Most of the NFL world is expecting the Buffalo Bills to make some kind of splash this offseason. Whether it’s through free agency, the draft, or even via trade, the Bills are going to be closely observed on what move they make (or even don’t make).
Brandon Beane has faced a ton of pressure to succeed since the firing of Sean McDermott, and now he has to show Bills Mafia that was the right person to keep in the front office. When you think of the Bills, the first thing that comes to mind is their lack of wide receiver talent.
So, they will have to address that position no matter what. If they don’t, Bills fans are going to be extremely angry and the NFL world is once again going to laugh at Buffalo. The Bills do have an uphill battle to make a splash, as their cap situation isn't exactly great. While they can easily make room, there are a ton of needs to fill across this roster.
One of those positions is edge rusher, as the Bills are set to lose Joey Bosa and A.J. Epenesa in free agency. Buffalo has to get someone who will fit in Jim Leonhard's scheme, and they could very well trade for a young edge rusher who has something to prove.
Bills have chance to trade for young edge rusher (but it should be for the right price)
Jared Dubin from CBS Sports created a list of potential teams that Giants’ edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux could land, as it was reported by Connor Hughes from SNY that the Giants are listening to offers for. Dubin has listed the Bills as one of the teams that Thibodeaux could land with.
"They had a solid pressure rate during the regular season, but in the playoffs it dropped to just 32.5% -- and 28% in the loss to the Broncos in the divisional round. Buffalo has other needs and might be turned off by price, but if it's low enough, it could get interested." said Dubin.
Thibodeaux is a former Top-5 pick from 2022 being drafted by the Giants out of Oregon. He was a well coveted prospect and the Giants were looking to provide their defense with a hopeful franchise pass rusher in Thibodeaux. He was actually Joe Schoen’s first draft pick as the GM of the Giants. Now, Thibodeaux could be on his way out and if the Bills are able to get him for a cheap price, why not go for it?
In 4 seasons with the Giants, Thibodeaux has just 23.5 sacks but he did manage to have 11.5 sacks in 2023. That was his only season where he didn’t miss a game. He has missed atleast three games in three out of his four seasons and he’s coming off a year where he only played in ten games.
With John Harbaugh coming in as the new head coach, Thibodeaux could very well be on his way out. If the Giants are willing to trade him for a cheap price (possibly a Day 3 pick), then it would definitely be an option for the Bills to explore as Thibodeaux would be a quick fix for their defense.
At the same time, the Bills would then have to decide if they could see him in Buffalo long-term, or if it would just be a one-and-done.