The Buffalo Bills have made some bold efforts to bolster their pass rush in recent years, including a massive contract for All-Pro Von Miller, using multiple high draft picks, and most recently adding former Pro Bowler Joey Bosa.
However, their biggest move might still be ahead. One outlet has proposed that the Bills could target a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year. While the team has generally made smaller-scale additions, this potential blockbuster move would signal a clear “Super Bowl or bust” mentality for the upcoming season.
Bills Would Land T.J. Watt With Massive Trade Package
DraftKings recently floated a bold hypothetical trade that would send Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a significant haul of draft picks and key defensive players. The proposed deal would have the Bills parting with their 2025 first-round pick, a 2027 second-rounder, as well as edge rusher Greg Rousseau and linebacker Dorian Williams.
While the price would be steep, the move could instantly elevate Buffalo to Super Bowl favorite status in the AFC. The team has struggled to generate a reliable pass rush in recent years, especially with Von Miller working his way back from a 2022 ACL tear and struggling to regain his Pro Bowl form.
Although Watt’s production dipped slightly in 2024—finishing with 11.5 sacks after a 19-sack, one-interception campaign in 2023—he still would have led the Bills in sacks last season.
However, it’s unclear whether Buffalo would be willing to move Rousseau, who recently signed a major contract extension. As ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported, the former first-round pick inked a four-year, \$80 million deal with \$54 million guaranteed, securing his place in Buffalo’s long-term plans.
Bills Could Seek More Affordable Upgrade
While trading for T.J. Watt would represent a bold, high-risk move, some analysts believe the Buffalo Bills are more likely to pursue a cost-effective option to strengthen their defensive line. Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano pointed to veteran free agent Za’Darius Smith as a strong fit for Buffalo.
Smith was dealt to the Detroit Lions before last season’s trade deadline and helped fill the void after Aidan Hutchinson suffered a season-ending injury. Though Smith is entering the later stages of his career, Manzano noted that he could still offer value as a rotational edge rusher — especially for a team like Buffalo that leans heavily on its defensive line depth.
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“Smith’s best days are behind him, but he proved last season with the Detroit Lions that he’s still capable of being a reliable rotational player for a Super Bowl contender,” Manzano wrote. He added that despite the Bills’ recent addition of Joey Bosa, who’s battled injuries and recently suffered a calf strain, the team could still use added depth behind top pass rusher Gregory Rousseau.
Smith, now 33, has totaled 69 career sacks over 10 NFL seasons and could be a savvy veteran pickup for a Bills defense aiming to stay aggressive and fresh late into games.
