Bills linked to game-changing defensive playmaker as the trade deadline approaches
Never say never, Bills Mafia.
The Buffalo Bills have plenty to clean up on both sides of the football after back-to-back losses to the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons.
While the idea of adding Saints receiver Chris Olave is fun, the team does have some bigger needs that must be addressed moving forward. The hypothetical trade doesn’t take away from the issues the offense has had over the past few games; it’s clear that the defensive backfield for Buffalo is lacking.
CBS Sports reporter Garrett Podell highlighted one trade each contender should make, and had the Buffalo Bills trading for Seattle Seahawks cornerback Tariq Woolen. Part of the reason for the trade has been the issues surrounding cornerback Christian Benford. While cornerback Tre’Davious White has been beaten on more than one occasion, Buffalo’s lockdown corner hasn’t been very lockdown.
“No. 1 cornerback Christian Benford, who allowed just 0.5 yards per snap in coverage last season among cornerbacks with at least 250 coverage snaps in 2024 — the second-fewest among that group per NFL Pro — is slipping a little bit early on. Entering Week 6, Benford had allowed more than half of the receptions that he allowed in total last season (33 in 2024 and 18 entering Week 6 in 2025) and double the amount of receiving touchdowns in coverage, two last season and four entering Week 6 this season. Opposite of him on the outside is Tre’Davious White, who is now 30 years old and has suffered ACL and Achilles tears all within the past four years.
Adding reinforcements to the secondary is critical for the Bills, and that’s why they should aim to trade for big-bodied Seattle cornerback Tariq Woolen, who stands at 6-foot-4-inches tall and weighs 210 pounds. The Seahawks are deep at cornerback, as evidenced by their 20-12 Week 6 road win at the AFC South-leading Jacksonville Jaguars with Woolen sidelined with a concussion.” – Garrett Podell
Defense is having some real issues
In the first half against the Falcons, you’d think the team was taking on one of the best in the entire league. Quarterback Michael Penix and running back Bijan Robinson dominated Buffalo’s defense in the first half. While Buffalo settled down in the second half, it gives fans cause for concern for the entire unit moving forward.
The pass rushers are generating pressure up front, but the defensive backfield just can’t maintain its coverage, or has far too many missed tackles for the fanbase’s liking. Woolen is a difference-maker who would make an immediate impact paired with Benford.
The trade not only fixes the immediate need the team faces with a lacking cornerback room, but also provides a safety valve for the rookie first-round pick, Maxwell Hairston.
Hairston hasn’t been designated to return from injured reserve, but when he does, the team will want to ease him back into football. With Woolen joining the organization, the team can take as long as it’d like to ramp Hairston back up.
Bringing in a proven player like Woolen could also shake up the locker room in a good way. After consecutive losses, the defense could use a spark, and a move like this would show everyone in the building that the front office still believes this group can turn it around
Buffalo Bills News
Bills under fire for ‘inexcusable’ decision that cost them in the loss against the Atlanta Falcons
It’s an easy fix for the team moving forward.
