Bills’ Trade Bids for AFC East Stars Waddle, Williams Rebuffed
The Buffalo Bills made aggressive attempts to acquire two standout players from the AFC East as the 2025 NFL trade deadline approached. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Bills General Manager Brandon Beane aimed to enhance the team by making offers to both the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets for their star players.
Bills Target AFC East Stars
On Sunday, Pelissero revealed that the Bills proposed a trade to the Dolphins involving a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 first-round pick in exchange for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. However, the Dolphins declined the offer, unwilling to trade their number one receiver within the division. This decision underscores the rarity of intra-division trades in the NFL.
Dolphins’ Perspective
- The Dolphins are not close to competing in the AFC East.
- They could have used the draft picks to secure a franchise quarterback in the upcoming years.
- Trading Waddle could limit their potential in future seasons.
Failed Bid for Quinnen Williams
Further attempts by the Bills also included an offer for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams of the New York Jets. Ultimately, the Jets opted against trading Williams and instead sent him to the Dallas Cowboys. In return, New York received significant compensation:
| Team | Received | Gave |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas Cowboys | Quinnen Williams | 2027 1st-round pick, 2026 2nd-round pick, Mazi Smith |
Post-Deadline Reflections
Following the deadline, Beane expressed his frustration over the inability to finalize any deals. “I went home as mad as any other fan,” Beane remarked. He emphasized his constant desire to improve the team and lamented that both the Dolphins and Jets showed little inclination to negotiate. “It takes two to tango,” he noted, highlighting the challenges of conducting trades within their division.
As the season progresses, the Bills will continue to strategize for future opportunities to strengthen their roster. The trade deadline may have passed, but the desire for improvement remains at the forefront of the franchise’s mission.
