The Buffalo Bills’ post-mortem press conference underscored a roster concern, with wide receiver Keon Coleman emblematic of the issue.
The Bills haven’t had enough talent around quarterback Josh Allen to advance further in the postseason. The deficiency has been most evident at the receiver position, where Khalil Shakir led a unit considered below average. The Bills are expected to pursue help at the position in free agency, and indications suggest players are eager for the opportunity to line up alongside Allen.Allen.
Josh Allen Draws Interest From Veteran Wide Receiver
The Bills supported Allen with an elite offensive line and a strong ground game, keeping the offense multidimensional. However, struggles to beat man coverage when Allen’s mobility wasn’t an option put a cap on the offense.
At some point, Buffalo receivers will need to consistently win one-on-one matchups in January. Baltimore Ravens receiver DeAndre Hopkins, a pending free agent, spoke about the possibility of teaming up with the All-Pro quarterback on “Up & Adams.”
“Me and Josh Allen could do some damage for sure,” he said. “I’m a football guy now. And in Buffalo, I feel like, as a football team, Josh Allen is a football player. He’s a player’s player, as we say, you know.
“I think I’m quarterback-proof, if I’m just being honest. I’m not just saying that just to say that. … Give me a Josh Allen, and who knows?”
“Me and Josh Allen could do some damage for sure…”
DeAndre Hopkins on potentially joining the Bills next season 👀@DeAndreHopkins | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/6fO4na6lhF
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) January 26, 2026
Hopkins’ career has been defined by seasons with elite passers, interrupted by stretches of brutal quarterback play. He blossomed alongside Deshaun Watson after four years of forgettable quarterbacks, then continued to contribute with Kyler Murray on the Arizona Cardinals.
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He then spent parts of two seasons with the Tennessee Titans, attempting to keep his career afloat while Will Levis struggled as a starter.
His last two starting quarterbacks, though, were Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson. It’s safe to say he’d prefer to play with a demigod in the twilight of his career.
Hopkins generated just 330 yards and 2 touchdowns with the Baltimore Ravens in 2025. He might not be the needle-mover he once was, ranking No. 78 in PFSN’s NFL WR Impact Metric, but his nuance and play strength still figure to be useful, especially in the red zone.
Buffalo needs receiver help. However, Hopkins alone wouldn’t qualify as a meaningful upgrade. As retirement looms after his age-33 season, Hopkins is strictly a role player, perhaps offering similar off-field benefits to veteran receiver Brandin Cooks.
The Bills will look different in 2026, led into battle by a new head coach and a handful of improvements around Allen. Hopkins appears open to joining them, opting to end his career with the type of talent his prime deserved.
