After a disappointing performance from the Buffalo Bills receivers, the team may look to upgrade their wide receiver group. While fans might dream of a trade for Davante Adams, there are several more realistic options that could enhance Josh Allen’s support.
Currently, the Bills have about $3 to $3.4 million in cap space, according to OverTheCap and Spotrac. Any trade would need to fit within that budget, making higher-priced players less likely unless there’s a corresponding move or if the other team covers part of the salary. Given Raiders owner Mark Davis’s history of being tight with money, a deal for Adams seems unlikely. Instead, it’s worth exploring some mid-tier options who can make a significant impact this season and possibly in the future.
Brandon Beane has been active at the trade deadline in the past two years, and with a clear need for improvement, he may pursue another deal this year.
Romeo Doubs – Green Bay Packers
Romeo Doubs might not be a name many expected to see on trade lists. With the Green Bay Packers performing well and Doubs providing solid receiver play, his availability is surprising. However, there are reasons for his sudden interest in the trade market. Doubs has voiced frustration about his role in the offense, leading him to skip two practices and ultimately receive a suspension, which caused him to miss the Week 5 game against the L.A. Rams. Although the team claims to be moving forward, they are likely to receive trade inquiries as the November 5th deadline approaches.
So far this season, Doubs has recorded 12 receptions for 169 yards, reflecting his dissatisfaction with his current usage. His speed and ability to stretch the field make him a valuable depth piece. Last season, he had 59 catches for 674 yards and 8 touchdowns. Currently in the third year of his rookie contract, Doubs has a manageable average cap hit of $1.2 million, with minimal dead cap if he is released, making him an appealing option for teams looking to bolster their receiving corps.
Amari Cooper – Cleveland Browns
Death, taxes, and the inevitable collapse of the Browns—these are the certainties in life. With the Cleveland Browns sitting at 1-4, they are likely to be sellers as the trade deadline approaches, and Brandon Beane should act quickly. As Deshaun Watson and the team struggle, the Buffalo Bills could take advantage by acquiring Amari Cooper.
Cooper has been a standout player for Cleveland, racking up 150 receptions for 2,410 yards and 14 touchdowns over the past two seasons, making him one of the few bright spots on an otherwise struggling offense. For a mid-round pick, he could join Buffalo for the rest of the season, with no long-term commitment unless they choose to re-sign him.
When he restructured his contract instead of holding out in 2024, many were surprised. Approaching 30, Cooper was at a pivotal point for his next multi-year deal but chose to enter the market in 2025 instead. This restructure guaranteed him $20 million from the Browns and provided a significant pay increase. Now, with little salary left on his contract, the Browns might as well part ways with him, recouping some draft capital as they prepare for an inevitable rebuild. While trading him won’t save them any money, it allows them to gain something rather than lose him for nothing as their season slips away. Without a trade, Amari Cooper’s time in Cleveland may soon come to an end.
Tee Higgins – Cincinatti Bengals
Playing under the franchise tag and gearing up for free agency, Tee Higgins is currently fully accounted for against the Cincinnati Bengals’ salary cap. If the Bengals decide to trade him, they could free up nearly $10 million in cap space, allowing them to improve their roster while getting a solid return for the talented wideout. For the Buffalo Bills, acquiring Higgins would require a significant investment, but he stands out as one of the most affordable options on the market.
Higgins has made an impressive impact, with 275 receptions for 3,866 yards and 26 touchdowns over 61 games. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 220 pounds, he would seamlessly fill the role left by Marquez Valdez-Scantling and greatly enhance the Bills’ receiving corps. As a proven player with a bright future, it will likely take an early Day 2 draft pick to secure him.
After another overtime loss to the Ravens, the Bengals’ need for a top WR2 in 2024 is diminishing. They missed previous opportunities to trade him, and now the price has likely increased. Higgins could end up with the Bills as a one-year rental, potentially becoming a centerpiece in the upcoming free agency frenzy.
Diontae Johnson – Carolina Panthers
The former Pittsburgh Steelers wideout, Diontae Johnson, was traded to the Carolina Panthers earlier this season, but rumors about his availability are resurfacing. As the Davante Adams trade talks heat up, Johnson presents a solid option for teams looking to bolster their receiving corps. While his $7 million base salary might pose a financial challenge for the Buffalo Bills, much of that amount has already been paid.
So, why consider this trade? Johnson is having a tough year in Carolina, struggling with low-quality targets that have impacted his catch rate. However, his strong performance history speaks for itself. In his first five seasons with the Steelers, he recorded 391 receptions for 4,363 yards and 25 touchdowns, maintaining a solid average of 11.2 yards per catch. His skill set aligns well with the Bills’ offensive needs.
Looking ahead to 2025, Johnson will be an unrestricted free agent with no salary due, meaning there’s no long-term financial commitment involved. With the Panthers seemingly ready to move on this season, a late Day 2 or early Day 3 draft pick should be sufficient to bring Johnson to Buffalo for the remainder of the year.
