Buffalo Sports News

Buffalo Sports News

Bills Trade Rumors: Myles Garrett or DK Metcalf as No. 1 Buffalo Target?

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The Buffalo Bills have been consistently linked to a potential blockbuster trade during the early stages of the NFL offseason. It makes sense as the roster appears a few stars short after another AFC Championship Game loss to the rival Kansas City Chiefs.

Ben Volin of the Boston Globe added to the rumor mill Wednesday when he named the Bills a “team to watch” in the DK Metcalf sweepstakes. The standout Seattle Seahawks wide receiver has formally requested a trade, per Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.

That buzz comes on the heels of Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline reporting Sunday that Buffalo will “put in a bid” for Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, who’s also requested a trade.

Since the Bills have limited financial flexibility, they can’t land both Metcalf and Garrett. It begs the question: who should sit atop general manager Brandon Beane’s list of targets?

Bills Trade Rumors Feature Myles Garrett, DK Metcalf

The Case for Myles Garrett

Buffalo’s pass rush is its biggest concern. It signed future Hall of Famer Von Miller in 2022, but a torn ACL suffered during his first season with the organization seemingly ended his days as a top-tier edge-rusher. He’s recorded just six sacks in 30 games, including the playoffs, over the past two years.

So, with Miller as a cut candidate and Greg Rousseau failing to emerge as an elite edge option, the Bills desperately need someone who can attack the opposing quarterback regularly.

Garrett fits the bill to perfection. The Browns defensive stalwart has recorded double-digit sacks every year since 2018. He’s coming off a 2024 season where he tallied 14 sacks in 17 games. He also posted a 92.3 Pro Football Focus grade, which ranked second among edge defenders.

The 29-year-old Texas native was voted the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. His other accolades include six Pro Bowl appearances and six All-Pro selections (four First Team and two Second Team). He already ranks 58th all-time with 102.5 career sacks, and he’s shown no signs of slowing down.

Simply put, players of his caliber don’t hit the trade or free-agent market often. The Bills will face plenty of competition if the Browns decide to entertain serious offers.

The Case for DK Metcalf

Buffalo tried to solve its need for a No. 1 wide receiver by acquiring Amari Cooper from Cleveland ahead of last season’s trade deadline. Cooper suffered a wrist injury early in his Bills tenure, however, and finished with just 20 receptions in eight games. He’s now an impending unrestricted free agent.

The Bills have a solid stable of pass-catchers. It’s a high-upside group led by Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, and Dalton Kincaid. They’ll likely try to re-sign Mack Hollins, as well. Yet, none of those pass-catchers have proven themselves as a true No. 1 option.

Metcalf would instantly fill that void. He’s averaged over 1,000 yards across his first six NFL seasons. He’s also tallied 48 touchdowns in 97 career games, including two double-digit TD campaigns. Those numbers came despite often mediocre quarterback play in Seattle.

The Ole Miss product’s ability to stretch the field would add a much-needed element to the Bills passing game, too. It’s an aerial attack that’s become too reliant on short and medium passes, especially when considering reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen’s nearly unmatched arm strength.

Metcalf taking over the top spot on the depth chart would allow Shakir, Coleman and Kincaid to face less pressure to fill high-end roles. Ultimately, it would likely create one of the league’s most dangerous offenses.

Final Verdict: Myles Garrett = Top Priority

Although it’s impossible to deny Metcalf would be a terrific fit in Buffalo, it’s hard to say the Bills should go all-in for a wide receiver this offseason. They finished second in points per game (30.9) without a No. 1 wideout in 2024. They also scored 29 points in the playoff loss to Kansas City. The offense isn’t the problem.

Meanwhile, the Bills’ defense greatly outperformed its talent level last season. It benefited from a high rate of turnovers that likely won’t be replicated moving forward. The unit needs a massive talent infusion, particularly along the line.

So, in the end, the answer to the question is quite easy: Garrett should be the top target for Beane.

It’s not a situation where the Bills should send over a token offer and call it a day, either. Beane should be ultra-aggressive in his efforts to land the Browns superstar. Multiple first-round draft picks? Sure. Adding A.J. Epenesa to the trade? No problem.

Given where Buffalo stands in its championship pursuit, it would be difficult to “lose” a Garrett trade. He’s the one missing piece that could turn those future playoff meetings with the Chiefs in the Bills’ favor. He’d bring an edge element the team hasn’t had since Bruce Smith.

The Bills have Allen to carry the offense on his shoulders when things aren’t going perfectly. Garrett would bring that same one-man game-changing impact to the defense.

Main Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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