General manager Brandon Beane and the Buffalo Bills know that the team needs to upgrade talent in several key areas this offseason. Unfortunately, scoping out many positions in the free agency class doesn’t provide many promising options for any team in the NFL. The same can be said for the NFL Draft, depending on the position.
It’s that reality that has ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter bracing for an offseason that could be different than any we’ve seen in the NFL. Schefter said on his podcast on Wednesday that he anticipates teams will be willing to deal on the trading block this offseason because of the lack of talent in the free agency and draft class pools.
“I don’t know that it’ll happen, but it certainly seems to be a trend in recent years, teams have been more apt and open to make big trades,” he said. “Teams are unafraid about making a big deal. And with this free agent class, in the eyes of some, considered to be a little bit subpar, and with this draft class considered to be, in the eyes of some, a little subpar, it wouldn’t surprise me if we saw an uptick in trade activity.”
To Schefter’s point, the league has grown more comfortable in dealing players in trades. The five most active trade deadlines in league history have all come since 2017, and 2025 tied 2022 with the most with 10 trade deadline deals.
A potential trade surge this offseason would test Bills GM Brandon Beane’s aggressiveness
Obviously, the offseason works a bit differently in the trade market, but Beane isn’t unfamiliar with offseason trades. Since 2020, he’s executed two offseason trades, acquiring quarterback Case Keenum in 2022 from Cleveland and sending Stefon Diggs to Houston in 2024.
Of course, if Beane executes an offseason trade in 2026, Bills Mafia is hoping it’s in an effort to land a big-time playmaker. Several options have already grown on Bills fans, namely Las Vegas Raiders EDGE Maxx Crosby and Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown.
That said, it’s not lost on any fan that to acquire a big name in a trade, it requires giving up future assets. And considering teams aren’t high on this draft class, to Schefter’s point, that may mean dipping into 2027 selections, and beyond, to swing a deal. How willing Beane is to part with such assets is the real question Bills fans will have to wait to find answers to.
Still, if Schefter’s feeling is correct, and teams do play the trade market moreso than usual, then Bills fans aren’t going to be too keen on seeing Beane stand by idly. Players like Crosby and Brown may cost a bit upfront, but they are just two examples of the kinds of players who can help the Bills finally get over their postseason hump if Beane is willing to strike a deal this offseason