The Buffalo Bills are staring down an offseason full of questions-none bigger than how they plan to reshape a wide receiver room that’s missing a true No. 1 option. But if Ohio State standout Carnell Tate has any say, he’s got a solution in mind. And it involves catching passes from Josh Allen.
Tate, one of the top receiver prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, made his preference clear during a recent appearance on the Downs 2 Business podcast alongside Colts wideout Josh Downs and Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. When asked which NFL quarterback he’d most want to suit up with, Tate didn’t hesitate: “I’d love to go play with Josh Allen. He can get you the ball; he’s experienced.”
That’s not just a casual name-drop. It’s a calculated nod to one of the league’s premier quarterbacks-and a subtle pitch to a franchise that’s been searching for a long-term answer at wide receiver since Stefon Diggs' production began to taper off.
Tate didn’t stop there, either. He said he hopes to earn the kind of consistent target share that young stars like Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Puka Nacua are getting, week in and week out.
In other words, Tate isn’t just looking to contribute-he wants to be the guy.
And based on his college tape and scouting buzz, there’s every reason to believe he could be.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein likened Tate to Saints receiver Chris Olave-a name Bills fans will remember from the trade deadline rumor mill. Buffalo reportedly had interest in Olave, but New Orleans made it clear he wasn’t going anywhere. That comparison should perk up ears in Western New York, because Olave’s polished route-running and vertical threat profile is exactly what Buffalo’s offense has been missing.
Tate brings a similar toolkit to the table. He’s a smooth “Z” receiver who thrives on timing, acceleration, and body control.
He doesn’t just run routes-he manipulates defenders with pace and precision. Whether he’s stretching the field on a go route or snapping off a comeback, he shows an advanced feel for spacing and leverage.
And when the ball’s in the air? He tracks it like a center fielder and consistently comes down with it, even in traffic.
His 2025 season at Ohio State was a breakout campaign: 51 catches, 875 yards, and nine touchdowns. Those numbers don’t just reflect talent-they reflect a player who’s ready to translate his game to Sundays.
Of course, there’s a catch. Tate is widely projected as a top-10 pick, and the Bills are currently slotted at No.
- That’s a long way to climb on draft night.
It would take a bold, aggressive move from general manager Brandon Beane to make it happen-something he’s not afraid of, but also something that comes at a steep cost.
Still, the fit makes sense. The Bills are tight against the cap and unlikely to make a splash in free agency. Landing a high-upside playmaker like Tate on a rookie deal could be a game-changer for a team that needs to reload around Josh Allen without breaking the bank.
Whether it’s realistic or not, Tate’s public admiration for Allen adds a layer of intrigue to the pre-draft process. And if Beane is feeling ambitious come April, there might just be a path-however narrow-that brings one of college football’s most polished pass catchers to Buffalo.
Because if there’s one thing the Bills need heading into 2026, it’s a receiver who wants the ball-and knows exactly what to do with it once he gets it.