As the NFL season looms on the horizon, teams are fine-tuning their rosters to ensure they’re primed for success. The Buffalo Bills, after their initial roster cuts, have elected to keep only five wide receivers on their 53-man roster. This decision raises an intriguing question: will the Bills pursue a sixth wide receiver to bolster their depth at this crucial position? With the NFL’s pass-happy nature demanding a robust receiving corps, the answer might well be yes. If the Bills decide to explore this route, here are four intriguing wide receivers recently released who could fit the bill as Buffalo’s potential WR6.

Noah Brown emerges as a compelling option. At 28 years old, Brown finds himself on the free-agent market following his release from the Houston Texans. His journey began with the Dallas Cowboys, where he was drafted as a seventh-round pick in 2017. Over the years, Brown has established himself as a reliable receiver, notching back-to-back seasons with 550 receiving yards. His performance in 2023 was noteworthy, with an average of 10.3 yards per target. Despite his solid production, Brown was a casualty of a numbers game in Houston, a team that is deep in the wide receiver department. Given his proven track record and ability to contribute consistently, Brown could be an excellent fit for the Bills if they seek to add depth to their receiving group.

Robbie Chosen (formerly Robbie Anderson) represents another intriguing possibility. Chosen has experienced a turbulent few years, having been released by four different teams, with the San Francisco 49ers being the latest to part ways with him. At 31 years old, Chosen’s career trajectory has been uneven, particularly since his breakout 2020 season. However, his past connection with Bills’ playcaller Joe Brady might be a key factor. During their time together with the Carolina Panthers, Chosen had a standout season, amassing 1,096 receiving yards in 16 games. Brady’s offensive schemes may have been instrumental in Chosen’s success, and a reunion could potentially reignite the form that made him a dynamic playmaker early in his career.

Isaiah Hodgins is another name that could pique the Bills’ interest. The New York Giants recently released Hodgins, creating a potential opportunity for him to return to the team that originally drafted him. Hodgins, a former sixth-round pick from the 2020 draft, has demonstrated his capabilities over the past two seasons with the Giants. In 2022, he made significant contributions, including 33 receptions for 351 yards, four touchdowns, and 22 first downs in just eight games. Hodgins has proven himself to be a reliable target in the red zone, as evidenced by his seven touchdown receptions over the past two seasons. His familiarity with the Bills’ system and his potential to provide depth and reliability make him a viable candidate for the WR6 spot.

Terrace Marshall rounds out this list of potential WR6 candidates. Marshall, another former Carolina Panther, has a history with Bills’ offensive coordinator Joe Brady, dating back to their time together at LSU. Brady, who was named the best assistant coach in college football in 2019, played a pivotal role in Marshall’s development during his college years. Drafted at No. 59 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, Marshall’s professional career has had its ups and downs, partly due to instability at the quarterback position with the Panthers. Despite this, Marshall showed glimpses of his potential in 2022, averaging 17.5 yards per reception, with 24 of his 28 catches resulting in first downs. His ability to make big plays and his connection with Brady could make him a valuable addition to the Bills’ receiving corps.

In evaluating these four wide receivers, the Bills have several promising options to consider as they look to solidify their WR6 position. Noah Brown’s consistent production and reliability, Robbie Chosen’s potential rejuvenation with a familiar playcaller, Isaiah Hodgins’ familiarity with the team and red zone prowess, and Terrace Marshall’s big-play ability and connection with the offensive coordinator each present unique advantages.

In today’s NFL, where offenses are increasingly pass-oriented, having depth at the wide receiver position can be a game-changer. Whether it’s to provide a reliable target in critical situations, add versatility to the playbook, or simply offer more options for the quarterback, the value of a well-rounded receiving corps cannot be overstated. For the Buffalo Bills, adding a capable WR6 could be a strategic move to ensure they are fully prepared for the rigors of the upcoming season.

As the Bills weigh their options, the decision to pursue one of these free agents will likely come down to their fit within the team’s system, their ability to contribute immediately, and how well they align with the Bills’ overall roster strategy. Each of the aforementioned players brings distinct attributes to the table, and with the right circumstances, any one of them could make a significant impact.

The coming days will be critical as the Bills finalize their roster and make decisions that could influence their success in the upcoming season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the team opts to add a new face to their receiving group and who that might be. The pursuit of a WR6 could very well be the key to enhancing the Bills’ offensive capabilities and ensuring they have the depth and versatility needed to compete at the highest level.

However, the Buffalo Bills’ decision on whether to add a sixth wide receiver to their roster will be an important one. With the NFL’s emphasis on passing, having an extra playmaker on the field can provide a significant advantage. The four released wide receivers discussed here—Noah Brown, Robbie Chosen, Isaiah Hodgins, and Terrace Marshall—each offer unique strengths and could potentially fill the WR6 role effectively. As the Bills continue to refine their roster, keeping an eye on these players might reveal the final piece of the puzzle for their offensive strategy.