Buffalo Bills Trade Deadline Targets (2023)

We’re coming up on another NFL Trade Deadline, which is this Tuesday at 4:00 PM EST. The Buffalo Bills have plenty of holes to fill, most notably at CB. After losing star CB Tre White for another season, the Bills secondary took a huge hit. They’ve tried to rely on Kaiir Elam, but he just hasn’t cut it in practice and, most recently, they had Josh Norman active over him. Could that mean a trade is coming? If so, this could be the quickest they’ve given up on one of their draft picks ever. But, let’s take a look at some players they could acquire.

WR DeAndre Hopkins

Yes, this is happening again. The Bills could use another receiver to help out Josh Allen in the pass game, because frankly Gabe Davis isn’t cutting it there. The Bills were one of the teams pursuing Hopkins prior to him signing with the Tennessee Titans. But now that they’re likely blowing up their roster, the Bills should pursue Hopkins (again). The Bills would only be taking on $1M of his contract, which fits in their salary cap after the Dion Dawkins restructure. Hopkins totaled 27 receptions for 376 yards with a multitude of QBs throwing him the ball, which now includes both Malik Willis and Will Levis this week.

WR Hunter Renfrow

Renfrow likely doesn’t cost a lot in terms of draft assets. But, his contract in 2024 makes it very tough. Before Dave Ziegler and Josh McDaniels went absolutely rogue, they gave Renfrow a two-year/$32M extension. Renfrow has a cap hit of $13M next season, and a dead cap hit of $5.5M. Even though the Buffalo Bills could use a slot receiver, acquiring one with his cap hit may not be the most logical move.

CB Donte Jackson

Jackson, a former 2018 second round pick, has been the subject of trade talk in recent weeks, and Carolina is reportedly gauging the trade market for the CB. Jackson has a $1M base salary this year, which likely fits how the Bills are working their salary cap. Carolina could be in a position to sell some of their players who aren’t in their future, and use some of those assets to build around Bryce Young. If they play their cards right, Jackson could bring in nice value. Jackson has totaled 15 tackles and one TFL this season.

LB Josey Jewell

The Broncos seem to be selling some of their players, young and old. They’ve already parted ways with Frank Clark and Randy Gregory. Jewell, named as a sleeper player to watch, has $3M left on his deal this year, but is a free agent in March. If you want him to be a part of your long-term future, an extension would be the next move you have to make. Jewell has totaled 43 tackles this season and one pass defended.

CB Jaylon Johnson

Johnson is in a weird situation with the Chicago Bears. He’s been in contract negotiations with the team throughout the season, and he made light of the situation earlier this week.

Johnson is growing frustrated with how negotiations are playing out, and could look for a fresh start elsewhere. At 24 years old, whichever team that acquires Johnson is getting a young player that is just growing into his game. He has two INTs this year, including a pick-six.

DT Denico Autry

While we’re on the phone with Tennessee, we should see if Denico Autry is available for trade. Autry is a player the Buffalo Bills had interest in during free agency in 2021, before signing a three year/$21.5M deal with Tennessee. With DaQuan Jones out for the year, the Bills have a glaring hole inside. Having Oliver and Autry inside would be a huge boost for the pass rush, as Autry has four sacks, nine QB hits, and a forced fumble on the year.

Other trade options, though they aren’t as likely

• RB Derrick Henry
• WR Jerry Jeudy

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