Bills 'looking for defensive line help' at NFL trade deadline, per insider

Could the Buffalo Bills add a defensive lineman to help replace Ed Oliver at the NFL trade deadline?

Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane on the field during training camp at St. John Fisher University. | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

With the 2025 NFL trade deadline approaching, the Buffalo Bills could look to solidify their roster as they prepare for a deep playoff run.

Much attention has been paid to the receiving corps, and the Bills reportedly checked on players such as Chris Olave. While they could continue to look for help at receiver, one NFL insider says they're also looking for help at defensive tackle.

MORE: Bills' list of top draft fits includes 'versatile and instinctual' Alabama safety

Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network revealed on Sunday that defensive tackle Ed Oliver has a shot of returning from the IR to play in the postseason, but that Buffalo could look for help before the playoffs.

Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver reacts after a sack in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

"My understanding is though he's going to miss the rest of the regular season, there's a real chance that Oliver is back for the first round or maybe even second round of the playoffs for the Bills," Rapoport said.

"They believe there's a good chance he returns, but they are in the trade market, looking for defensive line help to fill the void during this time when they do not have Oliver. Not a ton of big names out there, we will see what the Bills end up coming up with."

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Bills have limited options for DT help at NFL trade deadline

Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day greets fans after the game with the Houston Texans. | Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

As Rapoport said, the Bills don't have a lot of big names to choose from on the trade block, but there are some options.

One would be veteran Sebastian Joseph-Day, who would be an instant contributor. The seventh-year pro has played in 96 games with 85 starts and is effective as a run defender as well as a pass rusher. The concern with him would be salary, which is why this idea might not work.

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Buffalo could try some more affordable options, including former Dallas Cowboys first-round pick Mazi Smith or Cincinnati Bengals third-round selection McKinnley Jackson. Neither has lived up to expectations with their teams, but could benefit from a fresh start.

While they would be affordable, both in terms of draft capital and salary, they're far from proven.

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