The Buffalo Bills made several changes to their wide receiver group this offseason, but some — including a former Bills standout — believe they still need to bring in a veteran receiver with proven production, like a 66-touchdown pass catcher.
With an MVP-caliber quarterback in his prime, it’s natural for fans and analysts to push for the team to surround him with elite weapons. One former Buffalo wideout who knows a thing or two about making plays agrees with that sentiment.
The team did take steps to reshape its receiving corps: Mack Hollins signed with the Patriots, but the Bills extended slot receiver Khalil Shakir. While they didn’t bring back Amari Cooper, they did add free agents Joshua Palmer, Laviska Shenault Jr., and Elijah Moore, and drafted Maryland’s Kaden Prather in the seventh round — a group that GM Brandon Beane is confident in.
Still, critics — to Beane’s frustration — argue that Buffalo could use a more established weapon. That includes ex-Bills receiver Stevie Johnson, who recently floated the idea of signing veteran Keenan Allen.
What would Allen bring to the table? For starters, he offers a wealth of experience (11 seasons), six Pro Bowl selections, and significant production — 974 receptions, 11,274 yards, and 66 touchdowns. After ten seasons with the Chargers, Allen spent last year with the Bears and rookie QB Caleb Williams, recording 70 catches for 744 yards and six scores over 15 games.
Allen could be a valuable piece for the Bills, and his projected \$11 million annual salary isn’t unreasonable. However, fitting him under the cap would be a challenge, likely requiring some roster adjustments — perhaps even at wide receiver. It wouldn’t be easy, but a Josh Allen-to-Keenan Allen combo has a nice ring to it.
