A proposed trade by Bills secures a “top-flight” wide receiver in the upcoming draft.
Due to the hefty cost of losing Stefon Diggs in a trade with the Houston Texans, securing a new primary wide receiver is proving challenging for the Buffalo Bills amidst restricted access to free agency.
Although the Bills had planned on selecting a receiver in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft, losing Diggs has led many analysts to believe that Buffalo will try to trade up for one of the best prospects. Charlotte Carroll and Joe Buscaglia from The Athletic have proposed an idea where Buffalo could make a major deal with New York Giants which would allow them to climb higher in their selection position.
In exchange for the Giants’ 2024 first-round pick (No.6) and a seventh-round pick in 2025, Buffalo trades away their own 28th overall selection, as well as second- and fourth-round picks both falling under number No.60 and No.128 respectively from the same draft year of 2024 along with one additional future first rounder due in the year of 2025 to provide quarterback Josh Allen more supporting weaponry on his team’s offense next season onward towards success potentiality regarding any forthcoming competitive play opportunities.
Although a long shot, Carroll and Buscaglia highlighted the close connection between these two teams. The Giants’ general manager Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll have roots in Buffalo which make them well-acquainted with Bills GM Brandon Beane and coach Sean McDermott. If such an extensive trade were to take place, these teams would be ideal partners due to their existing relationship.
Beane has a reputation for trading up in the draft, but this time it’s an exceptionally large leap. According to Buscaglia, “This group of receivers, including top prospects Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze could potentially be one of the most impressive we’ve seen in recent times.”
Given Allen’s contract ballooned, it is prudent to team him up with a promising high-flight receiver who is still on a rookie deal in order to economize, particularly considering the exorbitant prices associated with top-level receivers in today’s NFL.
ESPN Analyst Urged the Bills to Trade
While the prospect of moving up to No. 6 in the draft is thrilling, it’s a risky move to sacrifice two first-round picks for an untested asset. Unless Beane has complete faith that one of the elite wide receivers will become a game-changing star, he may opt not to make this trade and instead keep his position. Additionally, there is such a wealth of talented receivers available in this year’s class that trading down could be another viable option for Beane.
Although ESPN’s Mina Kimes suggested that trading up for a player like Odunze is “entirely reasonable,” ESPN insider Bill Barnwell recommended Buffalo to do the opposite.
According to Barnwell, the team should acquire not just one but two or three wide receivers both presently and for future seasons. He notes that teams like the Chiefs and Packers have taken similar actions by trading players such as Tyreek Hill in favor of amassing multiple options instead of relying on singular high-quality performers.
Barnwell stated that without Diggs, the Bills’ top receivers consist of Curtis Samuel, Khalil Shakir, Mack Hollins and tight end Dalton Kincaid. He further added that he’s uncertain whether this is an above-average receiving group even if they acquired Odunze through a trade-up approach.
Due to the upcoming draft being considered one of the richest classes for wide receivers in recent history, it is possible that the Bills may opt to exchange their pick and acquire multiple valuable players. The return of their lost third-round selection from Packers (which was used for Rasul Douglas) would be beneficially advantageous, given they also possess additional picks within both fourth and fifth rounds.
Bills GM Suggested They Wouldn’t Solely Rely on the 2024 NFL Draft for a New WR
Beane recognizes that there is a pressing need for improvement in Buffalo’s wide receiver department. “We’re likely not better off than we were before,” Beane admitted to the press following Diggs’ trade.
“We are still working on it and will keep doing so. I want everyone to know that I am fiercely competitive, and there is no way we’re giving up. We’ll persevere through this challenge while keeping an eye out for options. The team members in our roster have my trust along with the supporting staff.”
Kay Adams was warned by Benjamin Solak of The Ringer not to be shocked if the Bills execute a significant trade during Round 1. However, Beane contradicted this statement and hinted that their plans include more than just drafting promising players. According to him, they are focused on developing depth and creating competition within the team ahead of September’s games; hence he is leaving no stone unturned in achieving these goals.
