Buffalo Bills
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Bills are predicted to trade down.
The Buffalo Bills could go in a bunch of different directions in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
However, the Bills are expected to trade down or out of the first round to acquire more picks, according to ESPN NFL insider Matt Miller.
“The Buffalo Bills,” Miller wrote as which NFL team is most likely to trade down. “Finding a partner willing to move into Round 1 might be as difficult as predicting which team will move out. It’s expected that teams will not give up too much 2027 capital based on the strength of next year’s class.
“That makes me think it’ll be a “win-now” team willing to jump out of Round 1. Buffalo GM Brandon Beane has long been a fan of moving down on draft day. And with just three picks in first four rounds, the Bills could benefit from adding draft capital.”
Buffalo could look to acquire more picks on Day 2 to bolster its roster that way, as the 2026 NFL Draft class isn’t considered to be top-heavy, so acquiring more picks in the later rounds would be smart.
Overall, Buffalo has seven total picks but just two in the first two days.
Bills Looking to Add to Roster
Along with the Bills looking to trade down to add more talent, Buffalo is also looking at the free agent market.
Beane said the team remains in conversations with linebackers and wide receivers, but they will wait to see how the draft plays out before committing.
“We do need to continue to add more [at linebacker]. We’ve had conversations through free agency with linebackers, other positions. We have not chosen to add one at this point,” said Beane at the league meetings. “At this time, there’s guys that are like,’you know what? I didn’t get the money I was looking for. I kind of want to wait until after the draft and see where guys go.’ You’re kind of at that point with some of the vets that have played.”
One player Buffalo remains in contact with is Brandin Cooks, who was an impact receiver for the Bills last season. But, Beane said no deal will happen until the draft happens.
“I think kinda what I said [earlier], seeing how the draft falls, seeing what our numbers are. I think that’s kind of where’s he’s at, too. Making sure he doesn’t go somewhere and a team drafts someone else,” said Beane.
What has Buffalo Been Linked to?
If the Bills do keep the 26th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Bills have been linked to defensive help.
Buffalo has been linked to EDGE rushers like Cashius Howell and TJ Parker. Meanwhile, cornerback Avieon Terrell’s name has been a popular one. Despite the Bills having Christian Benford and Maxwell Hairston as their cornerbacks.
Ultimately, the Bills have been widely linked to drafting defensive help with the 26th overall pick, but Buffalo could very well trade out of the pick to add more picks later on.
The 2026 NFL Draft is set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.