Buffalo Bills: Kelvin Benjamin trade brightens future

The Buffalo Bills made a huge move on Tuesday, acquiring Kelvin Benjamin from the Carolina Panthers. What does the trade mean for the Bills?

Right before the trade deadline at 4:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, the Buffalo Bills made a blockbuster trade, acquiring wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin from the Carolina Panthers in exchange for 2017 third and seventh round picks.

The trade is exactly what the Bills needed heading into the second half of the season, as they were desperately lacking a go-to wide receiver all season. The Bills leading receiver before this trade was tight end Charles Clay with 258 yards. Not only is he a tight end, but he’s also going to be out at least another week with a knee injury. Jordan Matthews leads all wide receivers with only 193 yards this season, and has also struggled to stay healthy all season.

Benjamin was taken in the first round of the 2014 draft by the Panthers. He is one of many talented receivers who were selected in the first round of that year’s draft. He had a spectacular rookie season in which he surpassed the 1,000-yard mark, and averaged over 13 yards a reception.

The Florida State product suffered a torn ACL before the 2015 season, and was forced to sit out the entire year. The Panthers ultimately went to the Super Bowl that season, and could have used him against a tough Broncos defense. He bounced back nicely in 2016, raking in 941 yards and seven touchdowns.

Benjamin had been having a decent season for the Panthers prior to the trade, and had been one of Cam Newton’s favorite targets. It is unclear why the Panthers decided to move on from Benjamin, however, it is most likely due to salary. Benjamin is owed $8.5 million next season after the Panthers picked up his fifth-year option.

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The Bills clearly don’t have a problem paying Benjamin’s salary for 2018. When Benjamin is on his game, he is one of the best jump ball receivers in the league. His 6-5 frame is very hard to box out, and Tyrod Taylor is definitely thrilled to have Benjamin on the roster. He is the big bodied “go up and get it” type receiver the Bills have been looking for. If Benjamin and Matthews can stay healthy, the Bills have themselves a nice 1-2 punch at wide receiver for the future.