Atop the AFC East at the midway point of the season, the Buffalo Bills are looking to capture their first division crown since 1995. A much-improved team offensively in Josh Allen‘s third season at quarterback, the Bills currently average over 380 yards per contest, leading to a 6-2 record.
In the thick of a loaded playoff race in the AFC, expect Buffalo to be buyers at the trade deadline with a clear focus on adding pieces along the defensive line and at the tight end spot. With a little over five million dollars available for general manager Brandon Beane, here are three possible trades for the Bills.
Trade 1: A 2021 third-round pick to the New York Giants for defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson
Struggling against the run all season long, Buffalo has been unable to fill the void left by Star Lotulelei, who opted-out of the season due to Covid-19 concerns, Tomlinson would fill a major need on the team’s roster as a run-stuffing interior lineman. Currently top ten in the league in run stops through eight weeks, the 26-year-old is also one of the most durable players in the NFL having appeared in over 50 straight games. On the final year of his rookie deal with a cap hit of just over 1.5 million dollars, the former second-round pick would immediately impact the Bills roster with a chance to sign long term.
Despite remaining “in the hunt” for the NFC East title at 1-6, the Giants should look to be sellers heading into the trade deadline. With Leonard Williams also set to hit the open market after the season, New York could be faced with a situation where they are forced to choose between the two. Tomlinson is expected to be the odd man out due to Williams’ upside as a pass rusher. Needing foundational pieces to build their roster upon, look for general manager Dave Gettleman to move on from the defensive tackle for the right return rather than lose him in free agency.
Trade 2: A 2021 fifth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns for tight end David Njoku
Becoming frustrated with his role in the offense after the offseason signing of tight end Austin Hooper, Njoku has requested a trade from the Browns and has just eight receptions this season. Needing a clear upgrade at the tight end position with Dawson Knox struggling to become a consistent contributor in the passing game, the former first-round pick would provide another dynamic weapon for offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. Expected to be had for a late-round draft choice, Njoku would be a very low risk/high reward acquisition for a Buffalo offense in desperate need of production at the position.
After falling behind Austin Hooper and rookie Harrison Bryant in snaps, the writing has been on the wall for Njoku over the past few weeks. In need of a change of scenery, the University of Miami standout will likely have multiple teams inquiring for his services at the deadline, considering his over 1,000 receiving yards and nine touchdowns during his three-year career with the Browns. With his value at an all-time low due to ongoing injury problems and reduced playing time, a crucial drop on Sunday was likely the last straw during his tenure in Cleveland. Acquiring a day three draft selection would be a good value for general manager Andrew Berry.
Trade 3: A 2021 sixth-round pick to the New York Jets for cornerback Brian Poole
Trying to build off a strong rookie campaign, Bills nickel cornerback Taron Johnson has struggled mightily over the first eight weeks of the season. Ranking bottom-five in the league in slot coverage grade according to Pro Football Focus, the former fourth-round pick has also allowed over 400 yards when targeted by opposing offenses. Already beginning to sell off assets after an 0-7 start to the season, the Jets are looking to acquire draft picks in an effort to build for the future. Set to hit the open market at the end of the year, the 28-year-old has appeared in six games for the Jets this season, recording 33 tackles and two interceptions. A valuable addition to Leslie Frazier‘s defense, Poole would represent tremendous value for a Bills team looking to win their first playoff game in 20 seasons.
Attempting to rebuild their roster with eyes on the first pick in the upcoming NFL draft, general manager Joe Douglas should look to retain any value on last year’s free-agent acquisition. Playing out a one year contract, Poole does not appear to be in the teams long term plans, with depth already present in the secondary. While division trades remain rare in the league, the Jets are not in a position to limit the market of Poole and should be focused on maximizing his return. Rental players rarely land large hauls in the NFL, leading to a sixth-round selection as the return.
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