The Buffalo Bills have been a perennial playoff contender, making the postseason for six consecutive seasons under the leadership of general manager Brandon Beane. Despite their consistent success, the Bills have yet to break through to the Super Bowl, often falling short against formidable opponents like the Kansas City Chiefs, who have eliminated them in four of the past five years. In a recent appearance on the podcast “Bussin’ With The Boys,” Beane revealed a bold offseason ambition that could have reshaped the Bills’ roster and elevated their status as Super Bowl favorites.
Beane hinted at a blockbuster trade he considered during the offseason, stating, “Yeah, um, maybe, he’s a pass rusher for another team, 3 hours away and he got paid about 40 million this year.” The player in question is none other than Cleveland Browns’ star defensive end Myles Garrett, widely regarded as one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers. Garrett, who reportedly requested a trade before signing a massive $40 million per year contract with the Browns, would have been a game-changing addition to Buffalo’s already formidable defense.
A Missed Opportunity for a Super Bowl Push
Myles Garrett’s desire to compete for a Super Bowl aligned perfectly with the Bills’ aspirations. However, the Browns’ lucrative offer kept the elite defender in Cleveland, leaving Buffalo to ponder what could have been. Beane’s comments suggest that Garrett, a $160 million star when factoring in the total value of his contract, was the missing piece he believed could push the Bills over the hump in their quest for a championship.
The Bills’ defense is already among the league’s best, consistently ranking high in key metrics such as sacks and turnovers. Adding a player of Garrett’s caliber—a dominant force with a rare combination of speed, power, and football IQ—would have made Buffalo’s defensive front nearly unstoppable. Analysts and fans alike agree that Garrett’s presence could have vaulted the Bills from perennial contenders to clear Super Bowl favorites.
The Kansas City Challenge Looms Large
Despite their impressive regular-season performances, the Bills have struggled to overcome the Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs. The Chiefs have been a thorn in Buffalo’s side, knocking them out of the postseason in four of the last five years. Until the Bills can defeat Patrick Mahomes and company in a high-stakes playoff game, they will remain in the shadow of the two-time defending champions.
Beane’s pursuit of Garrett underscores his determination to close the gap with Kansas City. While the trade did not materialize, it signals that Beane is willing to make aggressive moves to bolster the roster and give quarterback Josh Allen the support he needs to lead the team to a Super Bowl.
Moving Forward with the Current Roster
With Garrett staying in Cleveland, the Bills must rely on their existing talent as they prepare for the upcoming season. The team’s defensive line, featuring players like Ed Oliver and Von Miller, remains a strength, but the absence of a transcendent talent like Garrett leaves some questions unanswered. Offensively, Josh Allen continues to be one of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks, and the addition of new weapons in the offseason should help diversify the Bills’ attack.
The Bills kick off their 2025 campaign against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football on September 7. This primetime matchup will be an early test of Buffalo’s playoff aspirations and a chance to show they can compete with the AFC’s elite. While the dream of adding Myles Garrett may have faded, Brandon Beane’s bold vision for the team remains clear: build a roster capable of bringing a Super Bowl to Buffalo.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Beane and the Bills to see if they can finally get the monkey off their back and dethrone the Chiefs. For now, Bills Mafia can only wonder what might have been with a $160 million star anchoring their defense.