Buffalo Plus Podcast Summary

Episode: Why Brandon Beane Says He Did Not Make a Move at the Deadline
Date: November 6, 2025
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fates

Episode Overview

In this episode, the Buffalo Plus team—Mike, Jenna, and Dan—break down why Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane chose not to make any moves at the NFL trade deadline. They reflect on Beane’s press conference, analyze the team’s needs (chiefly at wide receiver), discuss fan and player perspectives, debate the roster’s strengths and limitations, and look ahead to the offseason, offering seasoned insights and some humorous banter along the way.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trade Deadline Inactivity: Beane’s Rationale

• Beane’s Mood: The group notes Beane sounded “a little dejected” (02:13)—keen to make a move but unable to do so.
• Market Realities: "It takes two to tango. And we tried on quite a few... Believe me, I went home as mad as any other fan" – Brandon Beane (03:49).
  • Not many impactful wide receivers were actually traded, despite rumors.
• Salary Cap: Beane stated the cap wasn't the main issue; available talent/price was.

2. Wide Receiver Upgrades: Offseason or Bust?

• Ongoing Issue: Dan asserts he’s “99.9%” sure the Bills will target a WR upgrade in the offseason (00:00, 10:13), but Mike counters they've been saying this for years.
• Trade Target Rumors: The hosts debate if the Bills really pursued top receivers like Jalen Waddle, Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson (11:01–11:20).
• Drafting History: Disappointment that only Keon Coleman was added in the draft, despite apparent need.

3. Fan and Player Frustration

• Understanding Frustration: Beane acknowledges fans’ desires: "We're usually very active... Sometimes... you feel like, damn, that was a waste of time" – Brandon Beane (03:49–04:25).
• Team Narrative Management: Josh Allen and Sean McDermott take the “company line” (07:41), expressing full faith in current pass catchers, despite visible offensive struggles.

4. Evaluating the Receiving Corps and Offense

• Keon Coleman’s Usage: Hosts question his impact; less Coleman might be “better for this Bills offense,” focusing more on jumbo sets and the run game (09:09).
• Philosophical Shift: The Bills are moving to a ground-and-pound, O-line focused approach, minimizing risk with their limited WR corps.

5. Trade Deadline “What Ifs” & Overpaying

• Appropriate Value Debates: “Rashid Shaheed is not worth a first round pick... that is not for a rental.” – Jenna (06:13)
• Overdramatic Moves: The crew cautions against overpaying for mid-level talent just to make a move (12:20–12:49).

6. Team Injuries and Depth Updates (14:55–16:34)

• James Cook: Dealing with ankle/foot soreness, but played through the last game.
• A.J. Epenesa: In concussion protocol after sacking Mahomes.
• Taron Johnson & Christian Benford: Monitoring injuries.
• Other WRs: Josh Palmer practicing on a limited basis.

7. Upcoming Game Outlook: Miami Dolphins

• Opponent’s State: Miami described as a “bad team that knows they're bad now. That makes them dangerous.” – Jenna (17:26–17:40)
• Roster Motivation: Dolphins’ players have extra motivation as roster churn means they’re “playing for their careers.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [03:49] Brandon Beane: "It takes two to tango. And we tried on quite a few... I went home as mad as any other fan... I'm always wanting to do things."
• [10:13] Dan Fates: "I feel like it is a 99.9% shot that they are upgrading the wide receiver position in the off season."
• [06:13] Jenna Cottrell: "Rashid Shaheed is not worth a first round pick. Like, that is not for a rental. Like, Chris Olave didn't get traded."
• [07:10] Mike Catalana: "[Josh was] asked if his faith in the wide receiving core continues to grow because there's still things in this playbook that we have not seen and the opportunity for players to grow... that's why he's still... always will have confidence in this wide receiver room."
• [09:09] Jenna Cottrell: "Way less Keon Coleman on the field is better for this Bill's offense. It just is."
• [17:39] Jenna Cottrell: "Miami at that time was a bad team that didn't know they were a bad team. Now they know they're bad. That makes them dangerous."

Important Timestamps

• Trade Deadline Analysis / Beane’s Comments: 01:28–05:15
• Wide Receiver Market and Offseason Needs: 10:06–13:36
• Keon Coleman/WR Room Critique: 08:02–10:13
• Fan and QB/Coach Sentiments: 06:13–07:41
• Team Injuries / Player Updates: 14:55–16:34
• Dolphins Preview & Team Motivation: 16:34–18:53

Signature Banter & Tone

• Fully in the Buffalo Plus groove: a blend of “real talk,” humor among hosts, and frank acknowledgment of fan frustrations.
• Clear on rooting for rational moves, not emotional trades (“not a fan of overpaying just to overpay” – Jenna, 12:22).
• Needle each other about age, “continental vs. contiguous U.S.,” and the quirks of Bills fandom, providing levity alongside analytical depth (19:13–20:36).

Conclusion

The Buffalo Plus team delivers another insightful episode, putting Brandon Beane’s trade deadline inactivity in perspective while focusing on the Bills' ongoing offensive needs—particularly at wide receiver. The discussion sets clear expectations for a critical offseason and maintains its characteristic blend of candor and wit, keeping Bills fans informed, entertained, and—despite everything—hopeful.