In 2025, Josh Allen had another outstanding individual season as the quarterback for the Buffalo Bills. He passed for 3,668 yards with 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, achieving a completion rate of 69.3%. Additionally, he rushed for 579 yards and scored 14 touchdowns.
However, the team once again failed to reach the Super Bowl. The Bills lost to the Denver Broncos in the divisional round, 33-30, in overtime. As a result, Buffalo is reassessing its strategy after firing head coach Sean McDermott and replacing him with offensive coordinator Joe Brady.
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The Bills are looking to add a top-tier wide receiver to their roster. Last season, Khalil Shakir was the team’s leading receiver, amassing 719 yards. CBS Sports’ John Breech suggests the Bills might pursue disgruntled Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown, who has recorded four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. He proposes a trade that would send Brown to Buffalo in exchange for a second-round pick in 2026 (No. 60 overall), going to Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) prepares to catch a pass against the Buffalo Bills.Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
(Mark Konezny-Imagn Images)
“Josh Allen needs a true No. 1 wideout to push Buffalo over the top, and Brown may have enough left in the tank to fill that role,” Breech wrote. “Considering the Bills want to maximize the window they have with Allen in his prime, they should be willing to pay up.”
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The effect of a potential Brown trade would be philosophical as much as personnel-driven for the Buffalo Bills. After parting ways with McDermott and elevating Brady, Buffalo signaled an offensive recalibration centered fully around Allen. Adding a true No. 1 receiver like Brown would immediately alter defensive coverages, reduce pressure on complementary targets and reshape late-game play-calling.
From a roster-construction standpoint, the numbers highlight the urgency. Shakir leading the team with less than 750 receiving yards underscores the absence of a dominant perimeter presence. Brown’s track record represents consistency that Buffalo has lacked in high-leverage postseason moments. In the overtime loss to the Denver Broncos, a single contested catch or red-zone mismatch could have swung the outcome. Elite receivers often become the difference in tightly contested playoff games.
Looking ahead to the 2026 offseason, Buffalo’s window is defined by Allen’s prime years and escalating AFC competition. Surrendering a second-round pick would be a win-now declaration, but the Bills are no longer building; they’re chasing a Super Bowl breakthrough. If Brown truly becomes available, the decision will test how aggressively Buffalo intends to pursue the final piece of a championship puzzle.
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Related: Bills Named Best Fit for Six-Time Pro Bowl WR
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.