The decision to move on from McDermott was shocking, but the bigger shakeup wasBeane remaining in charge in a new title. Many fans immediately questioned the logic of promoting Beane while the man who built the roster would be allowed to depart. There’s a persistent critique that Beane hasn’t surrounding quarterback Josh Allen with enough top-tier talent to optimize his MVP-caliber play. 🤔🧭
Here’s the list of every wide receiver Beane has signed since 2024: Josh Palmer, Curtis Samuel, Brandin Cooks, Gabe Davis, Elijah Moore, Mack Hollins, Mecole Hardman, Tyrell Shavers, Laviska Shenault, Quintez Cephus, Chase Claypool, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, KJ Hamler, and Jalen Virgil. The moves come after the Diggs era, which ended in 2023 when Stefon Diggs left for the Texans and then the Patriots, leaving Buffalo with a void at receiver. 🧩📋🕳️
Two of the “swing” signings were especially telling. Curtis Samuel signed a three-year, $24 million deal (up to $30 million) as a big bet, but his production declined after his high-water 2020 season, and he totaled just 81 yards this season after leaving Washington. Palmer, Buffalo’s other big swing in 2025, inked a contract similar in structure, yet he has averaged about 500 yards per season with limited impact, posting only 22 receptions in 12 games this year. The pattern underscores a mismatch between contract value and production. 💸📉
The rest of Beane’s WR additions were low-risk, low-reward Band-Aids that produced little tangible return, leaving Buffalo’s receiving corps widely criticized as the biggest flaw of his tenure. With minimal financial commitment and underwhelming results, the Bills have struggled to address the team’s most glaring weakness. The promotion of Beane to President of Football Operations, despite these signs, has left many fans puzzled about the future direction of Buffalo’s roster construction. 🤷♂️💬
