The Buffalo Bills traded out of the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, a strategic move by GM Brandon Beane. This decision is expected to benefit the team in the long run despite initial disappointment from fans.
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Why Bills, Brandon Beane trading out of 1st round entirely was brilliant 3-trade maneuver, and what picks Buffalo has now originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Bills Mafia may not be happy that they stayed up late Thursday night to see the Buffalo Bills make a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Bills didn't pick anyone, because they traded out of the first round entirely.
But it's actually brilliant by GM Brandon Beane. Maybe you lost a little sleep, but it'll work out in the long run.
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The Bills started the night with the No. 26 overall pick -- and it's worth noting that they didn't have a second-round pick, because they traded that to the Chicago Bears for wide receiver DJ Moore.
Buffalo ended the night without making a pick.
The first move was a deal with the Houston Texans. The Bills sent picks 26 and 91 to Houston for 28, 69 and 167.
The Buffalo Bills traded out of the first round to execute a strategic three-trade maneuver aimed at long-term benefits for the team.
After trading out of the first round, the Buffalo Bills have acquired additional picks for future drafts, enhancing their overall draft strategy.
Brandon Beane's trade strategy is designed to strengthen the team's roster in the long run, potentially leading to greater success in future seasons.
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Then, the Bills swung a deal with the New England Patriots: 28 to the Pats for 31 and 125.
Finally, the Bills traded the 1st pick to the Tennessee Titans.
In return for pick 31, 69 and 165, the Bills got 35, 66 and 101.
So the final slate for the Bills looks like this:
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That feels like a win for Buffalo.
The one potential mishap is that the Bills lose the chance at a fifth-year option that only comes with a first-round pick. But that's only of value if they feel they could get a sure thing somewhere late in the first round.
They obviously didn't have anyone high enough left on their draft board to stay there.
Instead, they come away with two more bites at the apple with two additional picks.
Get a good night's sleep and tune in Friday night. The Bills will start making noise in the draft in rounds two and three.