The Buffalo Bills experienced significant changes in their wide receiver unit this offseason, with key departures prompting speculation about further roster adjustments.
Following the trade of top receiver Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans and the departure of Gabe Davis in free agency, along with Trent Sherfield and Deonte Harty, analyst Matt Parrino of Syracuse.com suggested that another familiar face, Andy Isabella, may be on the verge of leaving the team.
Parrino predicts a substantial transformation in the Bills’ wide receiver corps for the upcoming season, with only one player who saw significant playing time in 2023 — third-year slot receiver Khalil Shakir — expected to return.
Forecasting seven receivers to make the roster, Parrino highlights free agency addition Curtis Samuel and second-round draft pick Keon Coleman as key figures.
Additionally, Parrino anticipates roster spots for recent acquisitions Mack Hollins and Chase Claypool, along with K.J. Hamler, a former second-round pick signed to a futures contract in January. Completing the wide receiver room in Parrino’s projection is Justin Shorter, a 2023 draft pick who missed his rookie season due to injury.
Despite Isabella’s previous impact, he finds himself on the outside of the roster bubble. Although Isabella made notable strides during preseason games last year, his future with the team remains uncertain.
Moreover, Parrino suggests that the Bills may provide opportunities for redemption to two receivers who have faced adversity. Claypool, despite a promising start with the Pittsburgh Steelers, experienced a decline in production, while Hamler has grappled with injuries. Parrino acknowledges the risks associated with their respective histories but underscores the Bills’ need for a deep-ball threat in light of Davis and Diggs’ departures.
