The Buffalo Bills face a potential challenge in re-signing their locally developed wide receiver, Gabe Davis, as financial constraints may make it an impractical endeavor. Despite Davis showcasing an impressive average of 16.7 yards per reception since his 2020 draft, signs point to him exploring free agency, where his market value could range between $12 million to $16 million annually. With the Bills grappling with salary cap limitations, the team will either need Davis to accept a hometown discount or seek alternative options for a WR2 to complement Stefon Diggs in the 2024 season. Given the necessity to trim an estimated $40+ million to achieve cap compliance, pursuing high-profile choices like Michael Pittman, Tee Higgins, or Mike Evans may be beyond Buffalo’s financial reach.
Now that those big names are off the table, it could be prudent for the Bills to investigate a few cap-friendly possibilities available this season. Though none of the three names that instantly spring to mind are particularly well-known, they are all receivers with the ability to produce at the WR2 level given the correct circumstances.
THREE POTENTIAL BILLS’ WR TARGETS
MARQUISE “HOLLYWOOD” BROWN, ARIZONA CARDINALS
During his 1,000-yard receiving season with the Baltimore Ravens in 2021, Brown showed signs of being a WR2, but he was unable to produce at that level in his last two seasons with Arizona. Brown, who made 14 starts in 2023, secured only 50.5 percent of targets and recorded the lowest single-season receiving total (571) in his five years as a professional. With 28 career touchdown receptions, Brown still possesses the exceptional speed Buffalo’s receiving corps lacks, making him a dangerous threat to overwhelm opponents’ defenses. Brown is projected by Spotrac, which has a history of overvaluing free agents, to make $14,8 million this season. He earned $13.4 million in the previous year despite a decline in his statistical output.
K.J. OSBORN, MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Osborn emerges as a potentially viable choice for Buffalo, with a projected market value of $7.5 million annually. As he concludes his rookie contract, the 2020 fifth-round draft pick has demonstrated consistency, averaging 615 receiving yards and five touchdowns per season since 2021. While he may not match Brown’s speed, the 5-11 Osborn has displayed ample burst, particularly in his role as a tertiary option in Minnesota.
KENDRICK BOURNE, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
There will certainly be questions about Bourne, who suffered an ACL tear midway through the 2023 campaign, and the Bills may be able to land him at a bargain price. The 28-year-old Bourne averaged 12.9 yards per reception and caught more than 73 percent of his targets over the past three seasons with the New England Patriots.