Blockbuster Bills Trade Proposal Sends $135 Million Edge Rusher to Buffalo
The Buffalo Bills have recently made significant investments in their pass rush. They utilized high draft picks on Gregory Rousseau and Boogie Basham, as well as secured veteran Von Miller through a substantial financial agreement during free agency.
Despite their efforts falling short, Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report has put forth a surprising trade suggestion aimed at turning things around. In order to strengthen their defense and increase chances for Super Bowl success, Davenport proposed that the Buffalo Bills acquire edge rusher Joey Bosa in exchange for a third-round pick set in 2025.
Bills Would Tighten Grip on Division
The Miami Dolphins are challenging Buffalo’s dominance in the AFC East, according to Davenport. Although it took five consecutive victories, including a final season triumph over the Dolphins for Buffalo to secure their division title from last season. With Leonard Floyd – top pass rusher- gone now also putting up pressure on Bills’ defense can make them susceptible further opined by Davenport.
Davenport pointed out that while much attention has been given to the Bills’ wide receiver situation following Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis’s departure, their defense may also have a potential flaw. Last season, Buffalo only had one player achieve over 10 sacks- Leonard Floyd at edge-rusher – who is currently with San Francisco. The projected starters on the edge for the team (Gregory Rousseau and A.J Epenesa) collectively account for just 11.5 sacks from last year.
Davenport wrote that in order for the Bills to break through a tough conference and achieve their goal of reaching the Super Bowl, they will have to compete against skilled quarterbacks such as Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow. He suggested that acquiring Bosa via trade could greatly improve Buffalo’s chances in this regard.
According to Davenport, Bosa – the four-time Pro Bowler who received a $135 million contract in 2020 – seems to have overcome his foot injury that troubled him throughout last season.
“He wrote that Joey Bosa is considerably younger than Von Miller was when the team brought him in, and his voluntary participation in workouts indicates positive signs for a full recovery from the foot injury that derailed his 2023 season.”
Securing Bosa’s agreement would require some negotiation, but Brandon Beane is a skilled General Manager and could handle the task. Although it poses some risks, if successful this move could lead to significant rewards for the Bills in the form of securing a player who has been named to three consecutive Pro Bowls between 2019-2021.
Bills Hope for Bounce-Back Season for Von Miller
The Bills possess sufficient draft picks, including a second-round pick obtained in the Diggs trade and additional ones acquired by twice trading back during this year’s NFL Draft, to acquire Bosa. Alternatively, they may consider bolstering their pass rush through internal resources.
Despite having a career-low season in 2023 due to his return from an ACL injury, there are signs that All-Star pass rusher Miller may be regaining his previous form this year. According to journalist Matt Parrino of Syracuse.com, Miller demonstrated some of his past abilities during practice sessions this week and appeared sharp.
According to Parrino, Miller’s speed, agility and ability to change directions have not been as impressive since tearing his ACL on Thanksgiving in 2022. He revealed that he relied heavily on a knee brace during practice last season but has ditched it for the current offseason and OTAs. Despite this setback, Miller remains eager to play for several more seasons and exhibited promising signs of improvement during an unpadded practice session earlier this week.
