.
Another name worth watching is Alec Pierce. The former Colts wideout had a quietly productive season, even with Daniel Jones sidelined by injury.
Pierce continued to make plays, showing strong chemistry with multiple quarterbacks and proving he can be a reliable target in a variety of offensive systems. While he might not project as a WR1, he could be a valuable piece in a retooled receiving corps-especially if the Bills opt for a committee approach rather than banking on one star.
Bottom line: the Bills know what’s at stake. The window to win with Josh Allen in his prime is still open, but it won’t stay that way forever.
With a new head coach, a franchise quarterback, and a defense that’s still capable of making plays, Buffalo doesn’t need to rebuild-they just need to reload. And finding the right receiver-or receivers-this offseason could be the difference between another playoff heartbreak and finally making that long-awaited Super Bowl push.