Bills WR Update: Does the Team Need a New Receiver?
Going into the second year without Stefon Diggs, the Bills are looking to continue their dominance on offense. After some pundits predicted the Bills to finish third in the division, the team proved all doubters wrong by going 13-4 and advancing to the AFC Championship Game. Bills Offensive Coordinator Joe Brady used the motto “Everyone Eats” to describe the receiving corps, which consisted of no Pro Bowlers, but a deep group of solid pass-catchers. With the preseason quickly approaching, this group of receivers needs an update.
Coleman Hopes to Take Sophomore Leap
The Bills drafted Keon Coleman after trading down with the Chiefs in last year’s draft. Kansas City picked Xavier Worthy, a speedy wideout from Texas, as a hopeful replacement for Tyreek Hill, who the team traded before winning back-to-back Super Bowls. Coleman was having a promising rookie season until he got injured, averaging about 50 receiving yards per game from Weeks One through Eight. His wrist injury kept him out for four weeks, and he never quite got back to form in the final few games. With training camp winding down, fans and media alike have gotten their first look at the ex-Florida State Seminole as he ramps up for the regular season. Rumors slandering Coleman came out, detailing how he struggled to get separation in the first training camp practice at St. John Fisher University. However, overreactions before the season are common, and only time will tell if Coleman gets to the next level when the regular season comes around.
Khalil Shakir Injury Puts Slot Receiver Spot in Question
On Sunday, it was reported that Khalil Shakir would be week-to-week with a high ankle sprain. This creates a big question mark at the position going into the season. Shakir has been a YAC machine, finishing second among all wide receivers in yards after catch last year. According to ESPN’s unofficial depth chart for the Bills, Elijah Moore and Kaden Prather are slotted behind Shakir. Since Cole Beasley’s decline and then departure in 2022, the team has been searching for a suitable replacement at slot receiver. Isaiah McKenzie took over for one season, but never quite proved himself as a threat as an inside receiver. Without Shakir, the team might struggle to get production in the slot.
Josh Palmer Addition Adds Some Depth
After losing Mack Hollins, many Bills fans were concerned about the depth at the wide receiver position. With the addition of Josh Palmer, that relieved some stress that people felt about the depth at the position. Palmer played his whole career with the Chargers, posting 182 receptions for 2,287 yards and 10 touchdowns during four seasons in Los Angeles. He’s hoping to excel with another tall quarterback with a strong arm after going from Justin Herbert to Josh Allen.
What Receiver Should Buffalo Target?
A notable wide receiver who requested a trade recently was Terry McLaurin, but it’s not likely that Buffalo has the cap room to secure him in his new contract venture. Other notable targets at wide receiver include: Gabe Davis, Amari Cooper, and Keenan Allen. Both Davis and Cooper are ex-Bills who have been looking for teams for a while and would be a good fit. Meanwhile, Allen is one of the top targets on the market who has rapport with Palmer after playing with him for three seasons. Whether or not the Bills try to acquire a new piece in the wide receiver room, the offense will be expected to perform at the exceptional level of the past few seasons.
