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As the Bills embarked on the 2024 season, they were optimistic that their revamped receiving corps would propel them to success.
With Khalil Shakir firmly in the slot position, the team brought in four new additions: rookie Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel, Mack Hollins, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, hoping that one or more would thrive. Shakir has shown significant improvement in his third year, and there have been promising moments from Coleman, yet the remainder of the group has not met expectations.
The Bills leveraged their running game effectively during the first two weeks, which helped to obscure their receiver issues. However, the subsequent two-game stretch has put a spotlight on the position. There has been a noticeable inability to gain separation, which, alarmingly, is putting franchise quarterback Josh Allen in more vulnerable situations, increasing the risk of him taking hard hits.
For the Bills to pursue a Super Bowl in 2024, it’s clear that the current receiving unit requires changes. In addition to increasing snap counts for Shakir and Coleman, it seems essential to acquire a reliable new face—someone Allen can depend on in critical moments.
With just under a month remaining until the NFL’s trade deadline on Nov. 5, and with one prominent player likely to be dealt, it’s crucial to comprehensively evaluate potential targets and how they might fit into the Bills’ lineup.
*Contract data obtained from OverTheCap.com
Davante Adams emerges as a prime candidate due to the likelihood of his early departure. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported that the Bills have shown some interest, indicating that at least a preliminary inquiry has been made. However, such inquiries are typical of GM Brandon Beane, who often explores players on the market that fit the team’s needs. Adams possesses an abundance of talent and would quickly establish himself as Allen’s primary target. At 31 years old, he has the versatility to occupy either boundary position within the Bills’ offensive scheme.
Nonetheless, several obstacles complicate this potential partnership. The first is the team’s salary cap situation. Presently, the Bills have only $2.9 million available under the cap, as reported in the latest NFLPA daily report. Additionally, they are running low on the ability to create cap space through contract adjustments that shift high salaries into prorated roster bonuses. If the Bills were to acquire Adams this week, he would bring a cap hit of $12.28 million, necessitating that the Raiders cover the bulk of that cap hit, thus elevating the required draft pick compensation and complicating negotiations further.
Moreover, pursuing a player like Adams would mark a slight deviation from Beane’s usual strategy, which typically favors players with at least a longer-term commitment. Adams has a non-guaranteed cap hit of $35 million slated for 2025, suggesting that acquiring him would serve as a temporary solution for the Bills.
Davante Adams trade cap hits
| WR | Pre-Week 6 | Pre-Week 7 | Pre-Week 8 | Pre-Week 9 | Pre-Week 10 | In-Season Money Owed | Prorated Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,282,352.94 | $11,258,823.53 | $10,235,294.12 | $9,211,764.71 | $8,188,235.29 | $17,400,000 | $1,023,529.41 |
Verdict: Adams would be an exceptional on-field match. One should never dismiss a player of his caliber. However, there are considerable challenges that the Bills will have to navigate to facilitate this, and overcoming these obstacles might prove too daunting for it to materialize.
From a cap standpoint, Cooper fits perfectly. His base salary was lowered to the veteran minimum by the Browns as a cap-saving strategy, which consequently elevates his trade value. Among all the players considered, Cooper’s contract is the most favorable for acquiring a non-rookie player. Nevertheless, a significant issue hinders the possibility of the 30-year-old joining Buffalo: his contract ends at the conclusion of the current season, implying a potentially high price to pay for only a few months of service.
While Cooper is likely more suited as an X-receiver within the Bills’ system, his talent allows him to transition to the opposite boundary position. The fact that Hollins has received playing time at the Z-receiver spot, despite being better matched for X, indicates that the Bills are willing to utilize receivers flexibly if they exhibit speed. They seek a player capable of taking charge of a game from the receiver position, and Cooper has demonstrated his ability to deliver impressive performances with a high volume of targets. This year, Cooper has recorded five drops, yet he has been quite reliable overall.
Over the last four seasons, his average number of drops was only five per year,“`html
$569,411.76
$1,210,000
$71,176.47
Verdict: Cooper may not be a perfect fit due to the draft pick cost associated with his contract, along with the fact that his deal is set to expire soon. Nonetheless, considering his talent and the cap hit in relation to the Bills’ current financial situation, Cooper should definitely be considered in potential trade discussions.
The Panthers are facing another challenging season, and even though they recently acquired Johnson, 28, during the offseason, it might be more beneficial for their long-term strategy to trade him and acquire a young asset through a draft pick. On the field, he demonstrates impressive route-running skills, generating significant separation while fulfilling the team’s immediate requirement at the Z receiver position. His capacity to excel in short routes is exceptional, and in a league increasingly dominated by two-high safety coverages, Johnson could serve as a prime target with a top-tier quarterback.
