While the Buffalo Bills moves at the 2024 NFL Trade Deadline didn’t grab as many headlines as some other squads, the team didn’t have many glaring holes to fill. Buffalo made its big trade three weeks ago, adding Amari Cooper to the offense in a deal with the Cleveland Browns.
Other teams across the NFL attempted to add the pieces they felt would get them to the Super Bowl. The Pittsburgh Steelers added Mike Williams from the New York Jets. The Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions made perhaps the biggest moves that could move the needle.
The Lions added pass rusher Za’Darius Smith from the flailing Cleveland Browns. His addition was a necessity after top defender Aidan Hutchinson was lost for the year in Week 6 after injuring his fibula and tibia in a 47-9 Week 6 blowout win over the Dallas Cowboys.
The Commanders, long a laughingstock of the league under the ownership of Daniel Snyder, added cornerback Marshon Lattimore from the struggling Saints. Washington is in a race for the NFC East crown with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Marshon Lattimore pass break-ups and interceptions in a @Commanders uniform coming 🔜 pic.twitter.com/JiRZwz2WWb
— NFL (@NFL) November 5, 2024
Several NFC teams picked up big pieces but so did some of Buffalo’s main rivals. The Kansas City Chiefs added wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins from Tennessee. He becomes the latest in the Chiefs revolving door of pass catchers. Baltimore added defensive back Tre’Davious White from the Los Angeles Rams and receiver Diontae Johnson from the Carolina Panthers.
Why the Bills Moves at the Trade Deadline Work For Their System
Subtle Additions for Depth
Since Buffalo sits in the middle of the pack defensively, some felt it could use a boost on the defensive line or in the linebacking corps. While the Bills didn’t add a body to its linebacking corps, the team did add two familiar faces to the defensive line for depth.
The Bills signed defensive tackles Quinton Jefferson and Jordan Phillips, both of who have played for the Bills in the past. Jefferson was released by the Browns, while Phillips was let go by the Cowboys. They may not play heavy snaps but know Sean McDermott’s system and rotation style and can provide meaningful breaks for starters.
A couple familiar faces are back home!! 😁
We’ve signed DT Jordan Phillips and DT Quinton Jefferson to one-year contracts: https://t.co/onY5xipJmh pic.twitter.com/LzmmelCEW5
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) November 6, 2024
Buffalo’s Defense ranks in the middle of the pack in terms of total yards allowed per game (17th, 333.33), rushing yards allowed per game (15th, 123.33), and passing yards per game (16th, 209.89). The Bills have 21 sacks, ranking eighth in the NFL.
Adding a stout run-stopper at linebacker would have shored the defense numbers up a bit, but Terrel Bernard will hopefully stay healthy. Matt Milano’s return could also be on the horizon. Before he suffered injuries over the last two seasons, Milano led the Bills defense.
Even without Milano, Buffalo is eighth in the league in points against, allowing 19.2 points a game. The talented linebacker could be back before the end of the year, according to McDermott.
The Offensive Outlook
Buffalo made its big splash two weeks ago with the Amari Cooper trade. Cooper hasn’t set the world on fire but has helped open things up over the field for other receivers.
Since his arrival, rookie Keon Coleman has 10 receptions for 216 yards and a touchdown. Khalil Shakir shifted to the slot and still leads the Bills in receptions (42) and yards (471). He has 22 receptions for 222 yards since the trade.
Just as adding Jefferson or Phillips added depth to the defensive line, Buffalo could have added a player or two to the offensive line. Play on the offensive line has fallen off across the league over the last few years, putting quality linemen further on a pedestal.
Injuries always pop up, so having a few reliable backups to the backups could plug the holes when they leak. One need only look at the New England Patriots, who have started a different line combination in nearly every game this season.
Every team could use a game-breaker like Micah Parsons or Justin Jefferson, but finding the right fit for the right spot can often work better than simply adding a flashy sports car to the driveway.
Main Image: Gregory Fisher – USA Today Sports
