Trading back in Round 1 of 2026 NFL Draft may better help Buffalo Bills

Dec 8, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane reacts during the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The 2026 NFL Draft is less than three weeks away, and there’s plenty of speculation around our beloved Buffalo Bills and what they may do in the first round. While there are plenty of talented prospects to consider, I believe the Bills are in prime position to trade down from pick number 26.

Before I get into my rationale, I understand what some of you may be thinking. “How can you advocate for trading down when you have no idea who’s on the board?” That’s a valid question and of course something that would come into consideration on draft night. Heck, if Carnell Tate falls out of the top 10 I’ll be pulling up trade charts to see how much Buffalo’s decision maker would have to give up to get him. But outside of these extreme circumstances, I’m all for making a trade back.

The Bills may be in a favorable spot to trade back, as multiple clubs could look to move up in hopes of drafting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. The Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers could all be jockeying to land the second-ranked quarterback in the draft class. If that’s the case, Brandon Beane could be in an advantageous spot at the draft.

Regardless of who the other teams are looking to select, I’m a fan of trading down. Fans are well aware that the team shipped away pick 60 to acquire wide receiver DJ Moore. That leaves the Bills without a second-round pick, and a major gap before the club’s third-round pick (number 91).

Hypothetically, if the Bills traded their first-round pick, a package including a second- and third-round pick would be an expected return. With some holes on the roster at wide receiver, defensive tackle, defensive end, an extra Day 2 pick would be welcomed. One could also argue that the Bills have future needs at safety and offensive guard —- with C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Geno Stone, Austin Corbett, Alec Anderson, and O’Cyrus Torrence all playing on expiring contracts.

The 2026 edition is considered a relatively deep draft, and the Bills could also look at trading back from pick 91. Adding selections in the fourth or fifth round could address some of the needs for depth, in hopes of developing young talent that can contribute in the future.

Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section below regarding some trade-back options for the Bills heading into the draft.