As training camp kicks off, one of the biggest questions around the Buffalo Bills offense is:
Which wide receiver is going to take the leap in 2025?
With Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis both gone, the WR room had a new identity last season and Khalil Shakir stepped up in a big way! 2025 presents some great opportunity for a new #2. Let’s break down the frontrunners.
🔹 Keon Coleman – The Rookie with WR1 Swagger
At 6’4” and 215 lbs, the 2nd year player out of Florida State, Keon Coleman brings something Buffalo hasn’t had in years: a big-bodied, alpha-type receiver who’s not afraid to make contested catches. Last season, Coleman started slower than most Bills fans would've liked but he was showing a lot of improvement. Before his injury in week 9, Coleman had 29 receptions, 556 yards, 4 TDs — averaging 19.2 yards per catch.
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Week 7 vs. Titans: 4 catches, 125 yards (100‑yard game)
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Week 8: 5 receptions for 70 yards and a TD
After his injury, he never fully came back and made much of an impact. Can he be a true WR1 right away? Maybe. If he comes back with more durability and a focus on consistency and improvement.
🧠 Early breakout watch: If he develops chemistry with Allen in camp, he could lead the team in TDs.
🔹 Curtis Samuel – The Ken Dorsey Reunion
Samuel may be the most underrated signing of the offseason. Reunited with Joe Brady (who coached him in Carolina), Samuel offers versatility, veteran presence, and real speed out of the slot.
Samuel missed too much time to talk stats. That said, he's flashed brilliance in Buffalo and has been an impact player in Carolina and Washington. If he can stay healthy, he may be able to be an difference maker here in Buffalo.
He’s not a WR1, but he doesn’t need to be. Think Isaiah McKenzie with better hands and route running.
🔥 Dark horse for receptions leader if the Bills emphasize YAC and short game setups.
🔹 Josh Palmer – The Overlooked Technician
A solid route runner who quietly made noise with the Chargers, Palmer brings a reliable, workmanlike presence to this group. He’s not flashy, but he’s tough, smart, and can eat in the intermediate game.
2024 Stats: 39 catches, 584 yards, 1 TD over 15 games (2.6 rec/game, ~38.9 yds/game)
Not great stats, however, his route running and separation numbers were among the best in the league.
Elite route win rate: Ranked 5th vs man coverage and top 10 vs zone among qualifying WRs
The hopes hear is that he was underutilized in LA / San Diego.
If Allen builds trust with him in camp, Palmer could be the next “Cole Beasley type” — not a household name, but a weekly chain-mover.
📈 Potential surprise WR2 by midseason.
🔹 Elijah Moore – The Wild Card
Moore’s talent has never been the issue — it’s been usage, chemistry, and consistency. The former second-round pick has elite quickness and potential as a slot nightmare, but will Buffalo’s system unlock him?
2024 Stats: 61 Catches, 538 yards, 1 TD
He’ll likely battle Samuel for slot reps, but if he can stay healthy and focused, Moore might be the most explosive piece in the room.
🧨 Boom-or-bust option — could have two 100-yard games… or two inactive weeks.
7.14.2025
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