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Six games into the season, the Buffalo Bills' most glaring weakness has been their pass defense. The team has allowed 1,715 passing yards and enters its Week 7 bye ranked 31st in the league against the pass. First-year defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard is searching for solutions, but the current secondary limits his options. While Buffalo's need for safety help has been well documented, their cornerback coverage issues are equally pressing.
With the Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline approaching, The Athletic's Daniel Popper suggests the Bills should target Amik Robertson of the Washington Commanders. Washington signed Robertson this offseason, and he has been one of the few bright spots on a defense that has struggled. The Commanders sit at 1-4-1 and could be headed for a major overhaul, with head coach Dan Quinn reportedly on the hot seat.
Robertson's appeal to Buffalo lies in his ability to play both the slot and the boundary. "Robertson signed a two-year, $16 million deal with the Commanders in free agency," Popper wrote. "He has been one of the few bright spots from Peters' offseason. Robertson does not have any fully guaranteed money on his deal in 2027. The Commanders would take on $3 million in dead money in 2027 if they trade him before the deadline. Robertson is a capable man coverage corner who could help a number of teams in the secondary. He can play inside and outside."
Key Analysis
A fourth-round pick out of Louisiana Tech in 2020, Robertson has often been overlooked due to his size. At 5-foot-9 and 183 pounds, he is among the shorter defensive backs in the league, but he has never let that hold him back. Over his career, he has recorded 253 tackles, 43 pass defenses, and five interceptions. This season, he has 40 tackles and eight pass breakups. Pro Football Focus gives him a 69.8 overall grade, but his 86.8 run-defense grade stands out, proving he plays much larger than his frame suggests.
Robertson would fit as a nickel corner for the Bills, where he could help contain opposing slot receivers while also upgrading their run defense. If Washington is willing to stockpile draft picks, Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane should be ready to make a move for the versatile Robertson, who could shore up the team's greatest weakness.