The Buffalo Bills fell short once again in their quest to reach the Super Bowl, losing 33-30 to the Denver Broncos in the divisional round after an overtime battle. Despite the disappointment, star quarterback Josh Allen enjoyed another impressive season.
Allen had a standout year as the Bills’ quarterback, passing for 3,668 yards, throwing 25 touchdowns and recording 10 interceptions, all while achieving a completion rate of 69.3%. In addition to his passing prowess, he rushed for 579 yards and scored 14 rushing touchdowns.
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The team did not make it to the Super Bowl for another season. Following the playoff loss to the Broncos, the Bills decided to reassess their strategy by firing head coach Sean McDermott and promoting offensive coordinator Joe Brady to the head coaching position.
Looking ahead, the Bills will likely try to add a top-tier wide receiver to their roster. Last season, Khalil Shakir led the team in receiving yards, totaling 719 yards. According to CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson, the Bills might trade up to the No. 3 pick in the draft with the Arizona Cardinals to select standout wide receiver Carnell Tate from Ohio State.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) celebrates after scoring a touchdown.Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
“I have the Bills trading all the way up to No. 3 to land the Ohio State wideout, and take their middle-of-the-road-in-the-AFC Super Bowl chances and puts them in overdrive,” Wilson wrote. “Yes, the cost to move up is steep – and history says that shouldn’t scare contenders. The Falcons did something similar back in 2011 when they jumped 21 spots to take Julio Jones. Five years later, they should have won the Super Bowl. And even though they fell short no one would argue that going to get Jones wasn’t the right decision.”
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If the Bills want to maximize the prime years of Allen, adding a true WR1 may be the missing piece. That’s why Tate is such an intriguing projection. Tate delivered great production in his final collegiate season, hauling in 51 receptions for 875 yards and nine touchdowns while averaging just over 17 yards per catch. His combination of body control, route precision and contested-catch ability made him one of the most complete receivers in the 2026 class.
Tate is widely viewed as a top-three receiver in the draft and a legitimate top-10 overall prospect. For Buffalo, trading into the top three would signal urgency, a belief that adding a dynamic playmaker outweighs the draft capital cost. His ability to win outside the numbers and in the red zone would immediately elevate a passing attack that lacked a dominant presence last season.
In a loaded AFC, standing pat may no longer be enough. If the Bills truly believe Tate is a difference-maker capable of shifting defensive coverages and creating explosive plays, an aggressive move up the board could be the swing that finally pushes them over the top.
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Related: Bills Mock Trade Lands WR to Help Josh Allen
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.