Many of the AFC's top contenders made deals at the trade deadline, so the Buffalo Bills had to get in on the action. The team's offense is elite, but the defense has been a mess, especially in the secondary.
The Bills parted ways with starter C.J. Gardner-Johnson, so the need at safety was massive. Luckily, they were able to add one by trading a second-round pick to the Tennessee Titans for Amani Hooker. He's never been a Pro Bowler or an All-Pro, but he's currently tied for the NFL lead in interceptions (5).
However, the Bills' initially wanted a different safety, but the deal couldn't come to fruition.
Bills reportedly pursued Cardinals safety Budda Baker
Hooker is a very good player, but a second-round pick is a steep price for somebody who isn't considered a star. If the Bills had their way, they would've landed a Four-Time All-Pro.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Bills aggressively pursued Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker.
"The Bills were clearly the most aggressive team on a somewhat slow deadline day. Word surfaced early Tuesday that Buffalo was clearing cap space via contract restructuring. Teams believed Buffalo was seeking impactful safeties and/or defensive tackles. The Bills made a play for Baker with what one source considered a compelling package. Arizona did not want to trade him because he's viewed as the heart and soul of the team. But the Bills were also working on Hooker, and it took a counteroffer of sorts to make that deal happen. The Titans originally resisted an offer for Hooker, whom they planned to keep; coach Robert Saleh loves him on the roster. But Buffalo tried again, pushing it to the finish line. It has been a busy few days all around for Bills GM Brandon Beane." Fowler wrote.
Baker is 30 now, so he likely only has a couple years left of being a Pro Bowl-level player, but he would've made an instant impact for the Bills. He's consistently been one of the best safeties in the NFL for years, but his talents have been wasted in Arizona. It's curious that the Cardinals weren't willing to trade him.
Hooker is a younger player and could be a long-term option at safety, at least for the next few years. Regardless, the Bills found an impact player at a major position of need at the trade deadline.
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