AFC East trade targets: Bills should take a flier on this veteran cornerback

The NFL trade deadline is Oct. 31. Here are deals each team in the AFC East should make.

Buffalo Bills: Acquire Giants cornerback Adoree’ Jackson

Despite entering the season with uncertainties at multiple positions, the Bills defense is playing like one of the top units in the NFL. However, it's unlikely that they can continue to dominate as the season progresses after losing CB Tre'Davious White, LB Matt Milano and DT DaQuan Jones indefinitely.

One could argue that linebacker is a more pressing need, though it'd be extremely difficult to find one that could truly raise Buffalo's ceiling by the trade deadline. Since a team can never have enough cornerbacks, finding a replacement for White would be the most impactful deal it can make. New York will almost surely be sellers at the deadline, and considering Giants GM Joe Schoen came over from Buffalo, it wouldn't be surprising to see him strike a deal with his former mentor Brandon Beane.

While Jackson's stats may suggest he's having one of the worst seasons of his career, he was playing in the slot to begin the year, an unfamiliar role that he has since moved out of. If he can replicate his success from last season, the Bills would be adding one of the NFL's top cornerbacks in man coverage. Per Pro Football Focus, Jackson lined up in man at the fourth-highest rate among cornerbacks last season and ranked fourth in EPA allowed per target. 

Miami Dolphins: Acquire Commanders defensive end Chase Young

The Dolphins have made several splashy acquisitions in recent years, and in a season where everything seems to be clicking, making an all-in move for another pass rusher could be a difference-maker during the playoffs. Young, the second overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, is finally healthy and has quietly been one of the better edge defenders in the league. In only five games, Young has generated 15 pressures, which is tied for the 10th-most in the NFL.

Washington isn't out of the playoff race by any means, and it doesn't necessarily have enough defensive line depth to be comfortable about trading Young, but there might not be a better opportunity to reap a large return. The 24-year-old has played in just 32 career games; his extensive injury history will make his upcoming contract negotiations difficult, and locking him up long-term would be risky.

New England Patriots: Trade edge-rusher Josh Uche to Chiefs

The Patriots are 1-5 this season, and their struggles will likely continue as they play their final two games before the trade deadline scheduled against Buffalo and Miami. It's time to build toward the future, and selling off impending free agents would be in their best interest to accomplish that. While trading away DB Jalen Mills or WR Kendrick Bourne makes sense, Uche is arguably New England's most desirable asset and parting ways may be inevitable.

According to Henry McKenna of Fox Sports, the Patriots haven't discussed a contract extension with Uche, potentially signaling that they'd be willing to move on from him at the trade deadline. Uche recorded 11.5 sacks in 2022, but injuries have hindered his performance this season, resulting in him having just two sacks through his first six games. 

Kansas City's defense has been one of the best units in the league this season, but it would benefit from adding another pass-rusher. A reunion with Frank Clark could be possible and wouldn't cost any draft capital, but he struggled in his two games with the Broncos. Acquiring a younger rental like Uche seems like a wiser decision, especially if it only entails trading a mid-round pick or two.

New York Jets: Acquire Broncos offensive tackle Garett Bolles 

Broncos HC Sean Payton's offseason comments about Jets OC Nathaniel Hackett shouldn't prevent either team from reaching an agreement that is beneficial for both sides. The 3-3 Jets are firmly in the hunt for a playoff berth and will need some help to make it there, while the Broncos will undoubtedly blow things up at the deadline.

New York lost versatile offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker, who was starting at right tackle, for the season after he suffered a torn Achilles tendon in its Week 5 win over Denver. Although Bolles hasn't played on the right side during his career, his addition would provide the Jets flexibility to have him play there, or Mekhi Becton could slide back over from left tackle.

Regardless of how the Jets would prefer to handle starting positions, they need help in pass protection, as the offensive line is the third-worst unit in pass-blocking efficiency this season. Aside from being PFF's eighth-highest-rated tackle in pass blocking (81.3), Bolles is under contract through next season, which would give the Jets much-needed insurance if Vera-Tucker never returns to form.