SWAP DEAL: Buffalo Bills Are Set to Hijack Rams Bid to Land ‘Premier’ Wide Receiver

The Bills may now hunt for a new sidekick for Stefon Diggs in the NFL Draft, even if that means trading up to get him. According to Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports, the Bills will move up in the first round for the third year in a row to select one of the best receiving prospects who can provide the offense with the size it has lacked.

Bills trade with Rams to land LSU receiver.
Trapasso predicted in a mock draft published on March 27 that the Bills will move up nine spots in the first round, trading with the Los Angeles Rams for LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. with the No. 19 overall choice.

Trapasso anticipated that Bills general manager Brandon Beane would jump at the chance to sign Thomas, citing his “premier” ability to gain yards after the catch.

“Brandon Beane cannot wait any longer. Trapasso stated, “He notices Thomas is still on the board and makes a move.” “The LSU product would give the Bills receiver group a size element it doesn’t have — outside of newly added journeyman Mack Hollins — and premier YAC capabilities along with rebounding skills down the field.”
Beane has previously moved up in the first round, selecting cornerback Kaiir Elam in 2022 and tight end Dalton Kincaid last season. The Bills have plenty of firepower this year, with 11 total draft picks.

Davis was inconsistent at times during his four seasons in Buffalo, but he was the team’s most effective pass-catcher behind Diggs and a frightening deep threat. Davis had 163 total catches for 2,730 yards and 27 touchdowns over his four seasons with Buffalo.

Thomas might help up for the Bills’ loss of big-play potential following Davis’ departure. According to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, he was a consistent deep threat at LSU and has the potential to be a top receiver in the NFL.

“Thomas rarely has issues generating separation deep and could be counted on as an NFL team’s designated deep guy early in his career,” Zierlein said in his article. “Thomas is unpolished but has projectable talent to become a WR1/2 in time.”

Bills Add Veteran Receiver.

The Bills are not waiting until the NFL Draft to improve their receiver corps, instead signing a quick veteran in free agency. On March 14, ESPN reported that the Bills signed Curtis Samuel, a former Washington Commanders wide receiver, to a three-year contract worth $24 million.

Samuel has been a diverse threat since joining the league in 2017, recording 317 receptions for 4,098 yards and 121 carries for 29 total touchdowns. According to Sal Maiorana of the Democrat and Chronicle, Samuel enjoyed his greatest season under the current Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator.

“Samuel was still with the Panthers in 2020 when current Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady was calling the plays for head coach Matt Rhule,” Maiorana said in a statement. “That year, Samuel had the best of his seven NFL seasons, catching 77 passes on 97 targets for 851 yards and three touchdowns.” His reception and yardage totals, as well as his catch percentage of 79.4, were all career highs.