The Week 9 NFL trade deadline is approaching, and front offices across the league are searching for ways to upgrade their roster. This applies most to the Super Bowl-contending franchises in the NFL, such as the Buffalo Bills, who are looking for ways to push themselves over the hump and squarely into the spotlight come February.
The Bills and general manager Brandon Beane are no strangers to this process. Last year, in an attempt to upgrade the receiving corps, they traded a 2025 third-round and 2026 seventh-round pick to the Cleveland Browns for five-time Pro Bowl pass catcher Amari Cooper and a 2025 sixth-round pick.
Cooper didn’t work out to the extent many expected, only catching 20 balls for 297 yards and two touchdowns, but it showed Beane’s willingness to make upgrades at underperforming positions. Now, fast forward a year later, and the Bills’ front office is now exploring similar moves to upgrade at the receiver spot.
Who are the Buffalo Bills Targeting?
Dianna Russini of the New York Times reports, “The Bills were one of the teams that inquired in recent weeks about Saints WR Chris Olave. New Orleans is still expected to retain its top wideout.”
This news comes amidst minor offensive struggles in Buffalo; they’ve ranked 19th overall in the league on that side of the ball according to PFSN’s offense impact grades. Notably, two of the last three weeks have seen Buffalo’s offense finish with grades below 80.
When considering this, it makes sense that the Bills are eying an upgrade at the receiver position. The starting group currently consists of Khalil Shakir, Joshua Palmer, and second-year player Keon Coleman, who was expected to step up this year but has only had 267 yards and two touchdowns about halfway through the season.
It’s understandable for the Bills to target Olave, who has a total of 13 touchdowns in his NFL career, the Saints’ top playmaker, who’s currently on pace for more than 175 targets. At the same time, it wouldn’t be shocking to find out the Saints are considering trading their top receiver, who is looking to receive a contract extension.
At 1-7 and last in the NFC South, the Saints have little hope of continued success this year. Just last week, head coach Kellen Moore decided to bench starting quarterback Spencer Rattler in favor of second-round rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, who proceeded to throw for 128 yards and an interception in a loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
We’ll find out next week whether Olave sticks in New Orleans or is traded to a potential contender, such as the Bills.
