Less than two weeks from the start of training camp at St. John Fisher University, the Buffalo Bills are barreling towards a WR3 battle that feels like it’s going to set the tone for the entire Joe Brady era. Seriously, folks, we are about to see if this team really hit the reset button after nearly a decade under Sean McDermott. Brady’s system is an unknown entity, and how it evolves as the head man is anybody’s guess right now. That means every position battle, especially at wide receiver, is under a microscope.
Who's Really Fighting for WR3 in Joe Brady's System?
So, let's talk about the wide receiver room, because it's stacked with questions. We know DJ Moore is locked in as the WR1, and Khalil Shakir is the WR2. Tight end Dalton Kincaid is going to be a featured part of that passing game, no doubt. There's even a whisper Buffalo could bring back Brandin Cooks, and who knows if running back James Cook III is about to get a more featured role as a receiver, too. But when it comes down to three-receiver sets, where's the depth chart? This could have been a four-man brawl, but Tyrell Shavers, unfortunately, suffered a severe ACL injury during the playoffs this past January. He’s likely starting the season on the PUP list, which is a brutal blow. That leaves us with three names for the starting WR3 job: Skyler Bell, Keon Coleman, and Joshua Palmer.Keon Coleman vs. Joshua Palmer: Make or Break Time
Buffalo fans, bless their hearts, think they know what to expect from Keon Coleman, and a lot of them are ready to move on. That’s a dangerous game, in my opinion, because his career is anything but defined right now. Is year three finally his time to shine? You gotta ask the question. Then there’s Joshua Palmer, who signed a big-money free-agent contract in 2025. Fans had high hopes, but he was too often hurt and just flat out uninvolved for many people's liking. When you sign a lucrative deal, you expect to see that player out there making plays, not on the sidelines or disappearing from the game plan. His situation is definitely one to watch closely. This isn't just about finding another receiver; it's about seeing what Joe Brady's system is going to be, how he utilizes these guys, and who he trusts. With training camp kicking off soon, every rep, every catch, every missed assignment is going to matter big time. Who steps up in this critical spot could define the early part of Brady's tenure, and frankly, the Bills can't afford any missteps.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.