When the Buffalo Bills face a team with a strong defense, it becomes obvious that there is an element missing from the Bills’ offensive scheme. On the surface, it looks like they are loaded with quarterback Josh Allen, running back James Cook, tight end Dalton Kincaid, and receivers Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir. However, what the Bills’ offense is lacking is a legitimate “deep-threat” wide receiver that can threaten a defense on any down.
The Bills’ lack of a deep threat lets defenses disguise coverage and focus on possession receivers. Defenses can show two-high safeties pre-snap, then drop safeties into the box for run support. If the Bills could take deep shots without play-action, they could punish overaggressive teams. Adding this underrated dimension could elevate the Bills from contenders to favorites to win the Super Bowl.
The Missing Piece for the Buffalo Bills Offense
Stretch the Field and Create Space
Adding a deep-threat receiver with elite speed would create space for Buffalo’s current approach, which relies on high-percentage throws to intermediate zones. Currently, defenses are tightening their coverage to limit short passes. For example, they show a two-high safety look pre-snap, then quickly move safeties up to support the run. However, with a receiver who can stretch the field vertically even without play-action, Buffalo would deter teams from crowding the coverage.
Maximize Josh Allen’s Arm Talent
Recently, Bills quarterback Josh Allen has established himself as one of the NFL’s best. Early in his career, concerns existed about his inconsistent accuracy on intermediate throws. Over time, Allen improved, but his accuracy issues still arise from frustration with passing into tight windows. These challenges stem from his strong arm, which enables him to beat defenses deep; however, he lacks receivers with elite speed to fully capitalize on this strength. For Allen, checking down repeatedly can feel like driving a sports car at 45 mph.
Providing a True Boundary Receiver for Buffalo’s Offense
A legitimate deep threat adds new dimensions to the Buffalo offense. For example, an elite receiver on the backside of trips formations creates problems for the defense. When a fast receiver lines up alone, defenses must choose: put their best coverage player on him, which leaves mismatches on the other side, or move a safety over to help. This second option pulls a safety from run support in the box, opening more space in the middle for Allen to target Kincaid.
Boost Explosive Plays
When NFL defenses must defend the entire field, explosive plays result. Currently, teams show the Bills a two-high safety look before the snap, then drop those safeties into run support or intermediate pass coverage. If Buffalo had a deep-threat receiver with elite speed, defenses could not do this without risking big gains. This threat would not only boost the passing attack but also create more room for James Cook to break long runs.
Top Deep Threats that Will be Trade Targets
With the NFL trade deadline approaching, Buffalo could target several legitimate deep-threat receivers in a trade.
One target is Saints receiver Rashid Shaheed, who has elite vertical speed that Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler cannot fully utilize. If the Saints continue to lose, they may seek to add draft capital.
Lions receiver Jameson Williams is another option. Overshadowed by Detroit’s run game and Amon-Ra St. Brown, Williams has received few targets. The Lions might want more tight end depth if offered Dawson Knox and late draft picks.
Eagles receiver A.J. Brown, frustrated by his lack of targets, is another trade option. As the Eagles’ offense struggles, Brown could clash with the staff and seek a move.
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