Well, it hasn’t been raining much here in Western New York this spring, and the dry weather mirrors the fact that the Buffalo Bills have not made any big splashes in free agency. This, of course, is in comparison to claiming notable veterans such as future Hall Of Famer Von Miller last year, a move that almost instantly propelled the Bills to become national Superbowl favorites heading into 2022.
While we haven’t seen any such moves made by Brandon Beane yet this offseason, it’s only June, and there’s still plenty of time to add some guys to round out the roster before cuts begin.
Perhaps we need to wonder whether or not any potential trades are even needed, seeing as how the Bills are currently boasting an extremely impressive group. However, one could argue that since the depth of the team is impressive, this is actually the best time to look at any possible trades that might further suit their needs.
Possible Trade Target 1: WR Mike Evans
Buccaneers WR Mike Evans (13) – Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
It’s no secret that “Playoff Gabe” Davis didn’t quite emerge as the undisputed number two receiver last year as many had hoped he would. While I still have love for Davis, his ankle injury and inconsistent hands certainly bogged him down, and since the Deandre Hopkins speculation has settled, could the team still be looking to add a veteran opposite Diggs?
The answer is most likely, especially considering that Hopkins is looking likely to sign with our AFC East rivals in New England. This could be a serious concern, and one intriguing trade could see current Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans wearing Bills blue in September.
Entering his 10th year in the league, Evans brings over 10,000 yards and 81 touchdowns with him wherever he goes. The trade would free up $14.5 million in cap space, but of course, the Bucs would first have to admit that they are likely on the cusp of rebuilding before anything happens. Nevertheless, the prospect is intriguing not only for Bills Mafia but for Evans, should he wish to join a legit contender.
Possible Trade Target 2: WR Jerry Jeudy
Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy (10) – Justin Edmonds/Getty Images
Trading for Jeudy would send him to the Bills for two years and $15.7 million, which for a wideout of his caliber could be considered a relative bargain. However, Buffalo currently has limited cap space and would have to offload at least one player to offset the price tag, and exactly who they are not only willing to part with but also who the Broncos are willing to accept is another story.
Albeit, it is worth discussing the impact that Jeudy could make in this offense if a deal could be made. Signed in 2020, Jeudy is still an extremely young, coachable prospect, and there is no doubt that adding as many weapons as possible for Josh Allen can only be a good thing.
Possible Trade Target 3: DE Montez Sweat
Commanders DE Montez Sweat (90) – Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
On the other side of the ball, Buffalo has been adding pieces to expand their defensive front since losing DC Leslie Frazier and Mike Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds early this offseason. While there is plenty of competition for nearly every spot on the defense, it never hurts to add more while you still can.
DE Montez Sweat has made a significant impact since entering the league with the Commanders in 2019. Working on the final year of his rookie contract, Sweat is set to earn a base salary of $11.5 million, along with both a cap hit and a dead cap value of the same. As for Washington, they have another star defensive end in Chase Young, who is also in the final year of his rookie contract.
What this means is that the Commanders have some tough decisions to make, and trading Sweat could work in their favor. And with a career total of 29 sacks and 92 solo tackles so far, it’s more than fair to say that he could line up well alongside the likes of Von Miller and Ed Oliver to put some serious pressure on opposing QBs.
Examine Everything
Looking at the Bills’ rosters over the last several seasons, it’s truly remarkable how they have consistently improved, and this year is looking no different. In the event that no further trades occur, the team is still in a great spot, and no moves are vital at this time. However, bringing in veteran talent or adding further depth can never be overlooked, especially as the season inches closer and we peer ahead to training camp next month.
