Should the Buffalo Bills rejoin the AFC arms race with trade deadline approaching?

Just two weeks removed from the Buffalo Bills trade to acquire WR Amari Cooper from the Cleveland Browns, the landscape of the AFC has shifted once again. At the time the move seemed enough to help propel the Bills back into the upper echelon of NFL powerhouses, and it's certainly been a boon, but they're not the only buyers on the market. The Kansas City Chiefs have picked up a pair of contributors, and the Baltimore Ravens are adding to their arsenal as well. The New York Jets may be far behind, but they too have added more talent and could be dramatically tougher by the time they play the Bills again. So, should Buffalo rejoin the AFC arms race?

Amari Cooper Elevates Buffalo

Firstly, we need to assess the moves they've already pulled. The trade for a receiver was a necessary one, undoubtedly, bu the Bills didn't just trade for any receiver; Amari Cooper was the absolute best one available. A man coverage- beater who can separate from defenders at any level, he brings something that the rest of the roster lacked. In joining this offense, Cooper brought gravity. He draws coverage the same way Stefon Diggs did, and that allows the rest of the offense to play loose. It may not always show up in the stat sheet, but his impact has already been enormous.

The true price, a 3rd-round draft pick, is minimal when you consider that an exit at the end of the season returns to Buffalo a compensatory draft pick, and an extension makes it only more worthwhile. The only question we're left with is what resources remain for this season. Buffalo are buyers, but there's not much left in the 2024 coffers. How much more of the minimal salary cap space can be used, and what draft capital must we part with to make those moves? Is it worth it, or even necessary?

The Kansas City Double

To be honest in our evaluation, we have to survey the field. Kansas City is a 7-0 team, regardless of how we feel about their sustainability, and they've worked to enhance their championship roster. The Chiefs moved for a receiver of their own that added veteran depth and some qualified help. They then sought out an upgrade at defensive end/outside linebacker, to stay fresh and competitive at a position of urgency down the stretch. The Chiefs traded for Deandre Hopkins and Josh Uche and it only cost them a conditional fifth-round pick that's unlikely too become a fourth-rounder, and a sixth-round pick.

The value for those players in minimal; Deandre Hopkins hasn't been the player he used to be for many seasons now, and Uche has had a notable season just once in his five-year career. Still, these are not moves to heighten the ceiling, but to heighten the floor. The Chiefs are already a powerhouse until proven otherwise, and their refusal to get worse is tantamount to their success.

Your 'New' York Jets

Now, NYJ may not seem to be as competitive as they've claimed as of late, but there are plenty of games left to be played, including one against Buffalo. When these sides meet again, as much will have changed as stayed the same. Caution should be exercised, as they still did indeed add the best available talent of all trade options. That may be because they were the only team available who could afford him. Davante Adams was the kind of trade that was over long before it was announced; No-one else had a chance. Only one team in the market could afford the salary that Raiders' owner Mark Davis wouldn't pay to lose, and only one team had a need that was more than just a football reason.

The Jets are likely still tumbling into the league's basement, but in doing so they sucked the air out of what could have been a fiery trade market.

The Baltimore Escalation

Baltimore were the only team on this list to make a move that didn't seem immediately necessary, but it absolutely elevates Baltimore's offensive capability. Production isn't a necessity, but the threat of production is. That's where Diontae Johnson fits in. Baltimore's run game is lethal, and it's passing game is very strong, but for only a trade down of one late round in 2025 (a fifth to a sixth), they added another threat.

Perhaps more worrisome than anything the Chiefs did, Baltimore has proven capable of handling Buffalo without help. Now, they take what was a trade market of desparation, like the Jets, and improvment, like the Chiefs and Bills, to a market of escalation. It's a move that cost little, but puts opposition into overdrive as the November 5th trade deadline draws near.

The Buffalo Bills Next Move

With the Cooper trade, Buffalo were coming off a huge win and heading in the right direction, and have played phenomenally since. But they are far from alone atop the heap. Kansas City is still seeking to improve despite their unbeaten record, Baltimore is the best offensive team in the NFL and still invested in another receiver. Should Buffalo look to double down?

The Buffalo Bills have just over $2.6m in salary cap space to absorb an incoming contract, per Spotrac, which isn't much. They have a solid bundle of 2025 draft capital, having spent only a 6th to acquire CB/KR Brandon Codrington and a 7th, and getting an extra 2025 6th in the Amari Cooper trade. In total, the short-term draft capital available to them is as follows:

With a minimum of two expected compensatory draft picks in addition to this list, Buffalo has the material to make moves without mortgaging their future, but what positions can they target?

Buffalo has an arguable need for some improved safety help, and with Mike Edwards allegedly requesting a trade, there's potential for a package including him in exchange for a contributing safety. With the injuries to the linebacker core and no certain timeline for Matt Milano's return, there's room for an investment there also. The defensive line is solid, but the interior is thin with the hopefully short-term loss of emerging DT DeWayne Carter. The Buffalo Bills have a very good and deep roster, but if the right price comes along, there are holes on the defense that could use a personnel boost.

More Bills Coverage: