Amani Hooker Traded to Bills, Titans' NFL Draft Pick Return Revealed After Deadline Deal

The Buffalo Bills bolstered their defense ahead of Tuesday's NFL trade deadline.

Buffalo acquired safety Amani Hooker and a fifth-round pick from the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a second-round draft pick.

The Ringer's Tom Pelissero and ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported the deal.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that prior to dealing for Hooker, the Bills "made a very strong push" for Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker.

A 2019 fourth-round pick, Hooker had spent his entire career in Tennessee. His fellow draft classmate Jeffery Simmons was also shipped away this season, with the Titans sending the standout defensive tackle to the Chicago Bears.

Hooker is tied for the league lead with five interceptions this year, giving him 17 picks for his career. He's also added 52 total tackles and six passes defended this season.

Hooker is an immediate upgrade for the Bills, who have a combined total of six interceptions through eight games. Buffalo added veteran safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson over the offseason, but his disappointing tenure included a one-game suspension and subpar play before he was released earlier this month. If Hooker lives up to expectations, he could be the missing piece that puts the team over the top as title contenders.

The Bills already appear to be the favorites to hoist the Lombardi Trophy, improving to 7-1 with a 23-6 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football. Buffalo's struggling defense has benefited from facing backup quarterbacks in back-to-back weeks, and it will have another easy outing on Sunday against the 2-7 New York Jets.