The Buffalo Bills are decidedly thin at wide receiver after shipping Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans. Could Buffalo find the help it needs in free agency, or is the franchise better served exploring trade options to replenish itself at the position?
Buffalo Bills’ Free Agent Options at Wide Receiver
Replacing Diggs’ production will be no small task for the Bills. He has tallied 1,100+ yards in all four of his seasons with the franchise and has done so in each of his last six seasons overall.
There has been plenty of drama around the veteran WR dating back to even his days with the Minnesota Vikings, however, which evidently led Buffalo to value ridding itself of Diggs’ locker-room presence more than keeping his on-field talents.
The free agent market has quickly thinned of the top-tier wide receivers, and Diggs’ sizable dead cap hit might also be a challenge. Yet, the Bills could still look at a few free agent options to help fill the void.
Michael Thomas
Michael Thomas is one intriguing option on the free agent market after being released by the New Orleans Saints. Injuries have hampered Thomas’ production of late and raised significant questions about whether he can stay healthy.
Nevertheless, the veteran wide receiver was plenty productive when healthy over the first four seasons of his career. He could be a player worth taking a flyer on for the Bills if the price is right.
Odell Beckham Jr.
Odell Beckham Jr. is another FA wideout whose best seasons came early in his career but appears to be behind him, though he remains a productive player. He tallied 35 catches for 565 yards and three touchdowns across 14 regular-season appearances for the Ravens last year, including six starts.
Beckham may not be a bona fide No. 1 option anymore, but he could be a key contributor if Buffalo is able to sign him at a reasonable number.
Tyler Boyd
Tyler Boyd has been solidly dependable for the Cincinnati Bengals over the last eight years, posting a pair of seasons with 1,000+ yards early on but playing a productive secondary role as of late.
Boyd has a good track record of remaining healthy and has posted at least 600 receiving yards in each of the last four seasons, which could make him an intriguing target for Josh Allen.
Potential WR Trade Targets for the Bills
Another option for Buffalo is the trade market, where it could more readily find a stronger potential No. 1 option depending on the price it’s willing to pay. Two wideouts, in particular, have been surrounded by trade rumors in recent weeks and could make sense to fill the Bills’ needs, though the cost of acquiring either might be more than they’re willing to pay.
Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers
Recent reports indicate the 49ers aren’t looking to trade Brandon Aiyuk amid contract extension talks, but San Francisco might at least consider it at the right price.
Aiyuk’s production speaks for itself. He has upped his yardage totals each year to 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns on 75 catches last season.
Adding Aiyuk seems unlikely, but it’s something Buffalo could explore at the very least.
Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals
Higgins is another productive wide receiver who could be available at the right price after previously requesting a trade from the Bengals amid extension talks of his own. He opened his career with three seasons tallying 900+ yards but saw his production dip a bit during an injury-shortened 2023.
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A chance at being the Bills’ No. 1 receiver could intrigue Higgins, though it’s unclear whether Cincinnati would seriously consider trading him, especially to another AFC contender.