After dominating the division for the better part of two decades, the New England Patriots are no longer the only threat in the AFC East. The Buffalo Bills are a problem, and any major move they make can send ripples through Foxborough.
The Patriots already beat Josh Allen's team this season, but the Bills have the better record and a shot at a rematch later in the campaign. That's why, with the trade deadline zooming in, watching them add Budda Baker to their sloppy defense would be a massive problem.
Bleacher Report's Alex Kay has the Bills as a potential destination for the superstar safety. Buffalo has struggled on defense since Sean McDermott's dismissal, and the addition could be league-shattering.
The Patriots better pray the Bills don't trade for Budda Baker
Over their first six games of the season, the Bills' pass defense has been subpar at best. They've allowed the second-most passing yards per game (285.8), the third-most points per game (28.5), and the third-most passing touchdowns (15) despite playing one fewer game.
Budda Baker is an elite and one of the most versatile safeties in the game. He's a strong contributor in the running game, but he truly excels in coverage as a defensive center fielder, and he deserves a chance to play for a Super Bowl contender.
Hopefully, that opportunity won't materialize in Buffalo, though.
The Bills have a formidable offense, even without a true alpha in the passing game. Josh Allen is a problem, but the team's inability to get stops, especially in the clutch, is the Patriots' best hope of getting the best of them again this season.
Of course, Mike Vrabel's team should focus on what they can do and how they can improve their roster. They shouldn't go into panic mode or make a move just to address a potential Budda Baker addition.
That said, it would be naive not to consider how disruptive his arrival in the division can be. The Patriots' offense has been rather one-dimensional this season, and adding a ball hawk who can hold his own against the best in the game could strain the passing game.
The Patriots are a couple of games behind in the divisional race, and they're unlikely to make a big splash at the deadline. Hopefully, their AFC foes will take a similar approach to the November 10 trade deadline, as it will definitely take a steep return to lure Baker away from the desert.
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