Identify three viable trade targets for the Buffalo Bills post the 2024 NFL Draft.
Here are three realistic trade targets the Buffalo Bills could consider to address their roster deficiencies and financial constraints post the 2024 NFL Draft:
1. Wide Receiver Terrace Marshall Jr.
– Terrace Marshall Jr., formerly a key contributor to LSU’s high-powered offense, has struggled to make a significant impact in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers.
– While his production has been underwhelming, it’s worth noting the instability within the Panthers’ coaching staff and offensive system during Marshall’s tenure.
– At just 23 years old, a change of scenery might rejuvenate Marshall’s career, and the Panthers could be open to trading him at a reasonable price, especially considering their recent additions at the wide receiver position.
2. Tight End Gerald Everett
– Gerald Everett, formerly with the Los Angeles Rams and now with the Seattle Seahawks, is a versatile tight end who could bolster the Bills’ offense.
– Despite his talent, Everett hasn’t reached his full potential due to a crowded tight end room in Los Angeles and a shift in offensive philosophy with the Seahawks.
– With Seattle’s recent draft selections and potential cap considerations, they might be open to trading Everett, offering the Bills a chance to acquire a dynamic playmaker at a position of need.
3. Defensive Tackle Larry Ogunjobi
– Larry Ogunjobi, formerly with the Cincinnati Bengals and now a free agent, is an experienced defensive tackle who could provide depth and leadership to the Bills’ defensive line.
– Ogunjobi has proven himself as a disruptive force in the interior, recording solid numbers despite playing for struggling Bengals teams.
– As a free agent, Ogunjobi could be an affordable option for the Bills, allowing them to address their defensive needs without breaking the bank.
These trade targets offer the Bills potential solutions to their roster deficiencies while also considering their limited financial flexibility.
Buffalo could be a logical destination for Terrace Marshall Jr. due to the existing relationship between Bills GM Brandon Beane and Panthers executive Dan Morgan, as Morgan previously worked under Beane from 2018 to 2020. The Bills have a need for wide receivers, especially boundary players, following the departures of Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis. While the Bills drafted Keon Coleman in the 2024 NFL Draft, they could still benefit from adding more talent to their receiving corps.
Marshall’s contract situation, with just one year remaining, could make him an attractive option for Buffalo as a low-risk, high-reward acquisition. Additionally, Marshall’s history with Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who was instrumental in his success at LSU and later brought him to Carolina, could further intrigue Buffalo in pursuing the wide receiver. Brady’s familiarity with Marshall’s skills and potential impact could make him a compelling advocate for bringing Marshall to Buffalo.
TERRACE MARSHALL JR. 🔥@LSUfootball
— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 21, 2021
Given Brandon Beane’s connection with Dan Morgan, Brady Christensen emerges as a viable target for the Buffalo Bills. Christensen, a former third-round pick with one year left on his rookie contract, could serve as a low-cost depth piece for the Bills. While he might not be a starter, his versatility across the offensive line makes him an attractive option.
Christensen, originally drafted as a left tackle, has played at both tackle and guard for the Carolina Panthers and is currently transitioning to center. This ability to play multiple positions aligns with Buffalo’s past strategy of valuing versatile depth linemen. With the recent departure of Ryan Bates and the need for a reliable ‘swing’ lineman, Christensen could be a valuable addition to the Bills’ offensive line depth.
Although the Bills have invested in the offensive line through the 2024 NFL Draft and have solid depth, adding an experienced player like Christensen could provide stability and insurance in case of injuries or performance issues. Swapping a day three pick for Christensen could be a sensible move if the Bills feel uncertain about their offensive line depth during training camp.
Nick McCloud, a familiar face at One Bills Drive, has a history with the Buffalo Bills despite not making the final roster in past seasons. After going undrafted in 2021, McCloud impressed during training camp and preseason, leading to a brief stint with the Cincinnati Bengals before returning to Buffalo’s practice squad. He then had a solid offseason in 2022 but was once again among the final cuts, eventually landing with the New York Giants.
Despite his previous releases, circumstances could change for McCloud this time around. The Bills did not address the boundary cornerback position in the 2024 NFL Draft, leaving their depth chart thin behind Rasul Douglas and Christian Benford. Former first-round pick Kaiir Elam is the primary depth corner, but he has yet to fully earn the coaching staff’s trust. Ja’Marus Ingram, another depth option, has struggled in game action.
If reacquired by the Bills, McCloud would have a legitimate chance to make the roster, possibly even surpassing Elam on the depth chart. His versatility, having played snaps in the box and slot, along with his special teams ability, adds to his value. While McCloud’s return may not make headlines, it would provide much-needed depth and reliability to Buffalo’s secondary.
