Updated Buffalo Bills Team Needs One Week Ahead of the 2026 NFL Trade Deadline

Only one game separates the Buffalo Bills from the 2026 NFL trade deadline, which takes place less than 24 hours after the Bills play the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night. 

While the landscape could shift after Monday's game, it's officially crunch time to make a deal that puts this contender over the top.

With that in mind, here's an updated look at the five primary positions of potential weakness on this roster entering Week 9.

5. Offensive Tackle

AP Photo/John Locher

Spencer Brown

On the Roster: Dion Dawkins, Spencer Brown, Tylan Grable, Jude Bowry

Why the Need?

Dawkins and Brown are a combined 60 years of age, and Brown's lingering back issues could become a problem. He missed Week 8 despite the Bills coming off the bye. Grable has performed well within a short sample in Brown's stead, but he's a 27-year-old with three career starts under his belt. And they'd obviously prefer not to have to use the rookie Bowry anytime soon. 

Need Trajectory: Growing

This wasn't on the radar until Brown's back injury became a glaring issue. It escalated when the 28-year-old veteran said he "took enough drugs to sedate a small elephant" to play before the bye, yet still couldn't go against the Ravens.

Potential Trade Targets: None?

Here's the rub. Miami's Austin Jackson would be an intriguing fit, but acquiring a competent tackle from a division rival is a massive reach. The reality at this position is that you're often SOL if you lose key guys, because nobody is trading away capable tackles in November. They really, really, really need Brown. And if not, they'll have to pray that Grable can seize the opportunity. 

4. Wide Receiver

AP Photo/Adrian Kraus

Joshua Palmer

On the Roster: DJ Moore, Keon Coleman, Khalil Shakir, Joshua Palmer, Skyler Bell, Greg Dortch

Why the Need?

Moore has been superb when healthy but has been on the field for just 39 percent of the team's offensive snaps this season. Coleman and Shakir are tremendous secondary options, but Moore's injury issues combined with a hamstring injury suffered by Palmer in Week 8 are enough to raise concerns. 

Need Trajectory: Growing

Moore limped off the field with a new injury Sunday against Baltimore, and there's a chance Palmer will miss time. That said, it helps that they could get Tyrell Shavers back from a torn ACL soon. They might view his return as their deadline addition at the position, considering his success as a mild breakout player in 2025. 

Potential Trade Targets: Keenan Allen, Jauan Jennings, Kayshon Boutte

Allen is a six-time Pro Bowler who has been quite productive in Indianapolis and could make sense as a rental. Jennings experienced success in San Francisco but has not been used much by the Vikings. Boutte had some shiny moments with the Patriots last season before being dealt to the Texans, but with Marvin Harrison Jr. on board and Tank Dell rejoining the fray in Houston, he could be up for grabs at a cheap rate. 

3. Cornerback

AP Photo/Jeff Lewis

Dee Alford

On the Roster: Christian Benford, Davison Igbinosun, Dee Alford, Maxwell Hairston, Te'Cory Couch

Why the Need?

Benford struggled mightily early on as the No. 1 guy, and he has not received consistent support from the rest of the group. Igbinosun is an evolving rookie who has experienced a mix of highs and lows, Alford has been limited by injury and Hairston has lost his starting role. The defense ranks 24th in the NFL in EPA allowed per pass play.

Need Trajectory: Shrinking

Benford has found his game, allowing just three total completions in Buffalo's last two games. Igbinosun is also getting better each week. Alford is a veteran with a track record, while Couch has suddenly emerged as a viable alternative in the slot. 

Hairston might be the most talented deep reserve corner in the league—though he could struggle to hold onto an active roster spot once the recently re-signed Tre'Davious White is elevated from the practice squad.

Potential Trade Targets: Riq Woolen, Donte Jackson, Rasul Douglas

The 27-year-old Woolen has a Pro Bowl ceiling and could be part of a blowup in Philadelphia. Jackson could be in a similar situation with the Chargers, giving the Bills a shot at one of the most experienced and skilled cover guys in the league. A former Bills deadline acquisition, Douglas is a proven playmaker with plenty of experience. The Commanders don't appear to be contenders and could punt on his cheap, one-year deal. 

2. Linebacker 

AP Photo/Scott Strazzante

On the Roster: Terrel Bernard, Dorian Williams, Kaleb Elarms-Orr, Joe Andreessen

Why the Need?

Bernard's extensive injury history is a constant threat, and trusting Williams does not look like a winning strategy. Both starters have struggled more often than they've thrived this season. They're often out of position, sometimes due to poor angles or communication lapses. They're pushed around frequently and are vulnerable in coverage and open-space tackling situations.

Need Trajectory: Shrinking

Williams is coming off consecutive strong performances, and Bernard brought a new level of energy to the table in Week 8. It's possible Jim Leonhard has finally tapped into these guys following the bye week. Rookie fourth-round pick Kaleb Elarms-Orr is also making steady progress, and the whole unit remains healthy. 

Potential Trade Targets: Zack Baun, Cody Barton, Mack Wilson

As a two-time Pro Bowler, Baun is the potential home run. He'd provide a massive immediate upgrade if the Eagles were willing to part with him in a lost season for the team, but the price tag would be high. Barton and Wilson would bolster the off-ball unit as rotational contributors who fit what Leonhard does. 

1. Safety

AP Photo/Jeff Lewis

Geno Stone

On the Roster: Cole Bishop, Damar Hamlin, Jalon Kilgore

Why the Need?

Gardner-Johnson proved to be a liability during game action as well as between whistle and snap, leading to his abrupt release this week. Bishop has picked up his game after a shaky start to the year, but a contending team would prefer not to rely heavily on Hamlin or the rookie Kilgore. 

Need Trajectory: Growing

Considering Geno Stone came off the practice squad and lit it up out of nowhere on Sunday, the depth is OK. But this team desperately needs an experienced and reliable deep-third presence who doesn't constantly miss tackles or occasionally spit at opponents. I get the feeling the CJGJ release is an indication they have something in the works.

Potential Trade Targets: Cam Bynum, Amani Hooker, Budda Baker, Elijah Molden

Bynum has become one of the most versatile and reliable free safeties in the league, and the Colts could potentially include him in their fire sale. He and Hooker are both 28-year-old ballhawks on rotting rosters, and they're relatively affordable this year but will count heavily against the cap in 2027. 

Baker is an eight-time Pro Bowler hanging onto his prime with an uncompetitive Cardinals team, while Molden would bring extreme versatility to the Buffalo secondary if the Chargers are willing to deal him amid a dumpster-fire season.