A closer look at the Buffalo Bills’ 2025 season suggests they didn’t have a strong wide receiver group. While many critics had flagged this before and during the season, the team couldn’t find a reliable solution. Now, a new rumor links them to wideout Deebo Samuel, whose contract situation remains unresolved with the Washington Commanders. But this solution may come with a hefty $17.5 million price tag.

“#Commanders Deebo Samuel is expected to have interest from these 5 Teams, including Washington: #49ers #Dolphins #Titans #Bills #Chargers,” NFL Rumors posted this on X.

The Commanders acquired Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers last year in exchange for a fifth-round pick. But now the wideout’s contract has been voided, triggering a $12.34 million cap hit in 2026. While one could argue that Samuel’s production of 72 receptions for 727 yards should deserve another big contract, the decision rests with Washington. The annual projected amount for his next deal stands at around $15.77 million, as per reports.

Even though the team can afford him, they may prefer to get younger talent at the position. General manager Adam Peters has previously stated that he doesn’t believe in overspending on players. The uncertainty could create an opportunity for other teams, including the Bills, to make a move. The Bills finished 12-5 in the regular season but came up short during the divisional round against the Denver Broncos. 

Owner Terry Pegula blamed and sacked head coach Sean McDermott for the championship slump. But as McDermott put it, the roster wasn’t strong enough to compete at higher levels. One of the key reasons was the absence of a top receiver. Stefon Diggs’ 2024 trade has left the position vulnerable, with free agency and draft acquisitions failing to fill the gap. 

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Khalil Shakir emerged as Josh Allen’s most reliable target this season, but the rest of the group couldn’t keep up. Moreover, Joshua Palmer faced health setbacks while the Bills released Elijah Moore. Then there was Keon Coleman, who hadn’t been very consistent. Even the addition of Brandin Cooks in November couldn’t bring the desired results. 

Hence, adding an impact player at that position becomes a necessity for the Bills. After all, expecting Josh Allen and his tight ends and running backs to do all the heavy lifting isn’t sustainable in the long term. There have been other trade rumors for the WR group, but nothing is official yet. Meanwhile, Samuel’s rumors come after the Bills put Coleman in an awkward spot.

Josh Allen’s top boss throws shade at Coleman

Keon Coleman joined Josh Allen’s team as the 33rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. But his two-year stint hasn’t been impactful, with the Bills even disciplining him in November. Despite being a healthy scratch, he was made to sit out four games that month. While Coleman’s season began with a grand 112-yard performance in Week 1, he couldn’t gain over 50 yards for the rest of the year. 

The player eventually dropped to sixth on the depth chart. When asked about his development on the team last month, Pegula interrupted the new president of football operations, Brandon Beane, to answer.

“I’ll address the Keon situation. The coaching staff pushed to draft Keon,” Pegula said. “I’m not saying Brandon wouldn’t have drafted him, but [Coleman] wasn’t his next choice. That was Brandon being a team player and taking advice of his coaching staff who felt strongly about the player. And he’s taken — for some reason — heat over it, and not saying a word about it. But I’m here to tell you the true story.” 

Pegula later clarified to The Associated Press that he was not referring to McDermott specifically. He meant another coach whom he didn’t name. In the 2025 season, Coleman posted 38 receptions for 404 yards and four touchdowns across 13 games. During the same press conference, Beane acknowledged that they must improve the wide receiver group.

At the same time, he backed Coleman and revealed that the organization has not given up on the 22-year-old wide receiver. As the Bills focus on bolstering their offense and elevating Josh Allen’s game, finding a reliable wideout seems to be the most important step.