The Buffalo Bills picked up a much-needed win in Week 8, though they took a massive loss in the process -- literally and figuratively. Star defensive tackle Ed Oliver suffered a torn bicep that has already been followed by surgery and injured reserve designation.
Oliver will miss at least the next four contests, and possibly longer. His extended absence leaves a gaping hole in the middle of the trenches for the Bills. It's a crushing blow for an up-and-down defense that's shown a complete inability to stop opposing ground games.
Buffalo has a trio of capable veterans behind Oliver in DaQuan Jones, Larry Ogunjobi and Jordan Phillips, plus fourth-round rookie Deone Walker. So, theoretically, a committee approach could suffice. Nevertheless, amid a Super Bowl or bust campaign, the Bills would be wise to bring in outside reinforcements.
With that in mind, ESPN's Bill Barnwell identified the Arizona Cardinals' Calais Campbell is a "great fit" for the Bills.
Bills trading for Cardinals' Calais Campbell to replace Ed Oliver makes too much sense
Despite turning 39 in September, Campbell remains a highly productive contributor and valuable locker room leader. He's amassed 19 tackles (five for loss), three sacks and a pass defleciton across seven games in 2025 as a part-time player. Moreover, his 78.3 overall Pro Football Focus grade ranks 12th out of 128 qualified interior defenders.
Campbell returning to the Cardinals this past offseason, who he spent the first decade of his illustrious 18-year career with, seemed like a full-circle moment. It felt as though this was going to be his final ride with the club that took a shot on him back in 2008. However, with Arizona falling out of playoff contention, the idea of a fairy-tale ending is waning.
Being the missing piece to a contender's title run sounds like a much more fitting way to cap off Campbell's remarkable journey as a pro. He's a six-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro and former Walter Payton Man of the Year award winner. His résumé is stacked with individual accolades, yet that elusive first ring still evades him.
Adding Campbell is beneficial to Buffalo in itself, but so is the idea of keeping him away from their direct competitor, the Kansas City Chiefs. Barnwell mentions the Bills' rivals as another prospective suitor for the presumed future Hall of Famer, which would be a doomsday scenario.
Not only can Buffalo bolster a squad that's been knocking on the door of a championship for years, but they can also hurt the Chiefs. Beating Kansas City, who's reportedly "[exploring] defensive line depth," in an arms race puts the Bills one step closer to their ultimate goal.