The confetti has barely been swept away from the latest NFL season, but for teams like the Buffalo Bills, the work for the next one has already begun. After another heartbreaking playoff exit—this time at the hands of the Denver Broncos—the Bills are once again at a crossroads. The core of the roster, led by MVP-caliber quarterback Josh Allen, remains championship-caliber. However, a glaring weakness was exposed down the stretch: a wide receiver room that lacked a true difference-maker.
This offseason, the Bills are being heavily linked to a fix that would send shockwaves through the league. According to a recent analysis by Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton, Buffalo is a prime candidate to pull off a blockbuster trade for Philadelphia Eagles star receiver A.J. Brown. The proposed package—sending disappointing 2024 second-round pick Keon Coleman and a 2026 second-round pick to Philadelphia—would signal a definitive shift in the Bills’ offensive philosophy and their commitment to maximizing the final years of Allen’s prime.
The Case for A.J. Brown in Buffalo
Since trading Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans prior to the 2024 season, the Bills have operated with a “receiver by committee” approach. While this strategy worked well during the regular season, it faltered when the game slowed down in the playoffs. In their Wild Card loss to the Broncos, Josh Allen was seen forcing throws into tight windows, desperately seeking a playmaker who could consistently win one-on-one matchups. Veterans Brandin Cooks and Mecole Hardman, both valuable role players, failed to come down with crucial contested catches late in the game.
Enter A.J. Brown.
Brown is the prototypical “X” receiver that Buffalo has lacked. At 6’1″ and 226 pounds, he combines a powerful frame with elite yards-after-catch ability. His career average of 15.3 yards per reception speaks to his ability to stretch the field, a trait that would allow Josh Allen to fully utilize his howitzer of an arm. Since the Diggs departure, Allen has primarily operated in the short-to-intermediate areas of the field. Adding Brown would immediately reintroduce the deep vertical passing game that defensive coordinators fear.
Moreover, Brown is built for the physicality of January football. While Moton notes that Brown had a crucial drop in the Eagles’ playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers, his track record suggests that was an anomaly. Throughout his career, Brown has been a reliable chain-mover and a red-zone threat, qualities the Bills offense desperately needed in high-leverage situations last season.
Pairing Brown with second-year tight end Dalton Kincaid and the shifty Khalil Shakir would give Buffalo one of the most balanced and explosive attacks in the AFC. It would alleviate the pressure on Allen to be a one-man band and force defenses to pick their poison.
The Fall of Keon Coleman
The centerpiece of the proposed trade going the other way is Keon Coleman, a player who arrived in Buffalo with immense hype but has struggled to find his footing. Drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Coleman was viewed as the eventual successor to Diggs’ role. His college tape at Florida State showed a receiver with incredible body control and contested-catch ability, making him an ideal red-zone target.
However, his transition to the NFL has been rocky. The 2025 season was particularly tumultuous. Coleman was benched twice for missing team obligations, raising questions about his maturity and commitment to the Bills’ culture. Head coach Sean McDermott, known for valuing discipline and accountability, clearly lost trust in the young receiver. When Coleman was on the field, the results were inconsistent. He showed flashes of brilliance—a 40-yard grab here, a tough touchdown catch there—but he never became the reliable target Allen needed.
The situation became even more complicated following McDermott’s firing. In a press conference addressing the coaching change, owner Terry Pegula made a telling remark, emphasizing that it was McDermott who had pushed to draft Coleman. This comment subtly signaled that the new regime—whoever that may be—would not be tied to McDermott’s pet projects. In the NFL, a new coaching staff often wants “their guys,” making Coleman a logical trade chip.
For Coleman, a move to Philadelphia could be the fresh start his career desperately needs. A change of scenery might unlock the potential that made him a top prospect, allowing him to develop away from the pressure and baggage of his benching in Buffalo.
The Financials and Feasibility
While the trade makes sense on paper, the logistics are more complicated. A.J. Brown is under contract through the 2028 season after signing a three-year, $96 million extension with the Eagles in 2024. Acquiring him would require the Bills to absorb a significant cap hit. However, with the salary cap rising annually and the Bills’ front office known for its creative cap management, a move of this magnitude is feasible.
For the Eagles, trading a player of Brown’s caliber would be a seismic decision. It would likely signal a shift toward a run-dominant identity behind Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, or a desire to free up cap space to lock up other young stars. While Moton’s prediction is speculative, the Eagles have shown a willingness to make tough decisions to maintain roster flexibility.
A Wider Overhaul at Receiver
Even if the A.J. Brown trade doesn’t materialize, the Bills’ wide receiver room is destined for significant change. Analysts widely expect the team to part ways with veteran Curtis Samuel. Signed to a three-year, $24 million deal in 2024, Samuel was brought in to be a versatile weapon in the slot. Instead, injuries have derailed his tenure. After topping 600 yards in consecutive seasons with the Washington Commanders, Samuel has been a non-factor in Buffalo. Releasing him would free up cap space and clear a path for younger players to step up.
Conclusion: All-In on Josh Allen
The Buffalo Bills are entering a critical juncture. With Josh Allen in his prime and a defense that showed signs of improvement, the window to win a Super Bowl is wide open. However, the team cannot afford to waste another season of Allen’s greatness with a wide receiver corps that fails to strike fear into opposing defenses.
Swapping Keon Coleman and a draft pick for A.J. Brown would be a quintessential “all-in” move. It would cost the Bills future assets and significant money, but it would immediately solve their biggest offensive weakness. For a franchise starved for a championship, the time for patience is over. Making a bold swing for a player like A.J. Brown might just be the move that finally gets Buffalo over the hump.
