The Buffalo Bills could be on the decline after struggling last season, with head coach Sean McDermott's job in jeopardy. The recent trade of star wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans has put the team in a tough financial position, making it hard to find a replacement.
The Bills have not been able to win a Super Bowl despite having a better roster in the past, and the AFC competition is getting stronger. Quarterback Josh Allen is one of the top players in the NFL and capable of leading the team to the playoffs. However, if the Bills feel the need to rebuild, Allen would be a valuable trade asset.
While it's unlikely that the Bills would consider trading the Pro Bowler, a team in need of a quarterback, such as the Las Vegas Raiders, should inquire about the situation. Head coach Antonio Pierce is open to any necessary measures to acquire a franchise quarterback. The return for Allen would be substantial and could immediately make the Raiders Super Bowl contenders.
It's hard to imagine the Bills agreeing to trade Allen, but if he becomes unhappy with the team's direction, he could potentially force a move. Las Vegas is much closer to his hometown of Firebaugh, California, than Buffalo. Allen's value is likely higher than three first-round picks in a trade, which is the NFL's limit.
Acquiring Allen would likely involve three first-round picks as a starting point, and potentially adding three second-round picks. Las Vegas could also include Aidan O’Connell to give the Bills a quarterback with some starting experience. It's challenging to determine fair value for a player like Allen, but that is likely the most the Raiders could offer in a trade.
Buffalo Bills Didn’t Tell Josh Allen Trade Was Happening
The only scenario where Josh Allen leaves is if he becomes disgruntled with the Bills and wants to depart. While this possibility is unlikely, it's not impossible. Notable quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers, Brett Favre, and Deshaun Watson have been traded in the past.
It won’t help the Bills that general manager Brandon Beane didn’t include Allen in discussions about the Stefon Diggs trade.
“I did inform [Allen] that there had been some inquiries and it wasn’t completely off the table,” stated Beane on April 3, as reported by BuffaloBills.com. “Josh and I frequently discuss various matters, and I believe it is essential to ensure that he is not caught off guard if I anticipate a potential development.
A Josh Allen Trade Could Be More Realistic Next Year
At present, it is highly improbable for Josh Allen trade rumors to surface. It may take a season of the Bills missing the playoffs for this to become a possibility. Nonetheless, Buffalo may face a challenging path to the playoffs next season.
The AFC is highly competitive, and the Bills came close to missing the playoffs last year. Teams that missed the playoffs last year, such as the Raiders, The Los Angeles Chargers, The Cincinnati Bengals, The Jacksonville Jaguars and The New York Jets It may be difficult for the Bills to reach the playoffs in the upcoming season and potentially for a long time. Allen's physical style of play may not allow him to have a career as long as Tom Brady or Drew Brees. If it seems like the Bills don't have a chance to win a Super Bowl, he may start to think about his options.
