The Buffalo Bills took a pair of big hits to their defensive line, losing two starting players in successive weeks.
The Bills could make a big move to replace them in the hours before Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline hits. The Bills have been connected to Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby in the weeks leading up to the deadline, and a cryptic post from Crosby has led to renewed calls for the Bills to give the All-Pro edge rusher a shot.
Bills Back in on Maxx Crosby
Crosby has been considered one of the biggest trade targets at this year’s deadline, though the Raiders have reportedly been guarded about whether they will actually deal him. Crosby sparked some interest on Sunday when he took to social media after a Raiders loss with a cryptic message to fans that could hint at an end to his time there.
“Raider Nation I Love Yall With Everything In My Heart & Soul. Yall Deserve Better. Stay As One, It Will Change,” Crosby wrote in a post on X.
Crosby had just signed a three-year, $106.5 million contract extension with the Raiders in March, but the post led many to believe that he wanted a trade to a new destination and a contending team.
The Bills have a big need on their defensive line after placing defensive tackle Ed Oliver on injured reserve last week and losing edge rusher Michael Hoecht after Sunday’s win over the Kansas City Chiefs. While Oliver has a chance to return from his torn bicep in the start of the playoffs, Hoecht suffered a torn Achilles and is headed to a long recovery.
Reporter Jarrett Bailey of The Sporting News suggested the Bills could make a run at Crosby to fill the void — which would be an especially big addition after Sunday’s win over the Chiefs.
“While the Bills won the game, they’ve won the last five against the Chiefs in the regular season and we all know how it’s ended in January,” Bailey wrote. “Because of this, they shouldn’t remain stagnant ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline. If they were hoping to have a star edge rusher become available, one may have.”
Bills general manager Brandon Beane has been known to monitor social media for signs of discontent among potential trade targets. He famously called the Minnesota Vikings in early 2020 after wide receiver Stefon Diggs hinted on social media about wanting a fresh start. Though the Vikings had turned down a trade request the previous year, they gave in and traded to the Bills with the second request.
Bills Could Have Other Targets
While the injuries created a need on the defensive line, the Bills could have other priorities at the trade deadline.
The team has struggled to get consistent production from its wide receiving corps and could seek a new target for quarterback Josh Allen. The Bills reportedly reached out to the Raiders on wide receiver Jakobi Meyers and have been linked to New Orleans Saints pass-catcher Chris Olave as well.
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