The 2026 NFL trade deadline is a chance for the Buffalo Bills to improve their roster for another try at winning the Super Bowl in the Josh Allen era.
While there are a lot of things to like about this year’s Bills team, the defense is one area that’s worth worrying about. If they’re to make a trade, it would likely be best suited to come on the defensive side of the ball.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano believes that, to best help out Jim Leonard’s new defense, the Bills should look to the secondary trade market, with cornerback and safety as the team’s top two needs.
Bills linked to trades for CB and S help for Jim Leonard
“And the Bills could need some help in the secondary as they continue to transition to Jim Leonard’s defense,” Graziano writes.
The Bills’ defense so far this season is allowing 372.3 yards per game, 26.8 points per game, and 174 passing yards per game. If it weren’t for Allen and the offense’s heroics this season, the Bills could be in a bad spot.
So, upgrading the defensive side of the ball is a must for this Bills team if they hope to make waves in the playoffs later this season.
While the front seven is in a good spot, the secondary, at cornerback and safety, is an area worth worrying about for the Bills this season.
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Christian Benford is hurt, though he shouldn’t miss much time. Maxwell Hairston has flashed at times, but he’s not nearly been as productive as the Bills would’ve hoped for the former first-round pick.
David Igbinosun filled in for Benford last week, and while he wasn’t a catastrophe, he also didn’t have a great week. Overall, these cornerbacks are a bit underwhelming, so extra help couldn’t hurt at all.
Cole Bishop, Damar Hamlin, Jalon Kilgore, Chauncy Gardner-Johnson, and Sam Franklin make up the safety room. It’s not a bad group by any means, but there’s room for improvement.
The Bills don’t need to land an elite player at the trade deadline, but if someone like Riq Woolen from the Philadelphia Eagles could be had, they should strongly consider making an aggressive trade for such a player.
