The Buffalo Bills faced a significant setback in their linebacker unit when Matt Milano was injured during training camp. However, a recent report suggests they may find reinforcements before the NFL trade deadline.
Pro Football Focus writer Bradley Locker proposed a few “fairytale trades,” recommending that the Bills consider acquiring Cleveland Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. The Bills previously traded with the Browns to obtain wide receiver Amari Cooper, and Locker believes they might strike another deal to bolster their defense with this Pro Bowl linebacker.
Locker highlighted that the 25-year-old Owusu-Koramoah has “emerged as one of the top linebackers in the league,” achieving the fourth-highest PFF grade (86.6) among linebackers with over 100 snaps this season. He also recorded a career-high run grade of 92.4.
Bills Would Address Major Need
The Bills are in need of additional linebacker support, according to Locker. He noted, “Buffalo improved its receiving corps with Cooper, but they still have gaps at linebacker.” Without star player Matt Milano, the team’s linebackers have an overall grade of 53.4, ranking 28th in the league. Dorian Williams is their highest-rated linebacker, but his overall grade stands at a modest 65.0.
Additionally, the Bills have been dealing with injuries in their linebacker group, as Terrel Bernard suffered an ankle injury during their victory over the Tennessee Titans on October 20. He was listed as day-to-day this week, which SI.com’s Kyle Silagyi indicated could be a concerning sign for their upcoming game against the Seattle Seahawks.
“He attempted to return [in Sunday’s game] but was ultimately ruled out; though the ailment is playing a role in the linebacker’s absence, McDermott also stated that he was excused for personal reasons, mentioning that his injury is viewed as a ‘day-to-day” knock, Silagyi wrote. “The third-year defender recently returned from a pectoral strain and has been incredibly impactful when active this season, so his day-to-day designation is encouraging.”
Bills Could Plan More Trade Moves
The Bills made a significant move by acquiring Amari Cooper, who scored a touchdown in his first game just days after joining the team. They’ve also suggested that more trades may be on the horizon. General manager Brandon Beane indicated that the team is committed to seeking additional players, refusing to view the 2024 season as a rebuilding year after some significant offseason departures.
“We’re still all-in,” Beane stated, according to Pro Football Talk. “Even if this deal with Cleveland hadn’t gone through, we would have kept looking. There are still a few weeks until the trade deadline, and if we believe there’s something that can help us take the next step, we’ve always been all-in. Yes, we lost some key players this offseason—guys who were captains—and it was a period of transition, but as long as Josh Allen is our quarterback, our goal is to win, and we’ll do everything we can each year.”
Beane has a history of making impactful trades before the deadline, such as acquiring cornerback Rasul Douglas last season.
