The Buffalo Bills could enter the 2026 NFL season with a dramatically reshaped wide receiver room, and analysts believe the team may finally land a target they previously missed. With several veterans expected to leave in free agency, Buffalo is widely projected to prioritize speed and explosiveness for quarterback Josh Allen – and a recent Super Bowl winner has emerged as a prime candidate.
NFL insider Albert Breer suggests Seattle Seahawks playmaker Rashid Shaheed could become a perfect addition for Buffalo after the franchise unsuccessfully pursued him at last year’s trade deadline. The front office had openly acknowledged difficulty finding trade partners while trying to improve a struggling receiving corps.
Breer believes the opportunity may return this offseason.
One would be 27-year-old Seahawks receiver Rashid Shaheed, who may be a match made in heaven for Josh Allen – a deep threat who could weaponize Allen’s ability to push the ball downfield.
Shaheed’s appeal goes beyond traditional statistics. While he has never recorded 60 receptions or 750 yards in a season, his elite speed and big-play potential make him uniquely valuable in a vertical passing attack. Analysts point out that his career has also been affected by inconsistent quarterback situations prior to his arrival in Seattle.
For Buffalo, that profile fits perfectly. Allen’s strongest attribute has always been his ability to attack defenses deep, yet the Bills lacked a consistent vertical separator during stretches of the previous season.
Why Buffalo’s offense needs a deep threat
Buffalo’s offensive identity could change significantly in 2026. With roster turnover looming, the organization appears ready to surround Allen with receivers capable of stretching the field rather than relying solely on possession targets.
General manager Brandon Beane previously admitted the team sought receiver upgrades during the season but struggled to complete deals. Now, free agency offers a clearer path.
Shaheed’s versatility also adds value. Beyond receiving production, he has proven impact as a return specialist, offering hidden yardage and field position advantages – an element Buffalo has lacked in recent years.
Breer also mentioned another potential option in Indianapolis Colts wideout Alec Pierce, but emphasized Shaheed’s upside in a contending offense.
The potential tied to his game-breaking ability is tantalizing.
The logic is straightforward: Buffalo already has an elite quarterback capable of throwing deep passes across the field. Adding a receiver built specifically to exploit that strength could maximize efficiency without requiring a complete offensive overhaul.
Alec Pierce Free Agency Profile:
- Yards: 1003 (20th)
- Targets: 84 (73rd)
- TDs: 6 (27th)
- Yards per Target: 11.9 (1st)
- Yards per Reception: 21.3 (1st)
- Catch Rate: 56% (64th)
- YAC: 174 (28th)
- Total EPA: 55.78 (6th)
- EPA/Target: 0.664 (3rd)
- DVOA: 32.6% (3rd)
If the Bills pursue the move, it would signal a shift toward explosive plays rather than sustained short drives – a strategy many modern contenders have embraced to keep pace in high-scoring AFC battles.
Nothing is finalized yet, but the connection makes sense. For a team trying to push past playoff heartbreak and fully unlock Josh Allen’s arm talent, acquiring a vertical weapon fresh off a championship run may represent the kind of bold offseason swing Buffalo needs.
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