The Buffalo Bills suffered a significant blow to their linebacking corps when Matt Milano was injured during training camp. However, a new report suggests they might find some relief before the upcoming NFL trade deadline.
Pro Football Focus writer Bradley Locker proposed a list of potential trades, including the idea that the Bills could target Cleveland Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. Locker pointed out that the Bills have already made a trade with the Browns, acquiring wide receiver Amari Cooper, and suggested they might look to deal again—this time to bolster their defense with the Pro Bowl linebacker.
Bills Could Fill a Critical Void
Locker highlighted that the 25-year-old Owusu-Koramoah has developed into one of the top linebackers in the league, earning the fourth-highest Pro Football Focus grade (86.6) among linebackers with 100 or more snaps this season. He also posted a 92.4 run defense grade, the highest of his career.
Locker emphasized that the Bills are in need of help at linebacker.
“Buffalo upgraded its previously underwhelming receiving corps by adding Cooper, but there are still gaps at positions like linebacker,” Locker wrote. “Without star Matt Milano, Buffalo’s linebackers have recorded a 53.4 overall grade, ranking 28th. The team’s highest-graded linebacker, Dorian Williams, has a modest 65.0 overall grade.”
The Bills’ linebacking unit has been hampered by injuries. Terrel Bernard suffered an ankle injury during the team’s victory over the Tennessee Titans on October 20, leaving his status uncertain for the next game against the Seattle Seahawks. Bernard, who had recently returned from a pectoral injury, was listed as day-to-day by head coach Sean McDermott, which Sports Illustrated’s Kyle Silagyi noted could be a negative sign for his availability.
“Though the ailment contributed to Bernard’s absence, McDermott also mentioned personal reasons, and the injury is considered a day-to-day issue,” Silagyi wrote. “The third-year linebacker had been highly effective when active this season, so the day-to-day designation is somewhat reassuring.”
Potential Trade Activity for the Bills
The Bills made a significant move by acquiring Amari Cooper, who caught a touchdown in his first game with the team just days after the trade. General Manager Brandon Beane hinted that the team might make additional moves before the deadline, signaling that they are not viewing 2024 as a rebuilding year despite some notable offseason departures.
“We’re still all-in,” Beane said, via Pro Football Talk. “If this deal with Cleveland hadn’t happened, we would have continued to monitor the market. And listen: We still have a few weeks until the trade deadline. If we find something else that could help push us over the top, we’re all-in. Even though we lost some key players in the offseason, as long as Josh Allen is our quarterback, we’re trying to win it all every year.”
In past seasons, Beane has made key additions at the trade deadline, including acquiring cornerback Rasul Douglas last year.
