Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane is focused on adding playmakers this offseason, despite downplaying the potential for the Bills to make another big splash like they did last offseason with their free agent acquisition of superstar Von Miller. The biggest reason for downplaying the addition of a big-ticket type player is the Bills lack of salary cap flexibility, and not wanting to sacrifice the future for one season.
The Los Angeles Rams are a cautionary tale for the Bills, and provide a blueprint for what the Bills do not want to do. While the Rams were able to win one Super Bowl, they are now in the midst of breaking down the core of that team after a very short competitive window.
But what if the Bills could add a big playmaker without sacrificing the future? San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk may provide just the opportunity the Bills are looking for, at a cost that will allow them to go all-in now, while also remaining competitive in the future.
ESPN’s Nick Wagoner reported that the 49ers have received interest in Aiyuk. While Wagoner did not report if the Bills were one of the teams who have checked in on Aiyuk, he seems to be a good fit for the Bills on a number of levels, and it makes sense that Beane would at least explore the opportunity to add the dynamic young receiver.
In light of the Buffalo Bills desire to add playmakers, and the smoke around a possible Aiyuk deal, let’s explore why a deal makes sense and what it might take for the Bills to get this type of deal done: