Not even 24 hours after the first Buffalo Bills preseason game, the Bills have already made a huge splash on the roster. The Bills have traded away star-players Sammy Watkins and Ronald Darby. Watkins has been traded to the Rams in return for CB EJ Gaines and a 2nd round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Darby was exchanged for WR Jordan Matthews and a 3rd round pick from the Eagles. Honestly, I don't expect that many people thought this was coming. Nearly every fan has been scratching their head, and many are shocked, angry and frustated with the trade. In fact, the word "tank" has been mentioned many times, but take it easy Bills fans. Look at the entire picture.
This trade, in my eyes, definitely alters the team dynamic, but it certainly doesn't mean the team has gotten worse. In fact, I think these trades may even fit the team's dynamic a bit better, and provides more insurance as well. The picks, at face value, are certainly an upgrade right out of the gate. Buffalo now has 2 1st round picks, 2 2nd round picks, and 2 3rd round picks in this year's draft. Let's get a little bit more into each player obtained.
(WR) Jordan Matthews:
I think many people are overlooking Jordan Matthews as a WR. He is an underrated WR, who brings a different dynamic to the team than Sammy did. Matthews may not stretch the field as much as Sammy would, but he's a versatile possession receiver who still can provide a deep ball threat. In fact, Matthews is 1 of just 5 receivers in the NFL to have 65+ receptions and 800+ yards in his 1st 3 seasons. Matthews upgrades the height of the WR core as well, as Matthews stands at 6'3". He's a "go-get-it" type receiver who also has a physical nature as well. Matthews reliability and durability has also been proven, as opposed to the risk Sammy always seemed to face. Matthews has missed just 2 games in the course of his 3 season career. Watkin's health has always been a concern, but with this acquisition of Matthews, that concern is no more. Matthews will be there, when you need him. This trade, overall, makes a lot of sense. You sacrifice some playmaking ability, but in return get a solid possession receiver who is extremely reliable. Matthews may also provide for a quicker, more efficient passing offense for Tyrod Taylor and company. Not to mention, Buffalo no longer has to worry about losing Watkins for nothing at the end of the season if they elect to not resign him.
(CB) E.J. Gaines:
Along with replacing Sammy Watkins, Buffalo also managed to replace Ronald Darby the best that they could. Buffalo acquired EJ Gaines today in their trade with the Rams. Gaines, who stands at 5'10", 190 lbs, is a smaller CB, but still provides a bit of insurance for the defense. This team is running a 4-3 this season, which means Buffalo will be running a bit more zone defense, which is something that Ronald Darby had troubles with at times. Gaines provides the upgrade as he is familiar with a 4-3 scheme and may even fit the scheme better. Gaines has NFL experience, being around since 2014, and despite missing the entire 2015 season, will look to bounce back from quite frankly an average 2016 campaign. This move may make rookie Tre White the #1 corner on this roster, but that may not be a bad thing. McDermott trusts White heavily, and wouldn't give him this role if he didn't feel he could handle it. Gaines certainly isn't the highlight of these blockbuster Buffalo trades, but he may serve as a piece to the defense's success this season.
Overall, the big picture is this; Buffalo seems to be looking to retool on the fly, but without making a lot of high risk moves to do so. Also, it appears their goal is still to win this year. In any trade, getting players back often means that the team is still trying to win, and that they see value in the players acquired. In this situation, Buffalo dodged the potential bullet of another Sammy Watkin's season-ending injury, and having him walk away for nothing. I think Buffalo downgraded in the Darby trade, but will still find Gaines serviceable, and they managed to get a couple key draft picks. It's a new day here in Buffalo, and unfortunately, the Sammy era has come to an end. It's time to look ahead, and I believe Buffalo has improved the roster and future with these trades. Thanks for reading, and as always, Let's Go Buffalo!
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