August 11th 2017. Brandon Beane and Sean McDermott sent shock waves through BillsMafia when they traded fan favorite Sammy Watkins to the Los Angeles Rams. While few would argue with the effectiveness of that move now, we were told to Trust The Process at the time.
Could we on the brink of another seismic shock? According to reports, the Philadelphia Eagles have inquired about LeSean McCoy’s availability. And the Bills are listening. The asking price has been reported to be a 2nd and a 3rd round pick. Given what we have heard all summer and now into the fall, it is no surprise that the Bills are rebuilding. Every time that McDermott gets the chance, he reiterates that point. While this past offseason was focused on getting the defense solidified, next year will be focused on the offense. LeSean McCoy is a wonderful play maker, and a great leader and roll model for this football team, but he will not be on this team in 2-3 years, so the question must be asked: Should Beane flip his players for assets while they are in high demand? Here are some reasons for trading McCoy and against trading McCoy.
Reasons for trading LeSean McCoy:
- 30 years old
- Will not be a part of the team in a few years
- 9 million dollar cap hit next year
- Gives more playing time to younger players
- The continued domestic abuse rumors
- Give McCoy the chance to play on a competitor before he retires
Reasons against trading LeSean McCoy:
- Makes you a less competitive team
- Trading a player-voted captain is bad for team moral
- Does not help Josh Allen’s development (taking away a weapon)
The magic piece in all of this…the Philadelphia Eagles. If it was any other team, I do not think a deal would get done. But, since it is the Eagles that are rumored to be interested, I think I deal could get done. It is not a secret that things ended on a very sour note with Chip Kelly and McCoy. I think Eagles owner Jeff Lurie would love nothing more than to bring the Harrisburg, PA kid back home and let him finish his career off in Philadelphia, where frankly, he should have never left in the first place. For that reason, I think Beane might be able to get exactly what he is asking for when it comes to LeSean McCoy.
What do you think Bills fans? Do you agree with my reasons for and against trading Shady? Should Beane take the picks and part ways with our fan favorite? Let me know in the comments below!