The Buffalo Bills did not make any trade moves before the NFL deadline, but general manager Brandon Beane was reportedly active in pursuing significant deals. According to NFL Network”s Tom Pelissero, the Bills aimed to acquire wide receiver Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets.
Pelissero noted that the Bills were the highest bidders for Waddle but faced resistance from the Dolphins and Jets, both of whom were reluctant to assist a division rival. “The Bills were the high bidder for Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle and also tried to acquire then-Jets DL Quinnen Williams before Tuesday”s trade deadline, per sources. In both cases, their AFC East rivals ultimately gave Buffalo no help in its push for a sixth straight division title,” Pelissero reported.
Additionally, NFL Network”s Cameron Wolfe stated that the Bills were “very aggressive” during the trade deadline, seeking improvements for both their wide receiver corps and defensive line. The Dolphins were reportedly looking for a first-round pick and another significant pick in exchange for Waddle, though it remains unclear if the Bills made such an offer.
Ultimately, Waddle remained with the Dolphins as the deadline passed, while Williams was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a first-round pick, a second-round pick, and defensive lineman Mazi Smith. Given the competitive nature of the AFC East, it was always a long shot for the Bills to complete a trade with either the Jets or Dolphins.
The Bills had pressing needs at both positions, especially due to the injury to Ed Oliver and underwhelming performances from their wide receivers. With Super Bowl aspirations fueling their efforts, it would have been intriguing to see how the Bills could have integrated either player into their roster, particularly with limited cap space.
As the season progresses, Buffalo will need to address these gaps to maintain their competitive edge in the division and pursue their championship goals.
