Not only was Halloween Eve full of candy and costumes, but on October 31st at 4 p.m. ET, the NFL Trade Deadline was also passed. Rasul Douglas, a former cornerback for West Virginia University, heard whispers about him just before that time and was eventually moved by the Green Bay Packers to the Buffalo Bills. He was traded for a third round pick, sending him from the [trending] NFC basement dweller to the [probable] AFC contender. With just one season left on his contract, that’s about average for a reliable starter. If the Bills decide to keep him, his 2024 cap hit would be $9 million.
Experts think that this was a home run move for the Buffalo Bills despite the financial ramifications. Here are the opinions expressed by all.
Jacob Camenker of SportingNews graded the Bills’ acquisition with an A-, stating that Doulgas “may end up being the Bills’ No. 1 cornerback.” Furthermore, he believed that the Packers received a respectable but “unspectacular” return for a player of Douglas’ caliber of skill.
Similar opinions were expressed by SBNation, which awarded the Bills a B+ rating and said Buffalo came out on top in this transaction.
– NFL.com In addition to feeling Buffalo won this deal, Kevin Patra reiterated the same grade (B+) for the Bills, saying, “Douglas is an excellent fit in the Bills zone scheme.” Like others before him, he has noted that rookie cornerback Kaiir Elam underperformed, creating a huge need for an experienced cornerback, and that Tre’Davious White is done for the season.
Seth Walder of ESPN used a more analytical strategy, but the outcome was the same. With a lower (B) score for the Packers, the Bills made a strong B+ play. “In Douglas, Buffalo gets a corner who has put up reliably solid numbers for several seasons,” Walder stated. He notes that the Bills are working to strengthen their position as a contender for this season and that they will not be responsible for any portion of Douglas’ $9 million (but uncertain) 2024 payroll.
CBSSports: The guys over at CBSSports went above and beyond. Even while they rated the Bills a B+ for the trade, they also thought Buffalo got the better end of the bargain and blindsided the Packers (who received a C- for their return). The Athletic – Jeff Howe, who rated the Packers an A for this transaction, adds that Douglas “has some versatility and should fit nicely into Sean McDermott’s defense.”
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USAToday argues that Douglas offers “a solid-starter level of play” and gives the Bills a B+ for this transaction. He also concurs that Buffalo came out on top in this deal.
BleacherReport: Lastly, we’re the only ones who think the Packers emerged victorious from this trade. Maurice Moton awarded the Packers a B+ and the Bills a B for this play. Although “Douglas will be the Bills’ top boundary cornerback,” he also notes that “he’s prone to giving up big plays as well.”
