The Buffalo Bills came into the 2023 season as Super Bowl contenders in the eyes of many people. But, outside of a three-week stretch earlier in the season, they have not consistently looked like a team that will be in the running for the Lombardi Trophy when it is all said and done.
The Bills have alternated wins and losses the last four weeks following a three-game winning streak. They have failed to score over 25 points in any of those games, going over the 20-point mark only twice.
Despite those struggles, the offense isn’t where many people believe the team needs to make a move ahead of the deadline. Adding a piece on that side of the ball would be a luxury move; if the Bills really want to swing for an upgrade, it should be on defense.
That isn’t all too surprising given how much talent the team has lost in recent months. It started in free agency when linebacker Tremaine Edmunds signed with the Chicago Bears. Cornerback Tre’Davious White and linebacker Matt Milano were both lost to what are likely season-ending injuries.
As a result of those losses, John Fields of Pro Football Network has named one linebacker and cornerback as players the Bills should target ahead of the deadline. The linebacker he suggested is Josey Jewell of the Denver Broncos.
Broncos’ head coach Sean Payton has made it clear that the team isn’t shopping players ahead of the deadline. But, they will listen when teams call. One of the players who could be on the move given their current rest-of-season outlook is Jewell.
He would provide the Bills with some insurance at the second level of their defense with Milano sidelined. Jewell would provide depth to a position that is now without both starters from last season’s team. Despite another solid season, being In the final year of his contract, Jewell shouldn’t break the bank as a target for Buffalo.
If they want to replace White in the secondary, Donte Jackson of the Carolina Panthers is an ideal target. The Panthers are tied for the fewest wins in the NFL with one, as they picked up their first victory on Sunday afternoon over the Houston Texans.
They are a likely seller at the deadline and Jackson is someone plenty of teams will be calling about. Replacing a player of White’s caliber is not easy, but Jackson would be a very solid start in doing so.
Given his $1.08 base salary for the season, the Bills wouldn’t have to do much with the salary cap to fit him onto the roster. Owning all of their draft picks in addition to a few others, Buffalo can meet the asking price if they choose to.
Last but not least, if the Bills want to add some more juice to their offense, running back AJ Dillon of the Green Bay Packers was suggested as a trade target. Dillon has struggled to get going behind a poor run-blocking unit in Green Bay but has experience as a complementary option in the backfield.
He could certainly factor into the mix as an early-down rusher, but the Bills’ need for a running back no longer exists. Leonard Fournette was signed to their practice squad and will likely be their biggest move at the position.
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