Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane addressed the media on Wednesday to discuss the team’s approach during the NFL Trade Deadline and provided updates on player injuries and team development.
Beane said that while the Bills did not make any trades before the deadline, there was significant effort behind the scenes. “Unfortunately, it takes two to tango and we tried on quite a few,” Beane said. “A lot was, ‘We’re not moving them.’ And some, we ran into a couple teams in our division (who) were trading and couldn’t get a lot of interest there.”
He explained that acquiring new players is often limited by other teams’ willingness to trade and by considerations like salary cap constraints. “There are guys that I’m looking (at), I’m like, ‘Man, I would think that guy might be available. He’s going to be a free agent, and their team is not doing well.’ Maybe they would want draft capital, and they are standing pat,” he said.
“You also have to understand we have a salary cap, and we have to hit on these picks,” Beane explained. “I mean my job is to not be reckless with this role. It’s not fantasy football…There are so many ramifications of cost and draft picks.”
Beane also noted the challenges of integrating new players mid-season: “The trade deadline is hard. What is the fit? What is their mental capacity? You see talented players that have been in systems for years and it took them a little time to get going, but now they’re rolling. That doesn’t mean you can drop them right into your system and they pick up right where they left off.”
He acknowledged his own disappointment at not being able to improve the roster through trades but expressed confidence in his current team: “Believe me, I went home as mad as any other fan,” Beane shared. “(I) wanted to do things. I’m always wanting to do things to make this team better.” He added: “I ain’t giving up, but I also believe in our roster, too,” Beane explained. “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.”
Beane highlighted positive performances from several rookies this season. Cornerback Maxwell Hairston made an impression with an interception against Patrick Mahomes in just his second game: “The smile on his face would make everybody excited to come to work. He’s just so genuine…He’s facing some tough players, he’s going to have tough matchups this week and to come,” he said.
Defensive tackle T.J. Sanders showed promise before an injury sidelined him early in the season; Beane anticipates his return later this year: “Obviously out right now, hopefully we’ll get him back here real soon. He’s eligible next week, so fingers crossed, we’ll see what that looks like,” Beane said.
Another rookie defensive tackle Deone Walker has played every game so far and leads all rookie defensive tackles in pressure rate for those with at least 50 pass rush attempts: “He’s played a lot of snaps, started games. He’ll continue to get better,” according to Beane.
Tight end Jackson Hawes has exceeded expectations by contributing both as a blocker and receiver since Week 1: “We were excited with what he could do,” Beane said of their scouting process on Hawes. “He’s, I would say, exceeded expectations…to be able to jump in and play as much early in the season.”
Safety Jordan Hancock saw increased playing time recently due partly to injuries among defensive linemen; defensive end Landon Jackson may also see more action if injuries persist.
“You like how some of these guys are trending. We’re going to need them down the stretch…but the injury bug has hit us here a little bit this season. Hopefully that’s coming to an end,” Beane commented.
Injury concerns remain for key players such as Ed Oliver—placed on injured reserve due to a torn bicep—with no clear timeline for return but optimism about playoff availability: “It’s so early with that just happening…We’re going to leave that option open and be hopeful and optimistic…”
Wide receiver Gabe Davis could potentially rejoin active play after recovering from last year’s knee injury; he practiced last week for the first time since joining Buffalo’s practice squad: “He’s worked his tail off…Honestly maybe even quicker than I thought…”
Discussing second-year wide receiver Keon Coleman’s progress—29 catches for 284 yards over eight games—Beane remarked: “The microscope is on Keon…there’s been some good things and there’s things he can continue to do better…I think he has taken another step this year.” He added praise for Coleman’s maturity both catching passes and helping away from plays.
“I think everyone just needs to let it play out and stop trying to evaluate every snap with him,” Beane shared regarding Coleman’s ongoing development.
