Over the last four seasons, the Buffalo Bills have featured one of the NFL’s most prolific passing attacks, primarily on the strength of quarterback Josh Allen and wide receiver Stefon Diggs. That era came to an end this offseason when the Bills traded Diggs to the Houston Texans. In addition to parting ways with Diggs, their No. 1 receiver, they also lost WR Gabe Davis, who signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars after finishing second on the team in receiving in both 2022 and 2023.
With the Bills possessing limited cap space, the retooling of the receiver room took the form of value free-agent signings like Curtis Samuel and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, along with the selection of WR Keon Coleman in the second round of this year’s draft. Internally, they’ll be looking at Khalil Shakir and hoping he can take another step in his development.
One thing that can’t be overlooked when talking about Buffalo’s receivers is the presence of Allen, who has the disposition and talent to shepherd these fresh faces through the inevitable bumps in the road. With that in mind, let’s look at who can contribute in 2024.
Keon Coleman
After trading down twice, the Bills snatched Coleman with the first pick of Round 2. He has good size at 6-foot-4, 215 pounds, and the strength to work in traffic and shed would-be tacklers. He’s also quick off the line to help create separation. Coleman is slow afoot by modern standards to be sure, but he should provide a nice complement to smaller, quicker wideouts like Samuel and Shakir.
General manager Brandon Beane indicated after the draft that they’d be counting on the rookie right away, though with his youth and limited experience he’s expected to focus on one spot rather than moving around the formation. In terms of opportunity, Coleman is stepping into a great situation.
Curtis Samuel
Samuel enjoyed something of a breakout season with the Carolina Panthers back in 2020, logging 1,051 total yards and five touchdowns. He signed with the Washington Commanders that offseason but never recapture said form, averaging a 63-635-4 line in his two full seasons — he appeared in just six games in 2021. Getting a chance to play with Allen should be a breath of fresh air for Samuel, who has never worked with a quarterback of his caliber. The veteran has the versatility to line up outside or in the slot, which should help him stay involved with Buffalo’s passing game. Samuel is nearing a return from turf toe and appears to be on his way for a Week 1 appearance.
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Khalil Shakir
With Diggs and Davis gone, Shakir is the top returning receiver. The Boise State product finished fourth on the club with 611 yards — tight end Dalton Kincaid was third (673) — and second in yards per catch at a very respectable 15.7. He figures to see the majority of the snaps in the slot, and he has the advantage of being familiar with Allen, which could be significant given the other four or five receivers that make the roster could all be from other clubs or college. Shakir has made some nice catches downfield. The next step is making things happen in the red zone (he has three TDs in 49 career receptions).
Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Another familiar name occupies the depth chart as well. MVS, who is coming off winning back-to-back rings with the Kansas City Chiefs, brings veteran savvy and deep speed to a mostly young group. While his career average of 17.0 yards per catch is impressive, he’s never proven he can be a consistent threat, making him more of a fallback option if Coleman or Shakir aren’t ready for primetime. Valdes-Scantling (neck) is on the mend but should play in Week 1.
Fantasy football outlook
This feels like an “eye of the beholder” situation as you can make an argument for any of the top three wideouts to be the main producer in 2024. Coleman has the size to be a force in the red zone as well as contested-catch situations. Samuel is versatile, able to create in space, and he has the most experience among the receivers. Shakir knows Allen and posted numbers close to Gabe Davis last year, so he has already shown he can deliver in this offense.
While none of them are sure things, Coleman boasts the highest ceiling and could produce as a top-50 fantasy wideout. It’s a virtual coin flip with Samuel and Shakir, both of whom are worth considering as a WR5 with the hope they’ll be the one to emerge. As for MVS, he’s not worth drafting.
