Buffalo Bills add Two New Players ahead of NFL Trade Deadline

The Buffalo Bills addressed some vital players at key positions before the NFL trade deadline by picking up running back Leonard Fournette and cornerback Rasul Douglas.

They also acquired a monster defensive tackle on Thursday, Nov 2, by bringing on Linval Joseph from the Philadelphia Eagles.

(RB) Leonard Fournette

The Bills signed former Tampa Bay Bucs and Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette to the practice squad in search of a replacement linebacker for the injured Damien Harris.

The 28-year-old has played in the NFL for six seasons and has recorded 4,478 yards on the ground on 1,132 attempts, and 34 touchdowns. As for his receiving yards, he has recorded 312 catches for 2,219 yards and seven trips in the endzone.

In his most recent stint with the Tampa Bay Bucs (2020-2022), Fournette made 25 starts in 43 games played in the Sunshine State. During that time, he compiled 1,847 yards rushing on 466 carries and 17 touchdowns.

He also caught 178 balls for 1,210 yards receiving and five touchdowns. He earned the nickname, “Playoff Lenny” for his performance and contribution to helping Tom Brady and the Bucs win Super Bowl 55.

(CB) Rasul Douglas

In one of the most key acquisitions made by the Buffalo Bills in the deadline, the Bills traded for former Green Bay Packers, cornerback Rasul Douglas in hopes of finding a great value brand for Tre White who is out for the year with a torn Achilles.

The Bills sent a 2024 third-round pick to the Packers in exchange for the talented corner plus they were sent back another fifth-round pick in 2024.

Over three years in Green Bay, he broke up 32 passes and recorded 10 picks. In spite of underperforming this season with the Pack, he can help the Bills defense play better to become an elite group.

The Buffalo Bills are in a “must-win” role this year, so it does not hurt that they gave up an early-round pick for a guy who can come in and be an immediate starter in the secondary.

Plus, he fits the “McBeane” culture as Douglas is a great locker room guy and can help this team and the young guys contribute immediately.

(DT) Linval Joseph

On Thursday, the Buffalo Bills added a big addition (literally) to their run defense by signing former Philadelphia Eagles (DT) Linval Joseph. Joseph is a big boy at 6’4″, 323 lbs., who is a space-eater in the middle and adds size to an already talented, but smaller defensive front.

The 14-year veteran recently was with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022 and started in eight games. He previously played for the LA Chargers (2020-2021), Minnesota Vikings (2014-2019), and the NY Giants (2010-2013).

During his 13-year career, the two-time Pro Bowl selection has made 170 starts in 179 games played. He has recorded 25.5 sacks, 76 quarterback pressures, 56 tackles for loss, eight fumbles caused, five fumbles recovered, and 664 tackles.

Initially, the big defensive tackle was selected by the New York Giants in the second round of the 2010 NFL draft.  Joseph also played in one Super Bowl as the New York Giants beat the New England Patriots for the second time 21-17 in 2012.

 

(CB) Kaiir Elam

The 22-year-old corner was speculated to be dealt at the deadline due to his underachieving play and his ankle injury.

Drafted number 23 in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft, the Buffalo Bills hoped he would be a great number two outside corner to complement number one corner White.

But sadly, White tore his Achilles in the 48-20 win against the Miami Dolphins and is out for the 2023 season.

Despite his injury, Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane still has confidence that Elam can be a great cornerback in the NFL. He has to learn the terminology better and become healthy.

“Not everything has worked out perfect, but he’s a young player,” Beane said. “He’s halfway through season two. And I’ve gone back and looked at his college stuff, and I see it. I know what’s in there. We just got to get it out of him. We have to get his confidence up… I look at it as a young player and you don’t give up on young guys.”

Elam was put on IR to make room for Joseph on the Buffalo Bill’s current roster.

What’s Next for the Buffalo Bills

While on paper, these are excellent additions, as they will need to strap on their gear and be ready to contribute immediately.

The first of many litmus tests for the Buffalo Bills begins with the SNF game at the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday, Nov. 5 at 8:20 pm.

Go Bills!

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