While Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane frequently expressed his willingness to pursue trades before the NFL’s November 5 deadline, the deadline passed without him making any additional moves.
Though Beane wasn’t completely inactive during the trading period—having acquired five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Amari Cooper from the Cleveland Browns in mid-October—some fans hoped for more acquisitions, particularly at defensive tackle due to injuries and underperformance (the Bills’ interior defenders have only managed three sacks over nine games this season). Ultimately, Beane opted to maintain the current roster, likely due to limited salary cap space, which is currently below $3 million, restricting their ability to take on significant contracts from other teams. Nevertheless, the Bills remain in a strong position for a playoff run, holding a 7-2 record in the 2024 season and on track for their fifth consecutive AFC East title. They are also anticipating returning key players from injured reserve, including former All-Pro linebacker Matt Milano, defensive tackle DeWayne Carter, and defensive end Dawuane Smoot, as the season progresses.
During a media session on Wednesday, quarterback Josh Allen addressed the uneventful trade deadline, suggesting that Beane’s choice to stay inactive reflects his confidence in the current roster. “I know he trusts the guys in this room,” Allen stated. “We have a lot of love and faith in each other here, and that’s what really matters.”
The Bills are currently the No. 2 seed in the AFC, trailing only the two-time Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs; they have proven capable of winning with their existing roster, and the absence of trades on deadline day does not compromise their aspirations. Additionally, they did enhance their defensive line by re-signing former Bills defensive tackles Jordan Phillips and Quinton Jefferson after their releases from the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns, respectively.
Beane remains confident in the roster and believes that no significant changes are necessary as they prepare for the playoffs. Allen seems to share this perspective, remaining calm about the team’s lack of a last-minute trade.
