ClutchPoints
The Buffalo Bills have come agonizingly close for years now. Despite a generational quarterback in Josh Allen and consistently strong rosters, the Super Bowl stage remains elusive. In 2024, it was another all-too-familiar ending. They had a heartbreaking loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game. Once again, Buffalo stood inches from football immortality, only to watch another AFC rival hoist the Lamar Hunt Trophy.
Now, entering the 2025 NFL season, the Bills are one of the best teams in football. However, being “one of the best” is no longer good enough. This team is desperate to finally break through and secure a Super Bowl appearance. With training camp approaching, Buffalo will need to make some tough decisions. Two veterans, in particular, could be surprising trade candidates if the right opportunity emerges.
The Bills entered the 2025 offseason with high expectations, but the front office opted for a measured, deliberate approach rather than an aggressive overhaul. Many fans anticipated a bold flurry of win-now moves. Instead, Buffalo made a few strategic additions without overextending themselves.
The biggest splash came on defense with the signing of edge rusher Joey Bosa. He is a proven force who now pairs with Gregory Rousseau to form a fearsome pass-rushing duo. On offense, the Bills added wide receiver Joshua Palmer to help offset the losses of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. Beyond that, however, the moves were minimal.
Buffalo has quietly reinforced key areas while remaining mindful of their financial outlook. Still, that outlook is tight. With just $2.6 million in cap space, an unsigned rookie class, and the need to stay flexible for in-season injuries, more roster adjustments could be on the horizon.
One such adjustment has already happened. The pre-draft trade of cornerback Kaiir Elam to the Dallas Cowboys signaled that the Bills are willing to part ways with players who no longer fit their evolving roster strategy. There may be more of that to come.
Now, with training camp looming, two more veterans stand out as potential trade chips: AJ Epenesa and Mitch Trubisky.
Cap relief and a crowded D-line make AJ Epenesa expendable. It wasn’t long ago that he was viewed as a budding cornerstone on Buffalo’s defensive line. A powerful edge presence with good size and burst, Epenesa has been a reliable rotational pass rusher. However, now entering the final year of his contract, he carries a $7+ million cap hit. The Bills may not be able to afford his services much longer.
Buffalo has spent the offseason aggressively upgrading the defensive front. They added Bosa, Michael Hoecht, and third-round rookie Landon Jackson. This influx of talent means fewer snaps to go around. Epenesa could be the odd man out. Yes, he’s been a steady producer. That said, his growth has plateaued. He’s posted 6.5 sacks in each of the past two seasons. Those are solid numbers but not enough to justify a sizeable cap hit...
