Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane is in the spotlight this offseason, with fans eagerly awaiting a big move at wide receiver. But the task is more complex, as he must also revamp the defense to fit Jim Leonhard’s new 3-4 scheme.
The Bills' defense has some pressing needs, particularly at edge rusher, linebacker, and the interior defensive line. With 14 defensive players heading into free agency and a tight cap, Beane faces tough choices. A quieter yet crucial need lies in the secondary, specifically at safety.
Cole Bishop's versatility offers some flexibility. He can play deep as a free safety or closer to the box, giving Beane options. And it seems a clue on how to fill this gap might come from an AFC East rival.
Buffalo has been named as a potential destination for Miami Dolphins free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, according to ESPN analysts Dan Graziano and Ben Solak. They listed Fitzpatrick among the top 15 players who could be traded, suggesting the Bills and the Dallas Cowboys as possible landing spots.
Fitzpatrick, with a year left on his two-year, $33.1 million contract, has a 65% chance of being traded. His career, marked by standout performances with the Pittsburgh Steelers, has seen a decline.
However, last season with Miami, he recorded an interception, six pass deflections, 82 tackles, and his first career sack. His coverage improved, allowing just 63% of passes to be completed for under 300 yards and surrendering only two touchdowns.
An inter-division trade is always tricky. The Dolphins would likely need to absorb part of Fitzpatrick’s contract to facilitate a trade, especially with a division rival like Buffalo.
Yet, Fitzpatrick’s skills as a roaming center-fielder and elite tackler, combined with his leadership, could be invaluable for the Bills. This would allow Bishop to shift into a strong safety role.
Buffalo's safety lineup is uncertain. Taylor Rapp has shown versatility, but with Jordan Poyer likely retiring and Damar Hamlin potentially seeking a starting role elsewhere, the room is in flux. Darnell Savage’s brief stint didn’t make much impact either.
While a trade with the Dolphins remains uncertain, acquiring Fitzpatrick could significantly ease Beane’s task of building a formidable new defense, provided the deal is favorable.