The Buffalo Bills came up empty-handed at this week’s NFL trade deadline, but it wasn’t for lack of trying on the part of general manager Brandon Beane.
A report on Sunday revealed that the Bills made a hefty trade offer to the rival Miami Dolphins for star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, which was ultimately rejected. Beane hinted earlier in the week that teams were reluctant to help the Bills add to their Super Bowl hopes, and Sunday’s report revealed just how much teams were willing to turn down.
Dolphins Turned Down Massive Haul of Draft Picks
NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero reported that the Bills made the highest offer to the Dolphins for Waddle, who ultimately ended up staying put in Miami.
“The Bills were the high bidder for Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle and also tried to acquire then-Jets DL Quinnen Williams before Tuesdayâs trade deadline, per sources,” Pelissero shared in a post on X. “In both cases, their AFC East rivals ultimately gave Buffalo no help in its push for a 6th straight division title.”
The NFL Network revealed that the Bills offered a first-round pick and more to the Dolphins, who had already traded edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and are heading into a rebuild. The Dolphins dropped to 2-7 this season and are nearing elimination from playoff contention, but apparently didn’t want to trade to their division rival — especially with the Bills in Miami this week to face them.
The Bills were expected to look for help in their wide receiving corps. The team has struggled to get consistent production out of their receivers, which has led to quarterback Josh Allen facing pressure at times this season.
Waddle is in the midst of a strong season, making 41 receptions for 586 yards and four touchdowns.
Pelissero added that the Bills tried to land New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams but also fell short. The Bills may have simply been outbid on this trade as the Jets ended up sending Williams to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a 2027 1st-round pick, a 2026 2nd-round pick and defensive tackle Mazi Smith.
Brandon Beane Explains Quiet Trade Deadline
Before Sunday’s report revealing the price the Bills were willing to pay for Waddle, Beane had told reporters that the team found difficulty in making deals.
“Believe me, I went home as mad as any other fan,” said, via the team’s official website. “(I) wanted to do things. I’m always wanting to do things to make this team better.”
Beane added that he has faith in the current roster, hinting that he could make some more additions through free agency or the waiver wire.
“I ain’t giving up, but I also believe in our roster, too,” Beane said. “I do believe we can win a championship with this roster. We build it in the spring and through the summer, when we cut to 53, I want to at that point have the best team. I don’t really want to need the trade deadline, but I’m always going to look.”
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