ESPN projects Buffalo Bills will trade for 49ers safety amidst defensive struggles

Jarrett Bailey

ESPN projects Buffalo Bills will trade for 49ers safety amidst defensive struggles image

Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

The Buffalo Bills clearly have defensive needs. Their defense has been largely dreadful in 2025. They've allowed north of 200 yards rushing twice in 2025, and their safeties have proven to be complete non-factors to opposing offenses.

Taylor Rapp and Cole Bishop have both been dreadful when they've been on the field. Because of this, Bill Barnwell of ESPN projects that the Bills will trade for San Francisco 49ers safety Jason Pinnock.

"The Bills badly need help at safety," Barnwell writes. "Cole Bishop and Taylor Rapp have struggled both in coverage and with tackling this season. The Bills aren't going to give up on Bishop, a second-round pick in last year's draft, but so many of the big plays they've struggled with this season have come in moments where Buffalo's safeties either missed tackles or weren't in position to even attempt one. Rapp was run over at the goal line by Tyler Allgeier on his 21-yard touchdown Monday night, while Bijan Robinson cut back against a Bishop tackle attempt for 22 yards and then ran through a Bishop tackle on the sideline on his 81-yard touchdown."

"The safeties aren't the only problem in Buffalo, but they've definitely been a concern. And with Damar Hamlin on injured reserve, there isn't really any viable alternative for the Bills."

The Bills have needs on both sides of the ball. Wide receiver is certainly a need, as well. Chris Olave, Rashid Shaeheed, and Jaylen Waddle have all been names that many have connected to the Bills.

Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

More NFL news:

Jarrett Bailey

Jarrett Bailey is a freelance NFL writer for The Sporting News. He previously wrote for USA TODAY Sports Media Group, The 33rd Team and Pro Football Network. Enjoyer of chocolate milk, metal music, Batman, pasta salad, and pro wrestling. There is nothing more breathtaking than a Jeff Hardy swanton bomb.