In case you haven’t heard, the secondary for the Buffalo Bills is in shambles at this point of the season. Defending the pass has been Buffalo’s Achilles heel, and it’s almost cost them in multiple games this year. Luckily, they seem to find that one moment that ultimately saves them, but how much of that luck will continue on?
Buffalo is giving up 285 passing yards per game, and now they are set to play in Week 8 against the Baltimore Ravens without C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who is suspended for spitting towards an opponent against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Bills are in a position where they need to bring in some kind of help to defend the pass. Whether it's at safety, corner, or even a pass coverage linebacker, something has to change because it isn't currently working.
Bills' listed trade scenario immediately upgrades secondary
Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus (PFF) listed 10 "fairytale trades" with the NFL trade deadline coming up, and one of those proposals included the Bills trading for safety Antoine Winfield Jr. from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
"The 28-year-old has notched a 76.8 overall PFF grade this season, adding an elite 87.9 PFF run-defense grade while missing zero tackles over 234 total snaps." Locker wrote.
"Buffalo’s defense has yet to round into form under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, and its safeties have been especially culpable. Veteran C.J. Gardner-Johnson owns a 55.2 overall PFF grade and staggering 25.7% missed tackle rate, plus will now miss Week 8 due to spitting on Raiders tight end Brock Bowers. Moreover, third-year safety Cole Bishop has failed to break out, earning a 51.3 grade while permitting a 109.5 passer rating into his coverage." Locker wrote.
In 1999, the Bills spent their first round pick on Antoine Winfield Sr. out of Ohio State, and he spent the first five seasons of his career in Orchard Park. During his time in Buffalo, he racked up 325 total tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumle recoveries, and 6 interceptions. So there is a bit of familiarity there and with his son being on a 1-5 Tampa Bay team, maybe there is a possibility to see him moved to a contender.
Adding Antoine Winfield Jr. would provide the boost Bills' defense needs
Since being drafted by Tampa Bay in 2020, Winfield Jr. has established himself as one of the best safeties in the game with his great run-support and he has a great eye for the ball as he has 9 career interceptions. Oh, and he can also help with the blitz as he has 18 career sacks.
With him being a star in the NFL, it's hard to imagine that the Bucs would actually shop him, but you never rule out any scenario. It is worth it for Brandon Beane to atleast inquire about the availability of him to see if there is any kind of possibility of a potential deal being made.
Either way, the Bills have a big secondary problem so they just need to make a move rather than stay where they are at.
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