The Buffalo Bills are looking for help in their wide receiving corps and have already made one big move to address the need, but could have had a chance for another very accomplished pass-catcher.
The Bills made one of the biggest completed trades so far this new NFL year, landing wide receiver DJ Moore from the Chicago Bears. While Moore is expected to compete to become the team’s No. 1 receiver, they could have also had a chance to add veteran Mike Evans.
Bills Had a Real Chance at Mike Evans
The Bills had been rumored to be a contender for Evans, who ended up signing with the San Francisco 49ers. The longtime Tampa Bay Buccaneers star said in his opening press conference with the 49ers that the interest was mutual.
“So I was looking at here, Buffalo Bills, teams that needed a No. 1 wide receiver,” Evans said, via reporter Matt Maiocco in a post on X. “I liked this place. This was my No. 1 spot on my own (research).”
Evans is one of the most accomplished wide receivers to hit free agency in years, having made the Pro Bowl six times and topping 1,000 yards in 11 straight seasons before being limited to eight games in 2025 due to an injury.
The Bills had been seen as a top landing spot for Evans, with PFF’s Mason Cameron predicting they would sign the veteran receiver and Super Bowl champion.
“The Bills’ lack of quality depth at outside receiver limited their offensive output, particularly when injuries mounted late in the year,” Cameron wrote. “Add in their limited capability to stretch the field vertically – recording the sixth fewest receptions on throws of 20 or more yards – and Evans profiles as a strong upgrade to Josh Allen’s core of weapons.”
Even without landing Evans, the Bills have already shown that the position is a priority with Moore’s trade. The Bills could also bring back veteran Brandin Cooks, who became a top target after joining off waivers in December.
Bills Have Other Chances to Boost Receiving Corps
The Bills could have some other veteran targets in free agency, and could also turn to the NFL draft to add more young talent. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. predicted the Bills would take receiver Denzel Boston from Washington with the No. 26 overall pick.
“Boston’s hands, catch radius and vision would quickly make him a go-to option for quarterback Josh Allen. He finished with 881 yards and 11 scores last season, bullying opposing cornerbacks along the way,” Kiper wrote.
Kiper added that Boston could have the opportunity to become a top target for a Bills team with many question marks in the wide receiving corps.
“Buffalo’s receiver room has a lot of questions and lacks a true WR1, all due respect to Khalil Shakir,” Kiper wrote. “After being called out by ownership last month, Keon Coleman’s future with the team is murky. Brandin Cooks and Gabe Davis are free agents. Joshua Palmer was injured and limited to 22 catches on the season. And Tyrell Shavers tore an ACL in the playoffs. So, this one seems obvious.”
Bills Get Tough News From 6-Time Pro Bowl Wide Receiver