As the NFL trade deadline came and went, excitement surrounded the league as teams scrambled to improve their rosters for the stretch run. From big names being moved to under-the-radar acquisitions, this time of year always delivers some drama. However, one team that opted to remain largely inactive — despite sitting at 7-2 and clearly in playoff contention — was the Buffalo Bills.
Sure, the Bills made a splash earlier in the season by adding wide receiver Amari Cooper to bolster their receiving corps, but the trade deadline came and went without any major moves to address what is arguably their most pressing need: defensive tackle. While some teams around the league were making bold moves, like the Washington Commanders’ trade for star cornerback Marshon Lattimore to strengthen their NFC East-leading defense, the Bills stood pat. In fact, their only notable roster transaction was the release of safety Mike Edwards.
For a team that has legitimate Super Bowl aspirations, it’s hard to ignore the glaring hole in Buffalo’s run defense — and it could be a weakness that haunts them when it matters most.
The Run Defense Problem
Through the first nine games of the season, the Bills have been vulnerable against the run, allowing an average of 123 rushing yards per game. In five of those contests, opponents have racked up over 100 yards on the ground, and the Bills have struggled to consistently stop ball carriers from gashing them up the middle. This issue has been particularly concerning when you consider that Buffalo’s defense is typically known for its ability to pressure quarterbacks and stifle opposing passing attacks. Yet, against power running teams, they’ve been pushed around more than they’d like to admit.
This issue became even more pressing as the season progressed. Rookie defensive tackle DeWayne Carter was recently placed on injured reserve, and veteran Dawuane Smoot joined him on the IR list after suffering an injury. To make matters worse, Pro Bowl defensive tackle Ed Oliver has missed time this season with a hamstring injury and isn’t always the dominant force he was expected to be.
Even with star players like Von Miller and Matt Milano anchoring the defense, the interior of the Bills’ defensive line has been a weak spot, and it was a perfect opportunity for general manager Brandon Beane to make a move at the deadline. Defensive tackle help — whether through a trade or other means — was arguably the most pressing need for the team.
Why Didn’t the Bills Make a Move?
It’s unclear exactly why the Bills didn’t pull the trigger on adding a defensive tackle before the deadline. Perhaps the front office didn’t find a deal they were comfortable with, or maybe Beane believes the team can get by with internal options. However, the reality is that Buffalo’s playoff hopes could hinge on their ability to stop the run — and their failure to add depth at the position could come back to bite them in a postseason game.
A deep playoff run in the AFC likely means going through teams with strong running games, like the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, and Kansas City Chiefs. If Buffalo cannot stop the run, teams will eat up clock, wear down the Bills’ defense, and keep Josh Allen and the offense on the sidelines. In January, in cold weather and high-pressure situations, those flaws could be magnified.
The Postseason Outlook
The Bills’ offense is one of the league’s most potent, led by the dynamic Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, and newly acquired Amari Cooper. But the playoffs are often decided in the trenches, and if Buffalo’s defense can’t get off the field against teams with strong rushing attacks, they could find themselves in deep trouble.
Consider how teams like the Ravens, Titans, or even the Jets (whom the Bills faced in Week 6) could exploit the Bills’ lack of depth at defensive tackle. These teams feature physical, run-heavy offenses that can dictate the tempo of a game. In a potential playoff matchup, a late-season surge from any of those teams could expose Buffalo’s Achilles’ heel, leading to an early exit.
Looking Ahead
Buffalo’s window to compete for a Super Bowl is wide open, but it’s unclear whether their defense is capable of handling the kind of physical, playoff football that will be necessary come January. The Bills have put together a well-rounded team, but their lack of depth and consistency along the defensive line — specifically at defensive tackle — is a weakness that could ultimately derail their championship hopes.
For now, Buffalo will hope their existing defensive linemen, including Oliver and veteran linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, can step up and fill the gaps. But with playoff-caliber teams likely looking to exploit that vulnerability, the Bills may regret their inaction at the trade deadline when it’s time to play in the postseason.
At 7-2, Buffalo is in good shape to make the playoffs. But with teams around them making moves to improve, the Bills’ quiet trade deadline may just come back to haunt them when the postseason rolls around.
