A lot has changed for the Buffalo Bills since the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite losing key offensive players like Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis last year, the team focused heavily on defense. They drafted six defensive prospects and just three offensive weapons, but as GM Brandon Beane reshapes the roster, he came forward to share a wild behind-the-scenes story about drafting Josh Allen back in 2018—a move that helped define the franchise.
Brandon Beane was present on The Rich Eisen Show on May 6. When the host of the show asked him about drafting No. 17 in the 2018 NFL draft, he said, “Because we had made the playoffs the year before, and we were at 21 and 22. We went from 21 to 12. So at that point, we were sitting at 12. How do we get all the way up to the top two or three if we’re going to land Josh? And fortunately, he was still there and we were able to move to seven and get it.” Then Bean shared how scared he was when the divisional rival, the New York Jets, had a competition to land Josh Allen.
The Bills’ GM recalled and admitted, “Yeah, I was very concerned. You’re always trying to read signals and ask people that you think may be in the no. I’m pretty sure I mean, John Dorsey was the GM and Dorsey is a great GM, and still he’s done a heck of a job at helping Brad Holmes and that team in Detroit. And I’m pretty sure they were down to Josh or Baker. And so I, you know, I was very nervous that he would get selected there.” During the 2018 NFL draft, talk of the town was that Allen was going to be the 1st overall. But the Cleveland Browns selected Baker Mayfield.
Then the 2nd quarterback to get drafted in the class was Sam Darnold. Then, in order to land Josh Allen in Buffalo, Brandon Beane made a trade with the Cincinnati Bengals. In that trade, Buffalo received the No. 12 and No. 187 overall picks, whereas Cincinnati received Cordy Glenn and the No. 21 and No. 158 overall picks. But how did they go to the 7th overall place?
After the Bengals traded for the 12th overall pick, Beane cracked the code for the final deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which he didn’t know would work. In that trade, the Buffalo received the No. 7 and No. 255 overall picks, and Tampa Bay received the No. 53 and No. 56 overall picks. Done. Then, when the Indianapolis Colts selected Quenton Nelson of Notre Dame at 5th overall, it was a great opportunity for the Bills, and they did it.
NFL, American Football Herren, USA San Francisco 49ers at Buffalo Bills Dec 1, 2024 Orchard Park, New York, USA Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen 17 is interviewed after winning a game against the San Francisco 49ers to clinch the AFC East title at Highmark Stadium. Orchard Park Highmark Stadium New York USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMarkxKoneznyx 20241201_neb_bk3_546
The announcer said, “With the 7th overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, the Buffalo Bills selected Joshua Allen.” After picking up Allen, the Bills organization has entered six times in the postseason. Brandon Beane’s hard work paid off. But there is still a rocky path to go. The Bills must be eyeing the Super Bowl.
While Allen’s team was eyeing a Lombardi, one mafia will end his journey with his jersey number with the Bills. The organization has shut the door on the star player’s jersey number.
Josh Allen’s new receiver will not play with the #8 jersey…
Last week, Brandon Beane added Elijah Moore to Josh Allen’s offensive squad. The Bills made the deal with the Browns, who wanted to move on from the 25-year-old wide receiver. But after coming into the city of Buffalo, the star wide receiver will not be wearing his No. 8 jersey. In 2025, he will be wearing No. 18, the same number Amari Cooper used to wear last season. But as Cooper wasn’t able to sign a new deal, Moore will be having the number.
Sep 24, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard (31) tries to tackle Cleveland Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) during the second half at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
The Bills signed Moore to a contract of $5 million contract, which will end after the upcoming season. But the Bills expect tremendous progress in their 2025 season with Elijah Moore on the offensive squad. In the 2024 season, Elijah made 61 receptions for 538 yards. Though the numbers might not look impressive, the franchise knows what potential Moore has and what he will bring to the gridiron soon.
Let’s see if Elijah Moore can step up and provide meaningful support to Josh Allen in 2025. The expectation has been set. He can potentially become a key weapon in the Bills’ offensive arsenal and help to stretch the field, open up passing lanes. He relieves pressure on the team’s top targets as they push for a deep playoff run.
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