The NFL trade deadline is quickly approaching, with 4 p.m. EST on November 4 serving as the cutoff period for teams to make trades during the 2025 season. Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane has
traditionally been active at the deadline, and there’s plenty of discussion to be had about what position(s) and player(s) he may try to add to the roster before the deadline passes.
Mounting injuries have certainly added to the discussion, with defensive tackle Ed Oliver now set to miss significant and “indefinite” time for a torn biceps that requires surgery. Oliver was injured in the team’s Week 8 road victory over the Carolina Panthers. He’s optimistic about returning for a postseason run, but the team has given no timetable. With that in mind, let’s run through a few areas of the roster where Beane and the front office might try to make a move.
The loudest calls have been for a wide receiver, as Buffalo’s passing game seems to struggle too often in recent weeks. The additions made over the past two offseasons have failed to pan out, with Khalil Shakir serving as the team’s most dependable option. Last season, Beane traded a third-round pick to the Cleveland Browns for Amari Cooper. Joshua Palmer’s injury status could play into this decision, as Keon Coleman, Elijah Moore, and Curtis Samuel continue to disappoint.
Safeties Jordan Poyer and Jordan Hancock performed admirably on Sunday afternoon, but injuries have taken a toll on the Bills’ safety room. Damar Hamlin is likely out for the season, and no timeline has been placed on Taylor Rapp’s recovery from a knee injury. Cole Bishop’s play has been a bit erratic as well, and Beane may decide that reinforcements are necessary. While safety is an area of need, it may seem unlikely that a starter could learn the Bills’ defense in a short period of time.
The aforementioned injury to Oliver adds to an already glaring hole at defensive tackle. DaQuan Jones remains sidelined with a calf injury, and second-round pick T.J. Sanders is still on Injured Reserve. The return of Larry Ogunjobi certainly helped on Sunday, but the team has had to rely on practice squad call-ups each week this season. Jordan Phillips played well against the Panthers, but the Bills may need to make a significant move if Oliver’s injury is long term.
The Bills could also consider making a move at linebacker, but the recovery for Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard seem to be trending towards a return in the coming days. Is there another position you think the Bills should address? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section below.
