Bills May Benefit from Trading Back in 2026 NFL Draft

Acquiring extra Day 2 picks could help address roster needs for the playoff-contending Bills.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:23pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the chaotic energy and overlapping perspectives of an NFL draft, with players and field reduced to angular shapes and planes of color.An abstract, cubist interpretation of the strategic maneuvering and decision-making that goes into a successful NFL draft.Today in Pittsburgh

The Buffalo Bills hold the 26th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and columnist Anthony Marino believes the team should consider trading back from that spot. With several quarterback-needy teams potentially looking to move up, the Bills could acquire additional second- and third-round picks by trading down, which would help address needs at wide receiver, defensive line, and the secondary.

Why it matters

The Bills have already traded away their second-round pick, leaving a gap in their draft capital before their third-round selection. Trading back in the first round could allow them to recoup some of that lost value and target players who can contribute immediately or develop into long-term starters.

The details

Marino suggests the Bills could be in a favorable position to trade back, as teams like the Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers may be looking to move up to select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. By trading down from the 26th overall pick, the Bills could potentially acquire a second-round pick and a third-round pick, which could be used to address needs at wide receiver, defensive tackle, defensive end, safety, and offensive guard.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is less than three weeks away.

The players

Brandon Beane

The general manager of the Buffalo Bills, who would be responsible for any potential draft-day trades.

Ty Simpson

The Alabama quarterback who is projected to be the second-ranked QB in the 2026 draft class, potentially drawing interest from teams looking to move up.

DJ Moore

The wide receiver the Bills acquired by trading away pick 60 in a previous deal.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson

The Bills' starting safety who is playing on an expiring contract.

Geno Stone

The Bills' backup safety who is also playing on an expiring contract.

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What’s next

The Bills will have to weigh the potential value of trading back against the risk of missing out on a top prospect, but Marino believes the extra draft capital could be beneficial in addressing the team's roster needs.

The takeaway

Trading back in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft could be a savvy move for the Buffalo Bills, allowing them to recoup some of the draft capital they lost in a previous trade while still positioning themselves to add talented players who can contribute to their playoff-contending roster.