The Buffalo Bills have 12 unrestricted free agents, including two receivers potentially set to leave the fold. That could severely alter the team’s offseason strategy. If the Bills decide to part ways with Amari Cooper and Mack Hollins — or if those players opt to test free agency — then Buffalo might be primed to make a major trade.
Tough decisions abound. The Bills are still figuring out a way to get past the Kansas City Chiefs after losing (again) to them 32-29 in the AFC Championship Game, and they could be pushed to make a major move out wide.
Bills Could Make Blockbuster Trades for Christian Kirk, Tyler Lockett
The Bills would be a scorching-hot trade destination for any receiver, brimming with perennial championship aspirations thanks to the luxury of playing with 2024 NFL MVP Josh Allen. Who says no?
Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport proposed a “dream scenario” where Buffalo trades for two playmaking veterans: Christian Kirk and Tyler Lockett. The problem is that the cash-strapped Bills would have to manipulate the cap to make it work. It’s a long-shot.
“The Bills aren’t in position to be buyers in terms of free agency or a trade,” wrote Davenport. “They’re already $17 million over the salary cap, so there will be restructures and a veteran cut or two.
“The Bills do have three picks in the first two rounds of April’s draft, but they dealt their third-rounder away for wide receiver Amari Cooper. … Cooper is now set to become a free agent, so the Bills could be right back where they started.”
Even after drafting Keon Coleman in the 2024 NFL Draft, Buffalo might be in a position to go with proven veterans (like they attempted to do with Cooper) while they wait for their young talent to develop.
“None of Christian Kirk’s $15.5 million base salary in the final year of his contract is guaranteed, so getting the 28-year-old to redo his deal shouldn’t be a problem,” Davenport said. “The same goes for Tyler Lockett in Seattle. With both players likely to be cut anyway, their teams would presumably jump at getting even a modest return in a trade.”
Lockett is coming off a down year in 2024, logging 49 receptions for 600 yards and two touchdowns. It marked his worst statistical season since 2017, although he remains a Seattle legend who ranks high in multiple receiving categories on the franchise list.
Kirk saw his 2024 campaign shortened by a fractured collarbone in Week 8. He finished with only 27 receptions for 379 yards and one touchdown.
Bills Sign Khalil Shakir to Contract Extension
The cupboard isn’t completely bare in Buffalo at the receiver spot. They recently inked three-year-pro Khalil Shakir to a four-year contract extension worth up to $60.2 million.
NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Shakir will receive $32 million guaranteed at signing. He’s locked up in Buffalo through the 2029 season.
“The guy is a true lunch pail Buffalonian,” Bills general manager Brandon Beane said at the NFL Scouting Combine, via NFL Network’s Michael Baca. “I mean, I know he’s not from Buffalo but he doesn’t say anything, he just shows up every day. He’s Mr. Dependable, and when the ball comes his way he usually comes down with it.”
Bills and WR Khalil Shakir agree to terms on 4-year extension worth up to $60.2M ($32M guaranteed). (via @RapSheet, @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/ATBhR1lVJs
— NFL (@NFL) February 25, 2025
The under-the-radar move could wind up being one of the biggest of the offseason. Shakir led all Bills receivers in receptions (76), targets (100), and receiving yards (821) in 2024 while averaging 10.8 yards per catch with four touchdowns. He quickly turned into Allen’s favorite target after Stefon Diggs left for the Houston Texans via trade.
Meanwhile, Buffalo returns 2024 second-round pick Keon Coleman (29 receptions for 556 yards with four touchdowns) as well as tight ends Dalton Kincaid (44 catches for 448 yards and two touchdowns) and Dawson Knox (22 receptions for 311 yards and one score).