Robert Woods has announced his retirement from professional football, ending a 13-year NFL career that began with the Buffalo Bills. In a social media post, the 33-year-old described football as a lifelong passion and explained that the decision to retire was difficult but right for him at this time.
Woods began his career with the Bills as a second-round pick in 2013, establishing himself as a reliable target before leaving in 2017. He later joined the Los Angeles Rams, where he enjoyed his most productive years and won a Super Bowl in 2021. NFL.com’s Nick Shook highlighted Woods’ technical proficiency and route-running polish as key factors in his success, noting his ability to produce consistently within Sean McVay’s offense alongside receivers like Brandin Cooks and Cooper Kupp.
Over his career, Woods totaled 683 receptions for 8,233 yards and 38 touchdowns. His departure leaves the Bills with a need to address the wide receiver position after a season in which the unit sometimes struggled to create separation, limiting quarterback Josh Allen’s options at times.
As the Bills evaluate their 2025 personnel, they must consider how to fill the void left by Woods’ retirement and how to construct a reliable wide receiving corps alongside veterans and younger contributors. The team previously added veteran Brandin Cooks via waivers late in the season, but Cooks is now a free agent, and decisions remain on other players, including Keon Coleman, who showed flashes but dealt with disciplinary concerns.
