The Buffalo Bills head into their bye week facing several concerns after suffering losses in their last two games. Buffalo fell short against the New England Patriots in Week 5, and just eight days later, they were defeated by the Atlanta Falcons in a tough matchup on “Monday Night Football.”
One area that has been a persistent issue for the Bills throughout the first part of the season is their defense—particularly at the cornerback position. With the NFL’s November 4 trade deadline approaching, there may be an opportunity for the team to bolster that unit.
### Bills Urged to Trade for Rasul Douglas
Iestyn Harris of Fansided suggests that the Bills should consider trading for Miami Dolphins cornerback Rasul Douglas. Harris points out that this wouldn’t be the first time Buffalo acquired Douglas, and given his familiarity with the Bills’ defense, the move could pay dividends.
> “The Buffalo Bills already traded for Rasul Douglas once, and it worked out great,” Harris wrote. “Why not try a second time? Douglas started in this secondary for a season and a half, so his familiarity with the defense, both roster and scheme, would be an immediate boon. At 31, Douglas is not the prime physical specimen the team would hope for, but he’s available, an improvement, and healthy. Getting him may not raise the ceiling, but it raises the floor.”
Douglas played 24 games for the Bills from 2023 to 2024, recording four interceptions during that span. Despite Buffalo’s cornerback struggles this season, the team had no desire to re-sign him when he became a free agent this offseason. Now, with rookie Maxwell Hairston out since the start of training camp in July, the Bills find themselves in need of cornerback help and should consider reaching out to the Dolphins.
### A Cost-Effective Solution
Harris also highlights that acquiring Douglas could be a budget-friendly move. Currently on a one-year contract with Miami worth $1.57 million, the Bills would likely assume only a portion of his salary.
> “As far as cost, Rasul Douglas would be a cheap trade, making this an attractive option,” Harris added. “If he requested a release, or if the 1-5 Dolphins simply opted to save costs ahead of the offseason, Buffalo may not have to surrender draft capital at all. In the event that this inter-division trade actually occurred, Douglas would not cost much. His contract with Miami was a one-year deal for only $1.57 million, of which the Bills would assume only a part. If Miami resigns itself to the draft board, this deal makes a lot of sense for them.”
Generally, teams from the same division avoid trading with one another. However, this scenario is unique. The Dolphins currently hold a 1-5 record, with little realistic hope of making the playoffs. Trading Douglas—a player unlikely to stay with Miami next season—could be mutually beneficial.
With a bye week to regroup and the trade deadline looming, the Bills may want to seriously explore bringing Rasul Douglas back into the fold to strengthen their secondary.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/buffalo-bills/bills-defender-in-trade-with-dolphins/
