An NFL analyst is pushing the Buffalo Bills to make a last-minute trade for a former first-round cornerback before they open the season on the road.
The Bills already remade large parts of their defense this offseason. Still, some observers say the secondary remains thin enough that another move could make sense.
Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report listed Buffalo among the teams that should consider adding New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks.
Buffalo’s starting group looks solid on paper. Questions linger behind it.
Maxwell Hairston, a former first-round pick, had an uneven rookie season and did not stand out in camp. That has raised concerns about what happens if he does not take a step forward or if injuries hit the position.
“Buffalo has a capable top trio in Christian Benford, Maxwell Hairston and Dee Alford, who gives the defense a reliable option in the nickel role,” Gagnon wrote.
“The team should expect Hairston to develop in Year 2, but the depth chart could become vulnerable if his progress stalls or injuries strike. Davison Igbinosun is a second-round rookie, while Jordan Hancock is realistically more of a safety who was limited as a fifth-round rookie in 2025.”
Gagnon argued that Banks could fill that depth role.
The Giants drafted Banks 24th overall in 2023. New York declined his fifth-year option, making him available in trade talks as he enters his fourth season.
“Banks has shown flashes of the talent that made him a first-round pick, but he has struggled to establish consistency with the Giants. A change of scenery could give him an opportunity to rebuild his value as a depth option in Buffalo,” Gagnon wrote.
Banks posted 31 tackles last season. He has two interceptions in three NFL years.
Bills general manager Brandon Beane has already shown he is comfortable with a lean cornerback group.
Buffalo kept only three true boundary corners on the 53-man roster: Benford, Hairston and Igbinosun.
Beane said the team can move other players around if needed.
“That’s the great thing about Dee, he is our starting nickel, but Jordan Hancock’s done a nice job. If we feel like we need to move Dee outside for an injury or whatever’s going on, we can do that as well,” Beane said.
“As we build our roster in different positions, we’re trying to have guys like the Hancock’s of the world that can play [multiple spots].”
Beane expressed confidence in the current group.
“I feel really good about what’s on the 53, I do,” Beane said. “Assuming you can stay healthy, that’s the one thing you can never predict. Obviously Christian speaks for himself. I’m excited about Max, IGB, and Dee Alford.”
Whether that confidence holds through a long season is the question Gagnon is raising.
A trade for Banks would give Buffalo another player with first-round pedigree who has something to prove.
The Bills open the year Sept. 13 against the Houston Texans. They are 1.5-point favorites in that game. Any deal would have to happen quickly if Buffalo wants Banks available for Week 1.
Front office officials have not commented on the suggestion. Teams rarely discuss trade targets publicly this close to the start of the season.
Still, the idea is now on the table for a franchise that has not been shy about adding talent when it sees a need.
