3 players identified as trade targets to strengthen the Buffalo Bills roster

You can never count out Brandon Beane when it comes to trades and surprise signings. He proved that when everyone says no, it won’t happen, he makes it happen. The Stefon Diggs trade is a great example of this, as is the Von Miller signing two years ago. This weekend, the Bills will have more than $10 million freed up thanks to the release of Tre’Davious White. What Beane decides to do with that money is anyone’s guess, but Clutch Points’ Tim Crean has some thoughts on three guys the Bills could target in a trade.

The Bills have already brought in Chase Claypool, who to me is a similar player to Burks. Both were highly written. One started well, then collapsed and the other has yet to do anything in the league. Burks struggled with injuries early in his career, but like Claypool, the physical ability is there. Maybe he’s worth a dart throw, but I don’t want to give up anything for him? There was little to no risk in signing Claypool, but for Burks, the Bills would most likely have to give up their assets, and that’s a big “no thanks” from me.

I like where the Bills cornerbacks room is currently. But I’m also more confident that Kaiir Elam will be better in 2024. If he isn’t, then the Bills could have depth issues here. Adding another corner like Newsome isn’t a bad idea, but again, is it worth giving up future draft assets for him? That’s the question Beane will have to ask himself, but I can see this having a greater need than trading for another receiver like the aforementioned Burks. One problem with trading for Newsome is that the Browns have already picked up his fifth-year option, which means that, according to Spotrac.com, the Bills would consider paying him upwards of $13 million in 2025. For a player with only two interceptions in three seasons, I don’t know if the cost, plus draft assets, is worth it in this case.

This is by far the one that makes the most sense given the changes to the security posture of the bills. Baker would instantly be the best safety in the room and one of the best defensive players on the roster. However, this move would have a significant impact on the Bills’ salary cap. According to Spotrac.com, his 2024 cap hit is over $19 million and he will be a free agent after the season. Sure, the Bills could restructure his deal in a trade, but the upfront cost has to be below the cap before they can make a new deal. Additionally, it would not be a cheap deal in terms of trade compensation.