The Buffalo Bills’ season ended earlier than expected, renewing criticism around Josh Allen’s postseason results despite another strong regular season. Allen again played at an elite level across the year, carrying the offense with his arm and legs, but Buffalo’s playoff exit reinforced familiar concerns about whether the roster around him is good enough to break through to the Super Bowl. The loss marked a disappointing close to a season in which the Bills remained contenders but failed to capitalize when it mattered most.
Offensively, Buffalo leaned heavily on its ground game throughout the season, often compensating for an inconsistent receiving corpse. WR Keon Coleman struggled to establish himself in his secon season, enduring uneven production and at times falling out of the rotation entirely, including stretches where he was a healthy scratch. Curtis Palmer and Joshua Palmer also failed to make their marks when called upon.
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Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) hands off the ball against the New England Patriots.David Butler II-Imagn Images
(David Butler II-Imagn Images)
With no clear No. 1 wide receiver emerging, addressing the passing attack is expected to be a priority for the Bills this offseason as Allen enters his ninth NFL season.
One potential option has now surfaced. DeAndre Hopkins, a five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver set to become a free agent, publicly expressed interest in playing with Allen. Appearing on Kay Adams’ “Up & Adams” podcast, Hopkins was asked about a possible fit in Buffalo.
“Me and Josh Allen could do some damage for sure,” Hopkins said. “I’m a football guy, and Buffalo is a football team, and Josh Allen is a player’s player. I think I’m quarterback-proof if I’m being honest. Give me a Josh Allen and who knows.”
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Hopkins brings an extensive résumé, including six 1,000-yard seasons, elite contested-catch production, and experience playing alongside top quarterbacks such as Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson.
Adding a veteran receiver like him could give Allen a proven deep threat and contested-catch option in Buffalo’s offense. However, there are also reasons for caution.
Hopkins, who turns 34 in June, has regressed statistically in recent seasons, raising questions about his ability to function as a primary receiving option. That uncertainty could make a big signing riskier for a Bills team aiming to maximize its competitive window.
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Related: Josh Allen Misses Out on $500K After Bills’ NFL Playoff Exit
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.