Breaking News: Bills To trade Another 2 Key Players in 2024 NFL offseason
As the 2023 NFL season concludes, the Buffalo Bills are contemplating a combination of accomplishments. While they secured a positive win-loss record and progressed to the Divisional Round of the playoffs, their dreams of winning the Super Bowl went unrealized. As they turn their attention to the approaching 2024 NFL offseason, the Bills are confronted with the crucial challenge of strengthening their roster in pursuit of championship success.
The Bills’ 2023 Season Recap
Entering the 2023 NFL season with high expectations, the Buffalo Bills were widely seen as strong contenders for the title. While they faced challenges along the way, the Bills managed to clinch the AFC East title and secure the conference’s No. 2 seed through a resilient effort. Successfully dispatching the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card round, their journey hit a setback as they once again fell short against the reigning champions, the Kansas City Chiefs.
Now that their postseason run has concluded, head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane must swiftly shift their focus to the offseason. The AFC landscape is brimming with talent, and the Bills face various uncertainties as they approach this crucial period. Fortunately, the Bills have a secure foundation in quarterback Josh Allen. However, with potential departures on the horizon, attention must be directed towards addressing other areas of the roster.
Offseason Outlook
The Buffalo Bills are confronted with the formidable challenge of navigating the salary cap constraints for the upcoming 2024 season, indicating a potential closing of their Super Bowl window with the current core. While Josh Allen’s presence assures ongoing competitiveness in the AFC, a strategic shedding of veteran contracts is necessary to embrace a youth movement.
Considering potential trades, both Von Miller and Stefon Diggs present opportunities for cap relief, but timing is crucial. Trading Von Miller before June 1 would yield a modest $2 million in savings, whereas a post-June 1 transaction promises a more substantial $17.4 million relief in 2024. Similarly, Stefon Diggs could provide significant cap relief of $19 million, but this becomes available only after June 1. It’s important to note that both players, being beyond 30, have shown signs of declining productivity.
As the Bills approach the 2024 NFL offseason, focusing on strategic moves in the trade market becomes paramount. In this context, let’s explore the two best players that the Buffalo Bills should consider acquiring in the upcoming offseason to strengthen their roster.
Khalil Mack
Given the limitations imposed by the salary cap, it appears unlikely that the Bills will play a significant role in the trade market. Nonetheless, if Beane can successfully navigate the financial complexities, it would make sense for the team to seek defensive reinforcements.
Khalil Mack at age 32
4th in sacks with 17 (tied Chargers single-season record)
3rd in tackles for loss with 21
2nd in forced fumbles with 5 pic.twitter.com/dNS0Ize7Qi— ChargersMuse (@ChargersMuse) January 30, 2024
Therefore, fans should expect the Bills to concentrate on acquiring young and cost-effective options during the offseason. Buffalo is also likely to express interest in players on expiring rookie contracts.
However, there is a potential avenue for the Bills to pursue a high-profile player such as Khalil Mack. Despite the challenges posed by his substantial contract, Mack, a former Defensive Player of the Year, could bring a transformative impact to the team’s defense. In the absence of a consistent pass-rushing threat in the 2023 season, Mack’s track record of recording double-digit sacks in five of his eight NFL seasons could address this gap. Furthermore, his veteran leadership could serve as a mentor to the team’s younger players. Notably, the Los Angeles Chargers face a significant cap dilemma, making it worthwhile for Buffalo to consider pursuing Mack.
It’s important to recognize that Mack is at a pivotal point in his career, and his substantial contract exceeding $38 million demands attention. The Chargers may be compelled to explore options for his contract, potentially creating an opportunity for the Bills to make a move.
Given the limitations imposed by the salary cap, it appears unlikely that the Bills will play a significant role in the trade market. Nonetheless, if Beane can successfully navigate the financial complexities, it would make sense for the team to seek defensive reinforcements.
Therefore, fans should expect the Bills to concentrate on acquiring young and cost-effective options during the offseason. Buffalo is also likely to express interest in players on expiring rookie contracts.
However, there is a potential avenue for the Bills to pursue a high-profile player such as Khalil Mack. Despite the challenges posed by his substantial contract, Mack, a former Defensive Player of the Year, could bring a transformative impact to the team’s defense. In the absence of a consistent pass-rushing threat in the 2023 season, Mack’s track record of recording double-digit sacks in five of his eight NFL seasons could address this gap. Furthermore, his veteran leadership could serve as a mentor to the team’s younger players. Notably, the Los Angeles Chargers face a significant cap dilemma, making it worthwhile for Buffalo to consider pursuing Mack.
It’s important to recognize that Mack is at a pivotal point in his career, and his substantial contract exceeding $38 million demands attention. The Chargers may be compelled to explore options for his contract, potentially creating an opportunity for the Bills to make a move.
Aaron Robinson
Aaron Robinson emerges as another appealing option for the Bills, particularly in reinforcing their secondary. Despite having talent in the defensive backfield, the Bills could gain an advantage by adding another playmaker to complement Tre’Davious White. Robinson’s combination of size, speed, and ball skills has the potential to make a significant impact on the team.
However, the pursuit of these players will inevitably require sacrifices from the Bills, whether in the form of draft picks or current roster members. Nevertheless, the potential benefits outweigh the associated risks. With both Khalil Mack and Aaron Robinson on the roster, the Bills could elevate their team dynamics, increasing the likelihood of a deep playoff run in the 2024 season.
Aside: What to do with Diggs?
The management of Stefon Diggs is a notable point of interest for Beane. While Diggs continues to be recognized as a top-tier receiver, his diminished role towards the end of the regular season prompts questions. There are potential avenues for Beane to consider, such as trading Diggs or renegotiating his contract, both of which come with their own set of challenges.
Opting to release Diggs to alleviate salary cap pressure is not an ideal solution. It’s crucial to note that he carries a cap hit of $27.9 million in 2024, with $31.1 million remaining on his contract. Releasing him with a post-June 1 designation could result in some savings, but it would also incur significant dead-cap hits.
Even if the Bills decide to retain Diggs, there is still a recognized need to enhance the depth at the receiver position. Potential targets like Tee Higgins, Michael Pittman Jr., Tyler Boyd, and Donovan Peoples-Jones emerge as viable options to address this priority.
Looking Ahead
As the Bills prepare for the 2024 NFL offseason, the possibility of strategic trades becomes a significant consideration. While dealing with the challenges of salary cap constraints, the potential additions of Khalil Mack and Aaron Robinson stand out as opportunities to strengthen the team’s defensive capabilities and secondary depth, respectively. By maintaining a careful focus on long-term team dynamics, the Bills have the chance to make deliberate moves that enhance their competitiveness in the upcoming season.
As the offseason unfolds, the Bills Mafia will keenly observe their front office as it navigates the intricate dance of player acquisitions and roster management. Their hope is that these strategic moves will pave the way for a breakthrough 2024 campaign, elevating the team’s performance to new heights.