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Should general manager Brandon Beane and the Bills front office make a trade ahead of Tuesday’s (November 10) trade deadline?
The Buffalo Bills continue to be one of the most dominant teams in the NFL, sitting at 5-1 following their Week 7 bye, but they should be buyers at the deadline to help bolster the roster.
The Bills have been a high-powered offense with Josh Allen and James Cook running the show, averaging 32.8 points per game, despite number one receiver DJ Moore being sidelined for two weeks.
On the defensive side of the ball is where the struggles have been concerning. Buffalo has allowed, on average, 28.5 points per game, resulting in the offense having to carry the weight, which has been an issue for far too long.
The Bills currently have nine picks in the upcoming 2027 NFL Draft that they could look to trade away if they want to be aggressive.
Below is my list of potential trade targets for the Bills:
S Jessie Bates III (Falcons)
The Bills brought in safety CJ Gardner-Johnson this past offseason, but so far, it has not panned out quite how the team had hoped.
Following an unsportsmanlike conduct against the Raiders in Week 6, Gardner-Johnson was suspended for one game. His future in Buffalo is still unknown, but it would be wise to make a move for safety.
This is where veteran safety Jessie Bates III enters the conversation as a potential trade target for Buffalo.
Bates is a ballhawk in the secondary, and has been for the past nine seasons, playing for both Cincinnati and Atlanta. He’s recorded 28 career interceptions.
He has been the captain for Atlanta’s secondary for the past four seasons, and would fit nicely in the Bills young, developing secondary, alongside third-year safety Cole Bishop.
Bates would be the rangy free safety the Bills secondary has been looking for, along with being a great tackler outside of his ball skills.
Potential trade:
BUF Receives: S Jessie Bates III
ATL Receives: 2027 Second-Round Pick
S Budda Baker (Cardinals)
The Bills new defense with Jim Leonhard has been struggling to contain anything through the air and has lacked a consistent playmaker in the secondary; this is what makes the eight-time Pro-Bowler, and veteran captain for seven consecutive seasons, Budda Baker, a great fit for Buffalo.
Baker is primarily a strong safety and plays in the box. Through seven games this season with Arizona he has 44 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, four pass breakups, and an interception, while being a consistent run support option.
At 30, Baker is still one of the most productive safeties in the league and with Arizona likely looking to rebuild, after already trading away receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to Houston, he has been linked as a possible trade candidate.
This move would give Leonhard’s defense an immediate upgrade alongside Cole Bishop, providing veteran leadership to a young secondary. Baker would be a huge addition to the new 3-4 scheme featuring disguises he could fit into well.
Potential trade:
BUF Receives: S Budda Baker
ARI Receives: 2027 Second-Round Pick
S Cam Bynum (Colts)
Cam Bynum gives the Bills a younger option at the safety position. At 28-years-old, the former Vikings safety signed a four-year deal with the Colts last offseason and has started every game since.
Indianapolis has recently fired its general manager and has already traded stars on both sides of the ball; sending guard Quenton Nelson to Seattle, and defensive tackle Deforest Bukner to San Francisco, for picks in return.
The fire sale has seemingly begun in Indianapolis, leaving the Bills with an opportunity to go get a good safety for relatively cheap.
In 2026, Bynum has 26 total tackles and an interception, remaining as one of the steady leaders in the Colts secondary.
For Buffalo, the pairing with Bynum and Bishop would work well, adding another guy with great ball skills and rangy ability.
Potential trade:
BUF Receives: S Cam Bynum
IND Receives: 2027 Third-Round Pick
CB Donte Jackson (Chargers)
The cornerback position has been an issue for the Bills this season. Veteran corner Donte Jackson would be a high-upside addition for Buffalo’s secondary who could get them back on track.
Jackson is in the final year of his contract with Los Angeles, and with their winless record, he could be a trade candidate ahead of the deadline for draft capital.
He can play both the boundary corner position and in the slot if needed, which would give Leonhard’s defense more versatility.
At 30, Jackson would be a great veteran to bring in behind Maxwell Hairston and Davison Igbinosun, while also providing immediate depth to the secondary.
Potential trade:
BUF Receives: CB Donte Jackson
LAC Receives: 2027 Fourth-Round Pick
LB Daiyan Henley (Chargers)
Inside linebacker has been a quiet issue for the Bills. Middle linebacker Terrel Bernard has struggled with injuries, and inconsistent play from Dorian Williams has left Buffalo short at the position.
Daiyan Henley is a young, growing player who could step in and play immediately.
He was a third-round pick in 2023 out of Washington State, and has developed into a good, reliable starter for Los Angeles.
Henley is a strong tackler with good pressure rates, who also flashes the ability to be good in pass coverage. With the Chargers sitting at 0-6, Henley is a trade candidate if the asking price fits.
He would bring Leonhard’s defense a physical playmaker at the position, who already knows how to play well in a 3-4 scheme, and improve the overall depth.
Potential trade:
BUF Receives: LB Daiyan Henley
LAC Receives: 2027 Fourth-Round Pick
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