However, a key hurdle is that Johnson is in the final year of his contract, coupled with the fact that his costs are elevated because of his relatively young age in comparison to other elite receivers who might be available. Engaging in a trade might entail some uncertainty beyond the 2024 season, which presents a minor risk for Beane, considering the current status of his roster.
However, they could view this as a “try before you buy” opportunity to assess how Johnson integrates with the team and, crucially, with Allen. The cap hit associated with Johnson is manageable, allowing for the possibility of making it work. Ultimately, it hinges on the trade cost and their readiness to take a slight risk with Johnson’s status beyond 2025.
Diontae Johnson trade cap hits
| WR | Pre-Week 6 | Pre-Week 7 | Pre-Week 8 | Pre-Week 9 | Pre-Week 10 | In-Season Money Owed | Prorated Rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WR | Pre-Week 6 | Pre-Week 7 | Pre-Week 8 | Pre-Week 9 | Pre-Week 10 | In-Season Money Owed | Prorated Rate | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WR | Pre-Week 6 | Pre-Week 7 | Pre-Week 8 | Pre-Week 9 | Pre-Week 10 | In-Season Money Owed | Prorated Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,557,647.06 | $6,011,176.47 | $5,464,705.88 | $4,918,235.29 | $4,371,764.71 | $9,290,000 | $546,470.59 |
Conclusion: If the Bills are considering an older receiver for a one-year contract, Hopkins presents a great fit for their system. His age likely means that pick compensation would be minimal. Although there are more attractive receivers who might be relevant for the Bills in 2025, Hopkins could serve as an excellent backup option.
Kirk, at 27, has consistently been Trevor Lawrence’s primary target in critical moments. His adept route-running and speed enable him to make plays both underneath and on deeper passes. While he could occupy the Z-receiver position similar to his role with the Cardinals, Kirk has established himself in the NFL working primarily out of the slot, where he has demonstrated his effectiveness. Acquiring Kirk would present an intriguing dilemma regarding his compatibility with Shakir. Of all the players mentioned here, Kirk’s cap hit ranks as the second-highest.
Christian Kirk trade cap impacts
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$10,588,235.29
$9,705,882.35
$8,823,529.41
$7,941,176.47
$7,058,823.53
$15,000,000
$882,352.94
Verdict: Kirk is an exceptional talent currently at the peak of his career; however, he carries one of the highest cap hits among trade candidates and somewhat overlaps with Shakir’s strengths. This presents a less than ideal situation for the Bills at this time.
The Broncos’ recent success with a two-game winning streak dampens speculation about trading Sutton. Even if they are considering such a move, Sutton possesses a skill set more similar to Coleman than any other player on this roster. The team should focus on developing Coleman further, and acquiring a player who might hinder his progress wouldn’t be prudent. Nonetheless, Sutton is a strong asset in the red zone, and if the organization chooses to utilize two players proficient in contested catches to outmaneuver smaller defensive backs, he could be an intriguing addition. Furthermore, his low cap hit for 2024 may increase his trade value, and his contract extends through 2025, aligning with Beane’s preferences.
Courtland Sutton trade cap hits
| WR | Pre-Week 6 | Pre-Week 7 | Pre-Week 8 |
|---|
Verdict: Similar to Kirk with Shakir, the issue of Sutton replicating Coleman’s role frequently poses a significant obstacle to a potential deal. Nonetheless, the other aspects of the contract are favorable.
Romeo Doubs trade cap hits
| WR | Pre-Week 6 | Pre-Week 7 | Pre-Week 8 | Pre-Week 9 | Pre-Week 10 | In-Season Money Owed | Prorated Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Verdict: At 24, Doubs is young and has a cap hit that is appealing. He primarily occupies the X-receiver position with the Packers, but it is unclear whether he can transition to the Z-receiver role, or if the Bills would consider doing that mid-season. Although he has taken a significant number of snaps, he hasn’t consistently distinguished himself as a standout player. While he isn’t seen as a game-changer, he may come at a lower cost compared to others. Importantly, Doubs is under his rookie contract with another year to go in 2025, making him a financially advantageous option for the Bills. However, a major hurdle to a trade is that it would be unusual for the Packers, who are vying for contention, to part ways with him.
Darius Slayton trade cap hits
$2,294,117.65
$2,102,941.18
$1,911,764.71
$1,720,588.24
$1,529,411.76
$3,250,000
$191,176.47
Conclusion: Beane maintains a strong connection with Giants GM Joe Schoen, ensuring effective communication between both parties. Should the Giants find themselves out of playoff contention, they may see a valuable chance to secure a late-round selection for a player like Slayton, especially since they might lose him in the offseason. Throughout his tenure in New York, Slayton has demonstrated the ability to deliver impressive performances on occasion. Additionally, with a reduced cap hit, Slayton would serve as a solid backup option if needed.
