The Buffalo Bills are heading into the 2025 season without a clear-cut No. 1 wide receiver. For the second year in a row, they’ll begin the season lacking a proven 1,000-yard playmaker on the roster.
Khalil Shakir may see increased production from the slot after posting a career-best 821 receiving yards last season. However, the team still lacks a top-tier outside target, and Shakir hasn’t been a major red zone presence, recording just seven touchdowns in his career.
Josh Allen’s top red zone target from last season, Mack Hollins, signed with the AFC East rival New England Patriots. Buffalo’s most notable addition at receiver, Josh Palmer, managed just one touchdown last year and has only 10 scores over four NFL seasons.
Top star has been the subject of trade rumors since last season. While the Lions may be hesitant to move on from their former first-round pick following a 15-2 campaign, nothing is ever certain in the NFL. Detroit could be open to offers if it means avoiding a future payday for their emerging young star.
Anthony Palacios of Last Word on Sports believes the Bills should pursue a trade for him to add speed on the outside.
“The Bills still need another wide receiver to strengthen the group behind Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman,” Palacios wrote. “Williams has the potential to become a long-term playmaker following the departure of Mack Hollins this offseason and could thrive with one of the league’s strongest arms in Josh Allen.”
It took some time for Williams to find his stride, but the former Alabama standout delivered a breakout campaign in 2024, recording 58 receptions for 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns over 15 games.
Last season, Williams emerged as Detroit’s primary deep threat and, alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown, helped create one of the most dangerous wide receiver tandems in the NFL.
Despite the abundance of talent in Detroit’s offense, Williams ranked third on the team in receptions. In Buffalo, however, he’d likely become Josh Allen’s primary target. Combining Allen’s powerful arm with a 1,000-yard receiver who averaged 17.3 yards per catch last season could be a recipe for a breakout year and big production from Williams.