The Buffalo Bills will almost certainly be in the market for a linebacker upgrade in 2026.
While Dorian Williams and Terrel Bernard are under contract next year, the Bills are not likely to bring back Matt Milano, who has once again dealt with injury issues this season.
One linebacker who could be available is Baltimore Ravens star defender Roquan Smith, who was dubbed an offseason trade candidate by Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon.
"It's possible the emergence of intriguing youngsters Teddye Buchanan and Trenton Simpson will make Smith expendable for a Ravens team that could save oodles of cap space by dealing the 28-year-old to a linebacker-needy squad," Gagnon wrote.
As Gagnon points out, the Ravens could look to unload Smith in the offseason if Teddye Buchanan and Trenton Simpson can prove they are capable of taking on bigger roles and filling the void trading Smith would leave.
It would be a tough sell with Ravens fans, though, as Baltimore's biggest weakness in 2025 has once again been its defense. That said, the amount of money the Ravens would save will soften that blow.
Smith has been one of the better linebackers in the NFL for years now and would be a huge upgrade for Buffalo thanks to his versatile skill set that makes him an asset against the run and in coverage.
Smith has posted Pro Football Focus grades of 65.5 in run defense and 70.9 in coverage this season.
The biggest hurdle for the Bills acquiring Smith would be his $100 million contract that runs through 2027. Buffalo is projected to be over the cap by about $4 million in 2026, so general manager Brandon Beane will have to get creative.
But, as they say, where there's a will, there's a way, and we know the Bills will have the will to improve their defense next offseason, especially at linebacker.
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