The Buffalo Bills addressed their secondary before the trade deadline by acquiring safety Amani Hooker from the Tennessee Titans. However, reports suggest the team had pursued several other targets, including defensive tackle Jordan Davis and safety Jessie Bates, before the Jacksonville Jaguars landed both players.
Hooker has made an impact this season, leading the NFL with five interceptions. Buffalo had also reportedly pursued Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker before turning to Hooker. The Bills were looking to strengthen their interior defensive line as well, with Davis of the Philadelphia Eagles among their targets.
The Jaguars ultimately acquired Davis and Bates, reportedly after facing strong competition from Buffalo. The two teams were described as the most aggressive bidders for each player. Jacksonville sent Philadelphia a first- and second-round pick for Davis, while Atlanta received second- and fifth-round picks for Bates.
## Did Buffalo Do Enough at the Trade Deadline?
Hooker gives the Bills an experienced playmaker in the secondary, but the team did not add the defensive-line help it had sought. Based on the reported interest in Baker and Bates, Hooker may have been a later option among Buffalo’s safety targets.
With Josh Allen leading the offense, Buffalo has the potential to overcome shortcomings elsewhere on the roster. Still, the team’s pursuit of Davis suggests it wanted to improve its defensive front, and missing out on both Davis and Bates leaves questions about whether the deadline moves were enough to support its postseason ambitions.
