The Buffalo Bills, facing numerous injuries in their linebacker group, are eyeing possible reinforcements before the upcoming NFL trade deadline. Despite entering the season with a reshaped roster, the Bills have maintained their status as Super Bowl contenders. General Manager Brandon Beane is expected to remain active, particularly to bolster the defense as Buffalo contends with injuries to key linebackers Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard.
One potential addition is Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane, whom Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer suggested as a solution for Buffalo’s weakened defense. Spillane, who’s had a strong start to his season, would help address Buffalo’s injury-induced gaps at linebacker. Already making a major addition to their offense by acquiring wide receiver Amari Cooper from the Cleveland Browns, the Bills are similarly looking to shore up their defense for a robust playoff push.
While Buffalo’s linebacker issues haven’t been widely discussed, local analysts like Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic have prioritized the team’s needs in other areas, such as offensive line depth and defensive line support. Similarly, Jeremy White of WGR highlighted positions like safety and the defensive line as more immediate concerns. However, the injury struggles of Milano and Bernard make a linebacker acquisition increasingly crucial.
Milano, who injured his bicep, may not return until December, if at all, and Bernard has missed several games with pectoral and ankle issues. Both players’ questionable health could leave Buffalo vulnerable if they head into the playoffs relying on less experienced linebackers like Dorian Williams and Baylon Spector, who have received low grades from Pro Football Focus.
Spillane, originally undrafted in 2018, has proven his reliability with impressive performances for both the Pittsburgh Steelers and, more recently, the Raiders. Last season, he recorded 148 tackles, multiple sacks, and three interceptions, while this season, he has excelled with a league-high 51 solo tackles and a solid run-defense rating. Although Spillane isn’t the versatile playmaker that Milano or Bernard are, his physical presence could help the Bills’ run defense, which currently ranks near the bottom of the league.
Although Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd would be an ideal candidate given his versatility, Spillane remains a solid choice due to his affordable trade cost and expiring contract. As the Raiders’ playoff hopes dim, a trade for Spillane could benefit both teams. Adding Spillane would give the Bills’ defense a timely boost, complementing the recent offensive addition of Cooper and strengthening Buffalo’s playoff positioning with a low-risk, high-reward move.
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