With the Buffalo Bills constantly undergoing roster reconstruction with injuries, it may be time to make a trade for a former first round draft pick.

Defensive tackle Mazi Smith of the Dallas Cowboys was selected in the first round, 24th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, in two seasons, Smith has been a grave disappointment, especially this season, where he’s posting a low-tiered 44.5 PFF grade and has generated zero pressures.

It’s not that Smith isn’t able, because he’s one of the better athletes on the defensive line. But perhaps it’s because he’s a slow starter.

The 2024 season, his second year in the NFL, was the first time he started all 17 games. The first nine weeks, he was a complete liability, with a 29.5 PFF grade (worst among all tackles), with a 28.5 run stop grade (second to last). 

However, for the rest of the season, his productivity skyrocketed, and played to a 50.5 grade.

The talent is there, but because he played on the Cowboys, the spotlight is extra hot and extra bright.

Though Smith is off to a very slow start once again, and he’s become the topic of quite a bit of trade discussions.

After trading Micah Parsons, and bringing in DT Kenny Clark, Smith has quickly fallen out of favor with coach Brian Schottenheimer. He was inactive for the first two games, and when they finally activated him, he only played 18 snaps.

Think it’s safe to say that ship has sailed -- and former Cowboy, Greg Ellis wants people to know that whatever was holding Smith back, it wasn't because he's not a good football player.

Heading into the season, the pressure for the Bills to win a Super Bowl was at an all time high, however, the defense took a substantial hit over the years.

And the hits have kept coming.

Ed Oliver, who was part of Buffalo’s last quarter Week 1 comeback against the Ravens has been in a walking boot, and Matt Milano, who’s often been injured is back on the shelf.

So why not give the young kid in Smith a try?

Buffalo’s defense has a few rookies in TJ Sanders and Deone Walker, and because of the Oliver injury is giving veteran Da’Quan Jones more of a look.

Sanders hasn’t been great to start, however, Walker has looked fantastic. Still, Buffalo needs depth, and it doesn’t hurt to give a former first rounder with supreme athleticism a shot.

Given his lack of snaps, you have to imagine that a trade return is on the low side. Bleacher Report has him listed his return as a potential sixth round pick.

The NFL trade deadline will take place on November 4th at 4:00 p.m. ET.