Draft night always has drama, and the Buffalo Bills could be a part of that once April 24th arrives. The Bills were a part of that drama last year when they pick-swapped with the Chiefs and handed them a young stud in WR Xavier Worthy. Again, trading with the Chiefs in the first round didn't work out in the Bills favor.
Between the Bills situation with James Cook and some NFL players still being on the trade block, many scenarios have opened up in this year's draft. The Bills still have some weaknesses on their roster, and some notable players on other teams are waiting to find a new home.
Due to the state of the NFL and the Bills, there are some bold scenarios that could easily play out.
Bills trade RB James Cook and No. 109 for WR Jordan Addison
James Cook has been a big topic during this NFL offseason. Ever since Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley got an extension, which earns him around $20 per year, Cook has been hinting at an extension worth around $15 million per year, which is near-top running back money.
Cook was a big factor for the Bills' offense last season, but many other general managers would agree that he's not worth $15 million per year, especially in the Bills' cap space situation. Cook's contract runs out next year, but he's not looking to wait any longer for contract talks, as he recently put his house in Orchard Park up for sale.
The Bills are probably willing to trade Cook for another necessity on the team for the right price, and there have recently been rumors of Vikings' WR Jordan Addison being a possible trade target for Buffalo.
Addison clarified that he isn't seeking any trade, but the possibility isn't out of the question, since the Vikings are a bit weak at running back. A running back of Cook's caliber has worked out for them in the past since his brother, Dalvin, played there not too long ago.
Bills trade TE Dawson Knox, No. 30 and No. 132 with Colts for No. 14, draft CB Will Johnson
Dawson Knox is a big piece to the Bills, but not big enough to be one of the highest paid players on the roster. Knox is more of a backup tight end who lines up in heavy-set formations and occasionally runs routes.
Especially with Dalton Kincaid going into his third year, the Bills may seek to trade the soon to be 29-year-old veteran, and the Colts would be the most sensible team. Trading up from No. 30 to No. 14 will cost a bit, so throwing a fourth along with Knox may be a realistic scenario.
If this trade happens, the Bills would have the chance to acquire a major shutdown corner in Will Johnson who was phenomenal for the Michigan Wolverines. This is a major bold scenario to make, considering how Knox and Josh Allen have a fantastic friendship.
Bills trade RB James Cook, No. 30 and No. 170 to Bears for No. 10 overall, draft CB Jahdae Barron or CB Will Johnson
The Bears are one of the up-and-coming teams in the NFL. They signed and traded for some key pieces for their offensive line, have a talented quarterback going into his second year, a solid defense, and an offensive mastermind as their new head coach in Ben Johnson. There are a few weaknesses on their roster, one of them being their running back.
The Bears' recent history at running back has been mediocre at best, and they'd probably want one who can help out their young quarterback in the run game. From the Bears' perspective, if a team like Buffalo offered them a trade for a proven, young and talented running back in their prime along with some draft capital, it would be hard to say no to a deal like that.
The only problem is that Ashton Jeanty is an immensely talented running back prospect in this year's draft and may still be available at No. 10. The scenario where the Bears accept this trade is most realistic if Jeanty is selected before the Bears' draft selection.