Despite the irrefutable offensive success, the 2026 Buffalo Bills are as insecure as ever. Scoring 30+ points per game is excellent, but less so when held in tandem with the NFL's most porous defense. It's unsustainable, and everyone knows it.
The team doesn't seem to have the talent or scheme on the other side of the ball to lock down the opposition, even for just a few drives.
Despite that again, there have been a few improvements across the defense. The Bills are suring up the run defense. They have corners who can play well, getting better. Even the uncertain safety position has young talent to rotate in. There are problems galore but rostered solutions for many. So, if the team were to make one trade to fix the defense, what would it be?
The Bills' LB problem
The answer is clear; the Buffalo Bills have a linebacker problem.
Dorian Williams is not good enough in coverage to play his role in the new 3-4 defense. Joe Andreessen can't be expected to fill that role either, despite his special teams prowess. Terrel Bernard is undersized, and fails to make up for that with the speed needed to succeed.
Possible trade targets
There are teams who's seasons may be all-but-over already, and the Buffalo Bills are buyers as the trade deadline approaches. These linebackers make for excellent trade targets.
Zack Baun - Philadelphia Eagles
The most immediate and obvious name on this list is also the best fit. The Philadelphia Eagles were already in tough shape- Losing QB Jalen Hurts for the season immediately sets their season back with almost no room to come back. With Zack Baun's unusual contract, moving him now before the offseason begins is the wisest move. The 2024 First-Team All-Pro brings proven elite status.
For the Bills, that trade spells success. Baun offers everything they're missing, and they don't have to take Terrel Bernard off the field to play him. There are no on-field flaws to the move, but adopting his contract may be a hurdle.
For the rest of 2026, Baun would be owed less than $800k, which sounds wonderful. In 2027, he carries an $11.8m salary cap hit, which would require restructuring. After that, he has no less than 4 void years, during which Baun would be owed an additional $27.4m.
The question is threefold. How badly do the Buffalo Bills need a major upgrade at linebacker? Are they willing to commit to a second season with a large cap hit? Does a total potential payout of close to $40m for one and a half seasons of play make it worthwhile?
The best solution is to renegotiate the contract in a trade agreement, but that requires three amicable parties, not two. Still, if they work out the money, Zack Baun would revolutionize the middle of the field for Buffalo. That's a Super Bowl-worthy difference.
Expected Price: 3rd round pick
Mack Wilson - Arizona Cardinals
For those unwilling to take the home run option for near-guaranteed success, meet Mack Wilson. He's the everyman's solid trade at linebacker.
The Arizona Cardinals are back in the NFL's basement, and Wilson enters the final season of a very reasonable contract. He fits comfortably within the Bills' available salary cap space, and comfortably within their LB core too.
Mack makes for a significant upgrade to the room, and no commitment past 2026. He's a very easy choice.
Expected Price: 5th round pick
Cody Barton - Tennessee Titans
If a team needed a simple upgrade, Cody Barton is an uninspired choice. The turning-30 year old linebacker has some solid coverage traits and tackles well in space. He's the kind of player a team typically likes to keep indefinitely, but the Tennessee Titans need assets badly.
His contract is perfectly acceptable to the Buffalo Bills; Retaining him at that same price through 2027 is genuinely a plus. Adding Cody Barton to this roster takes care of a major issue for two seasons without breaking the bank.
Expected Price: 4th round pick
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