Buffalo Bills: 3 trade packages to go all-in on Mike Evans
By Ryan Heckman
Trade Number 2
The second trade scenario is fairly intriguing. Three years ago, the Bills drafted Iowa edge rusher A.J. Epenesa in the second round. At one point prior to that draft, Epenesa was looked at as a sure-fire first rounder. But, he slipped, and now it makes a bit more sense.
Through three seasons, Epenesa has been a bit underwhelming. He has been fine in terms of the pass rush, earning a respectful 70.4 grade from the likes of Pro Football Focus last season. But, against the run, he’s been atrocious. Epenesa’s contract is up after this season, like Evans, so the Bills could end up doing an even swap, here.
Epenesa is obviously the much younger player, but do the Bills really plan on re-signing him in 2024? Von Miller and Gregory Rousseau look like the starters going forward, and Buffalo could find a cheaper guy to back them up instead of Epenesa. Rather than paying a player who hasn’t totally lived up to his draft billing, trading him for a proven, Pro Bowl wide receiver would be a huge win for Buffalo.