George Pickens
Getty
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens.
The Buffalo Bills have overhauled their coaching staff after a playoff loss to the Denver Broncos, and their wide receiving corps could be the next to get a revamp.
The Bills struggled to get consistent production from their receivers this season, which paved the away for veteran Brandin Cook to join in December and quickly become the top target for quarterback Josh Allen. One analyst believes the Bills will call in some bigger guns for 2026, taking aim at a talented receiver who could be hitting the trade block.
Bills Named Top Contender for George Pickens
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox broke down the top potential landing spots for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens if he should hit the trade block, putting the Bills at the top of the list.
Knox suggested that Pickens would add the missing piece for Buffalo’s offense.
“The Buffalo Bills came close to beating the Denver Broncos and advancing to the AFC title game. Had the Bills’ receiving corps come up with one more big play, they might have advanced,” Knox wrote. “Buffalo has an elite quarterback in Josh Allen, but it lacks a true go-to, No. 1 receiver. Pickens, who racked up 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns this past season, could fill that role extremely well.”
Knox wrote that it would be difficult for the Bills to land Pickens, likely need to part with a first-round pick to ensure they land him.
“There’s the matter of trade compensation, too. Would the Cowboys really take a second-round pick for a Pro Bowl receiver just entering his prime? Maybe not, but one could easily argue that trading a first-round selection for Pickens would benefit the Bills more than adding an unproven rookie receiver with the 26th overall pick,” Knox wrote.
If the Bills do land Pickens, they would then need to do some financial maneuvering to fit his expected $28 million franchise tag in, as they are projected to be just $10.2 million over the salary cap. But in all, Knox believes it would be the right move for the Bills, even if it’s expensive.
“Adding Pickens might be just what Buffalo needs to get over the proverbial playoff hump,” Knox wrote.
Another Option for the Bills?
The Bills could have another surprise option that just hit the market. The Miami Dolphins released veteran receiver Tyreek Hill on Monday, ending a turbulent tenure with Buffalo’s AFC East rivals.
Though Hill is still recovering from a season-ending leg injury, he could provide the deep threat the Bills have been lacking since the departure of Stefon Diggs prior to the 2024 season.
It’s not clear how much interest the Bills could have given Hill’s age, the question marks around his health, and various off-the-field issues, but newly promoted president of football operations and general manager Brandon Beane could look to sign him if the price is right.