The Buffalo Bills permitted Cole Beasley to seek out a trade, according to the NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. Beasley’s online presence could be a deterrent for some teams, but there’s no denying the veteran slot receiver can still play. He finished the 2021 season with 82 catches and 693 yards.
Cole Beasley trade targets
At 32, Beasley can still fill a crucial role at the NFL level. He’s never been a downfield threat, but he is a consistent weapon in third-and-short situations.
It is unlikely a team trades draft capital for the veteran receiver. General manager Brandon Beane told Garafolo that the Bills would welcome him back with open arms, but they could save about $6 million against the cap if they cut him. So even if they can’t get compensation for him, he could still find himself on the market.
New England Patriots
A blind traffic cop could have seen this one coming. Aside from Beasley being the stereotypical Patriots slot receiver fit, they could also be in the market for one if they allow Jakobi Meyers to walk in free agency.
Josh McDaniels’ departure clouds things offensively. They still haven’t named an offensive coordinator, but I can’t imagine the offense would change drastically.
Tennessee Titans
Besides just generally needing depth, the Titans could desperately use a steady third receiving option behind A.J. Brown and Julio Jones. The offense is based on middle-of-the-field play-action throws, but Beasley could be an excellent checkdown option.
His ability to cleanly separate on underneath routes could make him useful in the quick game against blitzes. He’s also an intelligent player who has no issues finding soft spots in zone coverage underneath.
Tennessee still needs to address the position in the draft, but this will give them an immediate option at a position of need while a draftee develops in the slot.
Houston Texans
At this point in Beasley’s career, he probably wants to play for a contender, but there aren’t many good fits for him in the market. Davis Mills could use a receiver like Beasley, who can quickly win underneath.
Mills ranked 26th in average air yards in 2021. The Texans need someone who can win immediately and be a safety blanket during Mills’ development as a playmaking quarterback.