The Buffalo Bills are facing a defensive line crisis in the 2025 season, with injuries and suspensions depleting their roster. Ed Oliver has missed the last two games, with his Week 4 status uncertain. DeWayne Carter is out for the season, and Larry Ogunjobi is sidelined until Week 8 due to a six-game suspension. Desperate for depth, the Bills are reportedly considering a bold and controversial move: acquiring Dallas Cowboys’ former first-round pick, Mazi Smith, a 6’3″, 337-pound defensive lineman who has been labeled a major disappointment.
A Risky Gamble on a Former First-Rounder
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox suggests that the Bills could target Smith, a 24-year-old Michigan product drafted in the first round by Dallas in 2023. Knox describes Smith as a “developmental interior defender” who could fetch a 2026 sixth-round pick for the Cowboys. However, this assessment has raised eyebrows, as Smith’s NFL tenure has been anything but promising.
In his two-plus seasons with Dallas, Smith has been a significant letdown. After two underwhelming years, he was a healthy scratch for the first two games of the 2025 season, only seeing the field in Week 3. His lack of production and inability to secure a consistent role have led many to label him a bust. For a Bills team already struggling with injuries, trading for a player with such a track record seems like a questionable decision.
Why the Bills Might Consider Smith
Despite his struggles, Smith’s physical attributes make him an intriguing prospect. At 6’3″ and 337 pounds, he has the size and potential to clog running lanes and disrupt offensive lines—qualities the Bills desperately need. With their defensive line decimated, Buffalo may see Smith as a low-cost reclamation project who could thrive in a new environment. The Bills’ coaching staff, known for developing talent, might believe they can unlock something Dallas couldn’t.
Additionally, the proposed trade cost—a 2026 sixth-round pick—is relatively low, making it a low-risk move in terms of draft capital. If Smith were to be cut by Dallas, as some speculate could happen if his performance doesn’t improve, the Bills could even consider signing him to their practice squad without surrendering any assets.
Why the Deal Sparks Controversy
However, the potential acquisition is fraught with concerns. Smith’s lack of impact over two seasons raises red flags about his ability to contribute meaningfully. The Bills, who are aiming to compete in a tough AFC, need immediate help, not a project player who may never pan out. Trading even a late-round pick for a player who was recently a healthy scratch feels like a misallocation of resources, especially when Buffalo could explore other options, such as free agents or practice squad elevations.
Critics argue that Smith’s ceiling is limited, and his floor is alarmingly low. If the Cowboys, who invested a first-round pick in him, have given up on his development, why should Buffalo expect different results? The Bills’ front office would need to be confident in their ability to turn Smith’s career around—a risky bet given his track record.
A Better Alternative?
If Dallas does end up releasing Smith, the Bills could take a flyer on him without sacrificing draft capital. Adding him to the practice squad would allow Buffalo to evaluate his potential in their system while preserving resources for other needs. This approach would align with the team’s current strategy of managing a roster hit hard by injuries without overcommitting to unproven talent.
Final Verdict
The idea of the Buffalo Bills acquiring Mazi Smith is a shocking twist that has fans and analysts divided. On one hand, his size and potential make him an intriguing option for a team in need of defensive line help. On the other, his disappointing performance in Dallas suggests he’s far from a sure thing. Trading for Smith would be a bold gamble, one that could either pay off as a savvy reclamation project or further highlight Buffalo’s desperation. For now, the smarter move might be to wait and see if Smith becomes available without costing a draft pick. The Bills’ next steps will be crucial as they navigate this challenging season.