Centered on Buffalo Podcast w/Eric Wood | For Buffalo Bills Fans · Former NFL Center Eric Wood

Bills GM Brandon Beane on Free Agency, Trades & What’s Next

March 18, 2026·26 min·2 clips

Brandon Beane says the Bills would have taken DJ Moore at pick 22 if they hadn't traded up for Tremaine Edmunds.

This episode features Buffalo Bills General Manager Brandon Beane in a conversation with host Eric Wood. They discuss the team's recent roster moves and strategy heading into the new NFL season. Beane provides detailed explanations for several key acquisitions and departures during free agency. The trade for wide receiver DJ Moore was initiated after discussions with the Chicago Bears at the NFL Combine. Beane reveals the Bills had strong interest in Moore dating back to the 2018 draft. Retaining center Connor McGovern was a priority, with Beane citing the importance of stability at that position for a team's success. He references former centers Jeff Mitchell and Ryan Kalil from his time with the Carolina Panthers. Beane discusses Dawson Knox's contract restructuring, noting the tight end had other suitors but wanted to remain in Buffalo. The signing of pass rusher Bradley Chubb is attributed to his complete skill set and leadership, with a recommendation from former coach Vic Fangio. Cornerback D'Andre Alford impressed the Bills with his performance against them last season, and his journey from Tusculum University and the CFL was a compelling story. The addition of safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson followed extensive research, including conversations with his former teammates and coaches. Beane compares his competitive edge to that of former Panthers receiver Steve Smith. He also comments on the league-wide ripple effects of the voided trade involving edge rusher Maxx Crosby. Beane explains the Bills are now "shopping in the very low end of the pool" for remaining free agents, needing to budget for draft picks and practice squad costs. He shares his thoughts on the record-breaking 40-yard dash times at the NFL Combine, speculating on potential causes like a new turf surface. For his NCAA tournament pick, Beane selects Duke, influenced by his familiarity with the Boozer family. A surprising claim is that the Bills would have selected DJ Moore in the 2018 draft if they had not traded up for linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. Beane admits the contract for center Tyler Linderbaum, which more than doubled McGovern's deal, "turned my head." He highlights Alford's unconventional path, which included a stint working for FedEx during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation reveals the complex financial planning behind roster construction, including accounting for injury replacement costs. Beane's personal connection to Chubb, having followed him since his NC State days, factored into the signing decision. The tone is casual and insider-focused, driven by a former player interviewing a current executive. The style is conversational and educational, offering a behind-the-scenes look at NFL front-office decision-making. This episode is ideal for Buffalo Bills fans seeking detailed explanations of the team's offseason strategy. Listeners with only a casual interest in NFL roster mechanics or team-specific news might find it too niche.

As heard by us

A Bills-front-office conversation that stays focused on roster thinking and film.

The episode keeps its attention on how Brandon Beane thinks, not on whatever headline is waiting off to the side. Eric Wood steers the talk through the DJ Moore trade, the free-agent class, and the kind of opponent film that can linger in a scout's head when a player comes back…

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Why you'd press play

You want Brandon Beane on the DJ Moore trade, the Bills' next move, and the reasoning behind it.

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