Jul 23, 2025; Rochester, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane on the field during training camp at St. John Fisher University. Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

3 Trade-Back Scenarios for Bills in 2026 NFL Draft First Round

Originally posted on Buffalo Bills on SI | By Owen Klein | Last updated Apr 10, 2026 12:05 PM ET

Trading back in the first round of the NFL Draft is always a risky proposition. The Buffalo Bills experienced that in 2024 after dealing with the Kansas City Chiefs and Carolina Panthers, ultimately selecting Keon Coleman, whose future in Buffalo is up in the air, at No. 33 overall.

However, the Bills do not have a second-round pick after trading it to the Chicago Bears for wide receiver DJ Moore. Moving back from No. 26 overall would allow Buffalo to accrue more value to add depth to a roster that was strengthened heavily in free agency.

Here are three scenarios that the Bills could contemplate if they trade down in the first round.

Note: These scenarios are based on the the classic Jimmy Johnson trade value chart.

Scenario 1 — Las Vegas Raiders

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Bills receive: Nos. 36, 67, 134

Raiders receive: Nos. 26, 91

The Raiders need multiple pass-catching options for presumed first overall pick Fernando Mendoza. A deal with Las Vegas would allow Buffalo to acquire more picks for what could be depth on defense while still being able to choose a receiver at No. 36 overall.

Bills fans may quake in their boots a bit because of memories of the Bills moving back in 2024 for Coleman, but the addition of Moore should mitigate that concern.

Scenario 2 — Arizona Cardinals

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Bills receive: Nos. 34, 65

Cardinals receive: Nos. 26, 91

This scenario offers a similar return for Buffalo. For Arizona, it's a bit different. If Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is still available at No. 26, the Cardinals may want to jump the New York Jets, who select one spot before Arizona in the second round, to get him as a potential franchise face.

Even if Simpson is off the board, the Cardinals may have their eyes on defensive tackles like Ohio State's Kayden McDonald and Texas Tech's Lee Hunter, and they may want to have as many options as possible, just like the Raiders with receiver prospects.

Scenario 3 — New York Giants

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Bills receive: Nos. 37, 105, 2027 3rd-round pick

Giants receive: Nos. 26

The Giants have multiple roster needs, making them a logical trade partner. Dexter Lawrence may or may not be traded, but in this scenario, he isn't. Depending on how the board falls after they pick at No. 5 overall, the Giants may want to deal with Buffalo.

The Giants may want one of the defensive tackle prospects or a cornerback like Clemson's Avieon Terrell at pick No. 26, and Buffalo would get a couple extra picks for New York's trouble to help the Bills address their needs later in the draft.

This article first appeared on Buffalo Bills on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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