The Buffalo Bills haven't been afraid to make mid-season trades under Brandon Beane in the past. They swung pre-deadline deals for Rasul Douglas in 2023 and Amari Cooper in 2024, both in attempts to fuel playoff runs.
There's no reason to get shy now. Brandon Beane's roster is clearly ready to compete for a championship, but there are obvious weaknesses that threaten to hold this team back.
As the November 10th trade deadline approaches, Beane should be making calls to fill every gap on his roster. Sure, he's already limited in draft capital, but if adding a player for a mid-round pick can help the Bills win a championship, he shouldn't hesitate.
Keeping tabs on these six defenders would be a good place to start.
6. Cody Barton, LB, Titans
The secondary is going to be the primary focus of any Bills mock trade, and we'll get to that, but the linebacker room is lacking in its own right. Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams aren't providing the run-stuffing presence that Buffalo needs on the second level.
There aren't any big names available at linebacker, but Cody Barton could help complete the Bills' rotation without costing much in a trade. The Titans have a solid group of young backers behind him, so they may be willing to give him up for a late-round pick.
5. Rasul Douglas, CB, Commanders
The Bills have already made one mid-season trade for Rasul Douglas, so why not do it again? The veteran cornerback is on a Commanders team that may be days away from firing its head coach, potentially kickstarting a fire sale. The 31-year-old may be more interested in competing for a Super Bowl than letting the rest of the season play out in Washington.
Buffalo is remarkably thin at cornerback, and none of their current options are playing particularly well. Douglas would offer a stable option in the rotation.
4. Elijah Molden, S, Chargers
Sticking in the secondary, the Bills could use another safety. C.J. Gardner-Johnson brings unique energy to the table, but he's not a solution for Buffalo's safety woes. A more traditional free safety would give defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard more flexibility.
The Los Angeles Chargers are all but eliminated from playoff contention and should be more than willing to sell off some of their non-cornerstone players. Elijah Molden is a stable, consistent presence on the back end, and he could be available for a Day 3 pick.
3. Daiyan Henley, LB, Chargers
Why not knock out two birds with one stone? If Beane is already calling the Chargers about Molden, he should see if linebacker Daiyan Henley is available.
Henley is a bit undersized, like the Bills' current backers, but he would be the best second-level run defender on the roster. Even on a struggling Chargers team, he has already produced 18 run stops this season, which is more than either of Buffalo's linebackers. He's in the final year of his rookie contract, so L.A. may be willing to move him at a low cost.
2. Riq Woolen, CB, Eagles
A trade for Riq Woolen would be a big swing, and he would need a contract extension, but this is the exact kind of move that the Bills should be exploring. Woolen is tall, fast, and scheme-versatile. He would be an instant starter on the outside for Leonhard and would take some pressure off Davison Igbinosun.
The Eagles have already shown that they're willing to make moves by trading Cam Jurgens away. Woolen could be the next to go.
1. Budda Baker, S, Cardinals
The rest of the players on this list would plug holes. Budda Baker would change the identity of the Bills' defense. The longtime Arizona Cardinals defender is an eight-time Pro Bowler and one of the best tackling safeties in football. His ability to drive down on runs and short passes is unmatched at his position.
If the Bills are serious about pushing for a championship this season, this is the kind of splash they should be making. Even if it takes more than a third-round pick, Beane shouldn't hesitate.
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