The Buffalo Bills stood pat at the trade deadline. While other teams were actively wheeling and dealing to improve their rosters, Buffalo didn’t make a single move. From the outside, it appeared the Bills were content with their current roster construction. However, that seemingly wasn’t the case.
According to a report by Tom Pelissero, the Bills attempted to trade for Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. Unfortunately for Buffalo, both AFC East teams refused to trade with their division rivals.
“The Bills were the high bidder for Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle and also tried to acquire then-Jets DL Quinnen Williams before Tuesday’s trade deadline, per sources,” Pelissero wrote. “In both cases, their AFC East rivals ultimately gave Buffalo no help in its push for a 6th straight division title.”
In the end, Waddle stayed with the Dolphins after the deadline, with only Jaelan Phillips being traded out of Miami—to the Philadelphia Eagles. Williams, meanwhile, was traded by the Jets to the Dallas Cowboys. He was one of two New York players moved before the deadline.
Missing out on these two key players leaves the Bills without reinforcement in important roster spots. The loss of Waddle, in particular, is a tough blow.
Buffalo has long been searching for a top-flight wide receiver option for quarterback Josh Allen. The reigning MVP has managed with the current wide receiver group, but still lacks a true WR1 that he can depend on in crucial moments. Waddle, who played second fiddle to Tyreek Hill in recent years, has shown the traits to be a primary target for most teams.
Looking ahead, the Bills are set to face the Dolphins in Week 10. Their first meeting saw Allen throw three touchdown passes as Buffalo defeated Miami 31-21. With Tyreek Hill now out for the season, Buffalo should, in theory, have an easier time against a Dolphins team currently struggling.
The Bills will continue to rely on their existing roster as they push for their sixth straight AFC East division title—hoping to overcome the missed opportunities from this trade deadline.
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