Bills could go big-game fishing to solve key roster issue
Getting Josh Allen more weapons will undoubtedly help the Buffalo Bills next season. Why does Josh Allen need more weapons? Unfortunately, Buffalo was top five in the NFL last season in dropped passes. Stefon Diggs was his normal self, dominating on the football field. However, outside of Diggs, there was much to be desired. Expectations […]
Getting Josh Allen more weapons will undoubtedly help the Buffalo Bills next season.
Why does Josh Allen need more weapons? Unfortunately, Buffalo was top five in the NFL last season in dropped passes. Stefon Diggs was his normal self, dominating on the football field. However, outside of Diggs, there was much to be desired.
Expectations fall flat
Gabe Davis, who critics were claiming would have a breakout season, had good numbers but fans were still clamoring for something more. Davis arguably had an issue with dropped passes, all of which cannot be solely blamed on him. Regardless, there were monstrous expectations set for Gabe Davis and some fans don't think he lived up to the hype.
Coming into the season it was reported that Isaiah McKenzie dominated training camp. Fans were expecting to see a considerable jump from the slot receiver but that never happened, either.
It can't all rest on Diggs' shoulders
Obviously, Buffalo needs to protect Josh Allen. Moreso, they need to get Allen more weapons. While Stefon Diggs is an elite talent in the NFL, getting Allen more help would allow Diggs to flourish even more in this offense.
Using the draft to build around the offensive line and fill whatever holes are left by some players potentially leaving the organization will be crucial. If Jordan Poyer, Tremaine Edmunds and Ed Oliver were to pack up and take their talents elsewhere, Buffalo will really need to nail this upcoming draft.
Luckily, this offseason is chock full of big named wide receivers who could help turn the tide for Buffalo. Assuming Brandon Beane can navigate the difficult cap situation, there is plenty of talent that could take the offense to the next level.
Big-name available wide receivers
The first name is one that has already made its rounds across Bills Mafia and social media. O'Dell Beckham Jr. has shown interest in joining the team to join forces with Von Miller. In fact, Brandon Beane even mentioned during a press conference that OBJ was an option for the team.
If the Bills were to pick up O'Dell, they would be hoping for the kind of production he had with the Rams which led to a Super Bowl victory.
Some other big names that may be a reach, but it's the offseason so let's have some fun.
Deandre Hopkins, Keenan Allen, and Brandin Cooks are all big names that would immediately change the trajectory of the Bills' offense moving forward.
Hopkins, who was traded to the Cardinals around the same time as Diggs joined the Bills, is rumored to be available. Kyler Murray hasn't done the Cardinals franchise any favors with his off-the-field antics and Hopkins is a potential trade candidate with their franchise quarterback sidelined until well into next season.
Keenan Allen is a surprising name that just came through the pipeline. The Chargers are in a difficult cap situation and will need to make some tough decisions. When on the field, Allen is a game-changer, much like Diggs. The only knock on him right now is his inability to stay healthy. With Buffalo dealing with a rash of injuries last season, an injury-prone wide receiver may rub some Bills fans the wrong way. Regardless, Allen is a top-tier wide receiver who is a disruptor on the football field.
Lastly, Brandin Cooks. Cooks is one of the more underrated wide receivers in the NFL. Even with the Houston Texans, a struggling franchise, to say the least, Cooks shined last season. Getting a reliable wide receiver an elite quarterback to get him the football is a match made in heaven.
Difficult road ahead
Again, with the cap situation as it sits, the Bills can't make any moves. Luckily, there are some younger members of this roster who can really take a big step next season. Khalil Shakir is one name that comes to mind. Shakir, in limited availability, doubled his season totals during the playoffs alone.
Ken Dorsey, in his upcoming second year, will have his work cut out for him once again.
Here's hoping Brandon Beane can work his magic and get Josh Allen some help, both in the receiving core and on the offensive line.
Featured image via Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports