2023 NFL trade deadline: 8 players on defense for the Bills to target
The 2023 NFL trade deadline is just around the corner.
The Buffalo Bills (5-3) are potentially in a position to be buyers at the deadline once again, which is slated for Tuesday at 4 p.m.
General manager Brandon Beane has never been shy about making a deal. Most recently, Beane made a trade at last year’s deadline, landing running back Nyheim Hines from the Indianapolis Colts. And much more recently, reconstructing the contract of Dion Dawkins has given Buffalo more salary cap space to work with.
With the way things are shaping up this season, is there an addition Beane and the Bills could make to fortify their playoff and hopeful Super Bowl push?
With that, here are eight players on defense that the Bills could target at the upcoming trade deadline:
Panthers CB Donte Jackson
Age: 27
With the poor season the Panthers have going on and need for the Bills, Jackson could fit the bill for the Bills… especially considering he was a pre-draft visitor to Buffalo in 2018 and Tre’Davious White really wanted the Bills to take him.
Bears CB Jaylon Johnson
Age: 24
Johnson is in the final year of his rookie deal, making him a cheaper option for Buffalo.
He’s made it known that he’d like to remain in Chicago for the long haul. Even so, it’s a business and if the Bears don’t feel confident in their ability to retain him beyond 2023, they’ll want to get something for him.
Vikings LB Jordan Hicks
Age: 32
The Vikings have underwhelmed this season, and to cap it off, quarterback Kirk Cousins just sustained a season-ending Achilles injury.
What the Bills have lacked since Matt Milano went down with a leg injury is a linebacker that can cover. Pro Football Focus have given Hicks an impressive 77.1 coverage grade so far in 2023 and Hicks is on an expiring deal.
Patriots DB Jalen Mills
Age: 29
OK, it’s unlikely. But the Bills and Patriots have made a deal under the watch of general manager Brandon Beane when offensive lineman Russell Bodine was traded to the Pats.
New England could use the trade deadline to volt themselves up the 2024 NFL draft board and if that’s the case, they could be willing to make a move within the division. Mills isn’t a home run defender, but he’s very versatile and that’s what this Bills front office would covet with their lack of depth in the defensive backfield.
Broncos LB Josey Jewell
Age: 29
Another player in the final year of their contract, the Broncos did just sun the Chiefs in Week 8 which could give them a false sense of optimism moving forward. But if they’re still willing to deal, Jewell is another rental in the final year of his contract.
Jewell can also cover in the passing game as well. PFF has him marked at a 66.9 grade in coverage.
Giants CB Adoree Jackson
Age: 28
The Bills and Giants have amongst the strongest front-office connections in the entire NFL. That might be needed because if Jackson headed to Buffalo, New York would have to take on some of his cap hit.
But right now the Giants are down to third-string quarterback Tommy DeVito and are spiraling. If they decide to flush the season, a late-round pick on Jackson as a rental.
… And this all depends on if the Bills think a change of scenery could massive help Jackson and they could turn his year around. He’s having a tough 2023.
Broncos CB Patrick Surtain II
Age: 23
Admittedly, a bit of a pipe dream. But again, if the Broncos do decide to sell, Surtain would be what the Bills wished Kaiir Elam would become but never did. Landing Surtain would end up costing a ton in trade compensation, too.
Vikings DT Harrison Phillips
Age: 27
Upon leaving Buffalo for the Vikings, Phillips did tease he could return one day. He probably never would think it’d be via trade, but maybe.
Phillips’ deal would need to be moved around a bit for it to work as he has two years left on his current contract, but exactly what the Bills lost when DaQuan Jones (pectoral) went down, Phillips could provide. He was doing very job at this exact role when he left the Bills, too… but it’s a business.
