As the trade deadline approaches, the Bills have to decide whether they’re going to make any moves to improve. While the defense has a few internal options, some trade targets make sense, too.
In the coming weeks, they’ll see what their internal solutions can offer. If these don’t work out, the chances of a trade become more likely.
Buffalo doesn’t have much cap space, so they’ll need to get creative. Whether it’s a difference-maker on an expiring deal or a depth piece, they need to make moves.
The team can’t sit by and let other AFC contenders get better around them. They have plenty of players they can target, starting now.
Safety Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals
Budda Baker has been the source of many trade rumors over the years. However, a move this season looks more likely than ever for the two-time All-Pro.
Baker has remained loyal to a Cardinals organization that’s struggled to compete since his rookie year in 2017. He’s made the playoffs just once in his 10-year-long career. For a guy who’s given everything to Arizona, they could do him a favor by moving him to a contender.
Obviously, not every veteran wants to move teams midseason, especially if they’ve been in a place for 10 years. If the eight-time Pro Bowler wants a move, though, Buffalo is a great landing spot.
Baker would give some life to a struggling Bills secondary. While Christian Benford and rookie corner Davison Igbinosun are coming off good games against the Raiders, safety remains a concern.
Adding a player of Baker’s caliber opens up a lot for the Bills’ defense. He’ll be great in the box as a run defender and offer a style of play the team doesn’t have. He’d excel most, though, if he’s given the freedom to roam the field in different positions.
Baker has always had a knack for finding the football, which is exactly what the Bills need. At 30, he might not be as elite as he once was, but it’s still a dream fit for Buffalo.
Another aspect of this move that could help the Bills is giving young players like Cole Bishop and Jalen Kilgore a mentor. Even if it’s just for half a season, it can still go a long way in their development.
Whether or not the Bills make this move, it’s the most logical one. Baker adds too much to their struggling defense for the Bills to pass on the opportunity.
Linebacker Daiyan Henley, Los Angeles Chargers
Daiyan Henley fits the mold of what the Bills currently need at linebacker. He’s athletic, flies around the field, and always seems to be in on every play. That’s not something you can say about their current options at the position.
Henley is in the last year of his rookie contract, so the cost to trade for him won’t be too drastic. With the Chargers at 0-6, they’ll likely be looking to move a few expiring contracts, and Henley will be no exception.
While the Bills have internal options waiting in the wings, trading for a linebacker should still be on the table. If the team doesn’t believe Kaleb Elarms-Orr or Shaq Thompson can make a difference, Henley is their best option.
He offers much of what Budda Baker does at safety, with his versatility. Between rushing the passer, playing a spy, stopping the run, or dropping back into coverage, he does it all. What matters is that he does it better than the Bills’ current options.
There hasn’t been a lot to look forward to with the Chargers this season, but Henley has been one of the bright spots.
Given the situation and the cost, it’s a realistic trade target for the Bills. Linebacker is a position of need the team can’t continue to neglect.
Cornerback Garrett Williams, Arizona Cardinals
Cornerback isn’t a likely target for the Bills after bringing back Tre’Davious White, but Garrett Williams is too good to pass up.
The former third-round pick is only 25 and could immediately become a starter at slot corner. Since coming back from an Achilles injury, he hasn’t been quite the same. However, by the end of the season, he should be back up to speed.
It wouldn’t take much for the Syracuse product to outplay Dee Alford in the position. Even if he’s not back to his pre-injury level, it’s still an upgrade worth looking into.
The biggest problem with this move is moving on from Dee Alford, whom the team signed to a three-year deal in the offseason. Alford has left much to be desired at cornerback and should be on a short leash.
Bringing in another option alongside Tre’Davious White would create much-needed competition. When players know their job is on the line, they’ll be more likely to perform.
In this case, Garrett Williams is already a better player than White and Alford, which is why the Bills should target him.
Williams has had injuries and struggles the past few seasons. If the team can get anywhere near the level of play he showed in his first two seasons, they’ll win the trade, though.
A few things could factor into a potential Garrett Williams trade, but he could be available. Even if he’s on an expiring rookie deal, a player this young and talented isn’t often available.
Cornerback might not be the position the Bills look to improve, but they should still target Garrett Williams. After this season, he could even be a long-term solution for the team.
Why these players?
The main reason these players are prime targets for the Bills is because of their cap situation. The team can’t afford to take on a lot of future money. So, they need to find ways to circumvent this and still improve the roster.
Given Brandon Beane’s history, internal options seem most likely, but he’ll definitely be active on the trade market. Of any team in the league, no one checks in on players more than the Bills.
The team doesn’t make many deals. However, these three players fit what they’re looking for. The NFL trade deadline is unpredictable, so all these players could stay put.
That doesn’t mean it’s not worth a shot, though. The moral of the story is that the Bills’ defense is bad, and they need to do everything they can to improve it.
Whether it’s internal solutions or trades, moves need to be made.
Leave a comment