An examination of the Rasul Douglas deal and what experts from around the NFL have to say about it.
Halloween Eve was not only filled with sweets and costumes, but also with the NFL Trade Deadline, which expired on October 31st at 4 p.m. ET. Rasul Douglas, a former West Virginia University cornerback, heard his name mentioned in speculations and was eventually moved from the Green Bay Packers to the Buffalo Bills. He was traded from the [trending] NFC basement dweller to the [likely] AFC contender in exchange for a third-round pick. Given that he only has one year left on his contract and a budget hit of $9 million in 2024 if the Bills keep him, that’s quite ordinary for a legitimate starter.
Despite the financial ramifications, analysts agree that the Buffalo Bills hit a home run with this move. Here’s what everyone said.
SportingNews – Jacob Camenker of SportingNews graded the Bills an A- for this deal, thinking that Doulgas “may end up being the Bills’ No. 1 cornerback.” Furthermore, he felt the Packers received a solid but “unspectacular” return for someone of Douglas’ abilities.
SBNation – SBNation graded the Bills a B+ and felt that Buffalo got the better end of the deal.
www.NFL.com – Kevin Patra gave the Bills the same grade (B+) and felt Buffalo won this deal, writing that “Douglas is an excellent fit in the Bills zone scheme.” He, like others before him, has noted that Tre’Davious White is sidelined for the season, and that rookie cornerback Kaiir Elam failed, creating a significant need for a seasoned cornerback.
Seth Walder of ESPN adopted a more analytical approach, but came to the same conclusion. The Bills get a B+ for their move, while the Packers get a B. “In Douglas, Buffalo gets a corner who has put up reliably solid numbers for several seasons,” Walder said. He points out that the Bills are aiming to establish themselves as a contender this season, and they are not obligated to pay any of Douglas’ 2024 contract (which is $9 million but not guaranteed).
CBSSports – The boys at CBSSports went above and beyond. While they also gave the Bills a B+ for this trade, they felt Buffalo not only got the superior bargain, but also duped the Packers (who received a C- for what they got in return).
The Athlete – “Douglas has some versatility and should fit nicely into Sean McDermott’s defense,” says Jeff Howe, who graded the Packers on this transaction with an A.
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USAToday thinks Douglas delivers “a solid-starter level of play” and gives the Bills a B+ for this transaction, noting that Buffalo won this trade.
BleacherReport – Finally, we’ve reached the one and only individual who believes the Packers won this trade. The Bills received a B from Maurice Moton, while the Packers received a B+ for this action. He admits that “Douglas will be the Bills’ top boundary cornerback,” but he also admits that “he’s prone to giving up big plays as well.”
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