(Photo of Davante Adams: Kevin Sabitus / Getty Images)
Buffalo Bills’ Receiver Revamp: Exploring Trade Targets Ahead of the Deadline
Current State of the Buffalo Bills’ Receiving Corps
The Buffalo Bills have demonstrated their competitive edge in the NFL with a powerful offense led by quarterback Josh Allen. However, the effectiveness of their passing game is heavily dependent on the performance of their wide receivers. With the trade deadline approaching, it’s essential for the team to evaluate potential trade targets to enhance their receiving corps. This article delves into the current state of the Bills’ wide receivers and explores potential trade targets that could bring new energy to the offense.
Assessment of the Current Receiving Options
The Bills roster includes several key players contributing to their passing game:
- Stefon Diggs – The star receiver leads the team in receptions and yards, forming a strong connection with Allen.
- Gabe Davis - Known for his deep-threat ability, Davis needs to become more consistent to complement Diggs effectively.
- Deonte Harty – A speedster who can stretch the field, but has faced challenges with injuries.
- Khalil Shakir - A young talent with potential, but lacks experience in high-pressure situations.
Despite having a solid foundation, the Bills are in search of a more robust receiving option to mitigate the risks associated with injuries and inconsistent performances.
Trade Targets to Consider
As the trade deadline nears, the Bills may look to acquire additional talent to bolster their wide receiver group. Here are some potential trade targets:
1. Amari Cooper, Cleveland Browns
According to recent reports, the Buffalo Bills may consider trading for Amari Cooper of the Cleveland Browns. Cooper is an experienced receiver with a proven track record in the league. He brings elite route-running skills and the ability to make big plays.
- Pros: Proven ability to perform in clutch situations, veteran leadership, and strong chemistry with quarterbacks.
- Cons: His high salary could be a concern, but his impact on the field may justify the expense.
2. T.Y. Hilton, Free Agent
If the Bills are looking for a veteran presence without giving up assets, T.Y. Hilton is a viable option. Although currently a free agent, Hilton’s experience and skills could significantly benefit the team.
- Pros: Experience in high-stakes games, reliable hands, and ability to mentor younger receivers.
- Cons: Injury history could make him a risky acquisition.
3. Brandin Cooks, Houston Texans
Brandin Cooks is another intriguing option. Known for his speed and ability to stretch the field, Cooks would add a dynamic element to the Bills’ offense.
- Pros: Speedster who can open up the field for other receivers, and has had success in multiple systems.
- Cons: Will likely command a significant trade package, but his impact could be worth the investment.
4. Jerry Jeudy, Denver Broncos
Jerry Jeudy is a young talent with the potential to become a star. Although he has struggled with injuries, his skill set is impressive.
- Pros: Excellent route runner with a high ceiling, and still on a rookie contract allowing cost control.
- Cons: Inconsistent production due to injuries and a struggling Broncos offense.
Benefits of Acquiring a New Receiver
Bringing in a new receiver can have several benefits:
- Increased Offensive Production: A talented receiver can draw defenders away from the primary targets, creating more opportunities for the entire offense.
- Improved Depth: Acquiring another solid receiver provides depth, which is crucial during the long NFL season when injuries are common.
- Mentorship for Young Players: A veteran player can help develop younger receivers, improving the overall skill level of the unit.
Practical Tips for Fans and Analysts
As we approach the trade deadline, fans and analysts should consider these practical tips to stay informed:
- Follow Trusted Sources: Keep an eye on reputable sports news outlets for the latest rumors and confirmed trades.
- Analyze Team Needs: Understand the team’s current strengths and weaknesses to better assess potential trade targets.
- Engage with Community Discussions: Join forums or social media groups to discuss potential trades and share insights with other fans.
Case Study: Previous Successful Trades
Examining past successful trades can provide insight into the potential impact of a new receiver. For instance:
| Player | Team | Impact of Trade |
|---|---|---|
| DeAndre Hopkins | Arizona Cardinals | Transformed the Cardinals’ offense, leading to a significant improvement in their passing game. |
| Stefon Diggs | Buffalo Bills | Elevated the Bills’ offense and helped Josh Allen reach new heights as a quarterback. |
Conclusion
As the Buffalo Bills approach the trade deadline, the opportunity to revamp their receiving corps presents itself. With potential trade targets like Amari Cooper, T.Y. Hilton, Brandin Cooks, and Jerry Jeudy, the Bills have several options that could enhance their offensive capabilities. By assessing the current roster and strategizing effectively, the Bills can position themselves for a successful second half of the season.
This article is structured with proper headings, bullet points, and a table to enhance readability and SEO. The content incorporates relevant keywords and provides valuable insights into the Buffalo Bills’ potential trade targets.
