NFL fans are scratching their heads over a puzzling trade proposal that would see the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens-two AFC powerhouses and rivals-swap first-round picks in a move that many analysts say just doesn’t add up.
The controversial prediction came from NFL.com’s Chad Reuter, who suggests the Bills move up a mere four spots in the first round by giving the Ravens a better mid-round pick in return. In his mock scenario, Buffalo would slide up in hopes of landing a downfield playmaker-either Houston’s Matthew Golden or Texas’ Isaiah Bond.
But there’s one major problem: neither seems like a smart-or even possible-choice.
The math isn’t mathing, says Karseno
Golden, according to Athlon Sports’ Nathan Karseno, could be long gone by the time Buffalo’s pick rolls around, with a real shot at going as high as No. 12 overall. As for Bond, he’s currently facing serious legal trouble after an arrest for alleged sexual assault, likely taking him off draft boards entirely.
So why would Buffalo make this move? Critics are asking the same question. “What’s the purpose? Where’s the match?” Karseno wrote, noting that Baltimore helping Buffalo stock up on weapons for MVP quarterback Josh Allen makes little sense from a competitive standpoint.
Even if the trade looks “fair” on paper, the logic falls apart when you look at the details-and the alternatives.
Have the Bills learned from last year’s experience?
The Bills already know the sting of trading away a premium pick. Just last year, they gave up their first-rounder to the Kansas City Chiefs-who then snagged blazing-fast receiver Xavier Worthy. That move is already haunting Bills fans and execs alike. Had they kept the pick, Allen might already have his explosive new weapon.
Now, speculation swirls again, but with questionable targets and a head-scratching swap with a conference rival. If GM Brandon Beane is chasing a receiver, many believe there are better ways to get one-and better teams to trade with.
Until something concrete happens, this rumored deal is being filed under: Why would they do that?
