Buffalo, NY – May 2, 2025
The Buffalo Bills bolstered their receiving corps, acquiring New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas via trade for a 2026 fifth-round pick, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The 589-yard slot specialist joins Josh Allen’s offense but emerges as a trade candidate amid a crowded Bills’ WR room.
Douglas, 24, led the Patriots with 43 receptions, 589 yards, and two touchdowns in 2024. Brandon Beane, navigating a $5.3 million cap, added the speedy 4.44-second 40-yard runner to complement James Cook’s 1,086 rushing yards. However, Douglas competes with Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Elijah Moore, and Josh Palmer, sparking trade buzz.
“Douglas brings explosive potential,” Beane told The Buffalo News’ Ryan O’Halloran. “He’s a spark for Allen’s attack.”
The Bills, who drafted Kaden Prather in Round 7, face a logjam after losing Amari Cooper and Mack Hollins. Douglas’s slot prowess and PFF grade of 74.2 make him a fit for Joe Brady’s RPO scheme, but his $3.1 million cap hit and trade value (fourth-round pick) tempt Beane to deal him for secondary help.
“It’s a risky move,” said NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks. “Douglas could shine or be flipped for Allen’s defense.”
With Cook’s $15 million contract dispute unresolved, Beane’s trade for Douglas adds flexibility but raises questions. Allen’s 4,306-yard offense thrives on depth, yet Douglas’s future hinges on outperforming Moore or fetching a draft pick to address Buffalo’s 68.5% completion rate allowed in 2025.
