Buffalo Bills Trade Down, Chiefs Acquire Key Player in NFL Draft

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills made a surprising move during the first round of the NFL Draft on April 25, 2024, when they traded down from the 28th pick to acquire more selections. This decision came just moments before the Kansas City Chiefs, the reigning Super Bowl champions who have eliminated the Bills from the playoffs multiple times, made their own choice with the pick Buffalo relinquished.

The Chiefs used the 28th pick to select wide receiver Jonathan Worthy, adding depth to a position they identified as a major weakness. Bills general manager Brandon Beane explained that there were no players with first-round grades left on their board, leading them to opt for a trade. However, many fans and analysts questioned why the Bills would assist a team that has consistently thwarted their playoff aspirations.

The Bills eventually selected Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman after another trade that saw them move down from the 32nd pick to the 33rd. The connection between Worthy and Coleman goes beyond just this draft. Historically, prior trades between the Bills and Chiefs shaped both franchises significantly. In 2022, the Bills intended to draft cornerback Trent McDuffie, but the Chiefs acquired him first and later chose cornerback Kaiir Elam, who has faced challenges in Buffalo and was traded to Dallas this spring.

The most notable trade occurred in 2017 when the Chiefs moved up to acquire Patrick Mahomes, a decision that left the Bills to draft Josh Allen the following year. With each team’s decisions leading to different outcomes, fans are left debating the merit of Beane’s moves. Worthy impressed during the regular season against Buffalo last year, securing ten receptions and two touchdowns across two games.

On the draft day, Beane’s choice to draft Coleman, who stands at 6 feet 215 pounds, reflects his desire for a larger target for quarterback Josh Allen. However, Coleman has received mixed reviews regarding his ability to create separation, raising concerns about his readiness. Former NFL wideout Steve Smith Sr. criticized Coleman on his podcast, questioning his skills.

Ultimately, as the season unfolds, the trade’s impact will be measured. The Chiefs are currently performing well, with Worthy contributing to their success, while the Bills depend on their running game featuring James Cook and will look for Coleman to become a reliable target to balance their offense. The dynamics of this trade could define the fortunes of both teams for years to come.