According to a recent report, the Buffalo Bills may make another significant trade to strengthen their defense after making a blockbuster trade this season to acquire Amari Cooper to improve their erratic offense.
Matt Verderame of SI.com stated that the Bills would be a familiar partner and hinted that the struggling Carolina Panthers would want to sell off assets at the next NFL trade deadline. Because Panthers general manager Dan Morgan was a subordinate of Bills general manager Brandon Beane, the two teams share a close relationship.
According to Verderame, pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney is a likely candidate for the trade block and could be of interest to the Bills.
Verderame noted, “Buffalo already added a receiver in Amari Cooper, but it might make sense to add another pass rusher.” “Clowney, who is 31 years old and scheduled to become a free agent after this season, is a good one for Carolina.”
Jadeveon Clowney “May Be Transferred” Prior to the Trade Deadline
Albert Breer of SI.com mentioned that as the trade deadline approaches and teams look to strengthen their rosters, the Panthers will likely “get calls on everyone.” He agreed with Verderame’s prediction that Jadeveon Clowney could be traded and also pointed to wide receiver Adam Thielen as a potential trade target.
Breer further noted, “I’d include Jadeveon Clowney alongside players like Za’Darius Smith from the Browns and Preston Smith from the Packers, who could be traded, as many teams are looking for pass-rush help, assuming Clowney’s health improves in the coming week.”
With just one sack and six total tackles in five games this season, Clowney’s output has decreased. With 9.5 sacks, 43 tackles, and 19 quarterback hits in 2023, the former No. 1 overall choice had a successful season with the Baltimore Ravens.
Bills May Target Other People
At the trade deadline, the Bills might also focus on other needs. To assist compensate for Matt Milano’s departure, Bradley Locker, a writer for Pro Football Focus, proposed that they try to sign Cleveland Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.
Cooper was added to Buffalo’s formerly lackluster receiving room, but Locker noted that there are still gaps at linebacker and other spots. “Buffalo’s linebackers have recorded an overall grade of 53.4, which is 28th, without standout Matt Milano. With an extremely low overall grade of 65.0, Dorian Williams is the team’s best linebacker.
Beane has already made it clear that the Bills are not finished with the deal that brought Cooper, stating that as the deadline draws near, the organization is still preparing talks on other players.
Beane stated, “We’re still all in,” according to Pro Football Talk. We were going to keep an eye on things if this didn’t happen or if Cleveland wasn’t prepared to do it. And pay attention: The trade deadline is still a few weeks away. We have always been fully committed if we believe there is something more we need or that will help us succeed. Although this offseason was a time of transition and we lost several names and captains, the attitude here is that as long as Josh Allen is our quarterback, we will endeavor to win this game and will always give it our all.
The Bills have ruled out their starting linebacker and two other players for the game against the Seahawks.
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott announced on Friday that starting linebacker Terrel Bernard, wide receiver Curtis Samuel, and rookie backup defensive tackle DeWayne Carter have been ruled out for the game against the Seattle Seahawks this weekend.
Bernard is sidelined with an ankle injury suffered during the Bills’ 34-10 victory over Tennessee last week, following a previous two-game absence due to a pectoral injury sustained in Week 2. He had eight tackles and a fumble recovery before getting hurt.
McDermott also revealed that Carter will be out for several weeks and will need surgery to address a wrist injury. The rookie’s playing time had been increasing, and he recently made a key play by stopping Titans running back Tony Pollard for a 2-yard loss on fourth down, leading to Buffalo’s go-ahead score.
Curtis Samuel is out indefinitely with a pectoral injury sustained on Sunday, leaving the AFC East-leading Bills (5-2) with just four receivers, including Amari Cooper, who was acquired in a recent trade with Cleveland, as they prepare to face the NFC West-leading Seahawks (4-3).
