Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane spoke to the media Wednesday before practice to recap the NFL Trade Deadline, provide updates on the team and more.

Here's what we learned.

"We tried on quite a few" | Beane dives into why the team didn't make a move at the deadline

While many might say it was a quiet trade deadline for the Bills because they didn't a move, it doesn't mean it was a slow day at One Bills Drive. Behind the scenes, Beane and his scouting department were working hard and actively trying to make something happen.

"Unfortunately, it takes two to tango and we tried on quite a few," Beane said of their activity on deadline day. "A lot was, 'We're not moving them.' And some, we ran into a couple teams in our division (who) were trading and couldn't get a lot of interest there."

Beane explained even if they have interest in a certain player, it doesn't always mean a team is willing to move on for draft capital.

"There are guys that I'm looking (at), I'm like, 'Man, I would think that guy might be available. He's going to be a free agent, and their team is not doing well.' Maybe they would want draft capital, and they are standing pat," Beane said.

When it comes to making decisions at the deadline, Beane said they have to be mindful of the salary cap and can't always be big buyers.

"You also have to understand we have a salary cap, and we have to hit on these picks," Beane explained. "I mean my job is to not be reckless with this role. It's not fantasy football…There are so many ramifications of cost and draft picks."

One thing Beane and his staff also have to think about is the player fit and if they have the ability to gel in a system at the mid-season mark.

"The trade deadline is hard. What is the fit? What is their mental capacity?" Beane said. "You see talented players that have been in systems for years and it took them a little time to get going, but now they're rolling. That doesn't mean you can drop them right into your system and they pick up right where they left off."

Beane did echo the sentiment that many fans were feeling as he was bummed the Bills couldn't make any moves before 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday hit.

"Believe me, I went home as mad as any other fan," Beane shared. "(I) wanted to do things. I'm always wanting to do things to make this team better."

Even though the Bills didn't make any moves, there is still a lot of believe in the current roster.

"I ain't giving up, but I also believe in our roster, too," Beane explained. "I do believe we can win a championship with this roster. We build it in the spring and through the summer, when we cut to 53, I want to at that point have the best team. I don't really want to need the trade deadline, but I'm always going to look."

"Like how some of these guys are trending" — Rookie class impressing Beane

The 2025 season has seen members of the team's rookie draft class flash at different points throughout the season.

CB Maxwell Hairston was the latest example in just his second game of the year, intercepting QB Patrick Mahomes late in the game. Beane shared that "it's been good to see Max" have two positive performances in a row and his enthusiasm for the game is evident already.

"The smile on his face would make everybody excited to come to work. He's just so genuine. What a tough deal he had. It's going to get better. It's not all going to be perfect. He's facing some tough players, he's going to have tough matchups this week and to come," he said.

Prior to his injury, Beane felt that second-round DT T.J. Sanders "did some good things" in the first four weeks of the season, recording four QB pressures during that span. The team anticipates getting him back at some point this season.

Another rookie DT, Deone Walker, has caught the GM's eye as well. Walker has played in every game and leads all rookie defensive tackles in pressure rate (minimum 50 pass rush attempts).

"He's played a lot of snaps, started games. He'll continue to get better," Beane said.

TE Jackson Hawes immediately popped in his first NFL game in Week 1, providing physicality as a blocker and recording a catch at the goal line. He's been a staple in the offense, playing at least 40% of the snaps in six of eight games so far.

"We were excited with what he could do," Beane said of their scouting process on Hawes. "He's, I would say, exceeded expectations, which is a credit to him to be able to jump in and play as much early in the season."

S Jordan Hancock saw a season-high 26 snaps against the Chiefs and DE Landon Jackson could see more playing time as well with injuries piling up across the defensive front. Still, Beane believes the rookie class is continuing to grow and will keep providing an impact in the second half of the season.

"You like how some of these guys are trending. We're going to need them down the stretch, even without injuries, but the injury bug has hit us here a little bit this season. Hopefully that's coming to an end," Beane said.

Injury updates on DT Ed Oliver, DT T.J. Sanders and WR Gabe Davis

The Bills defense has navigated through several injuries so far this season, namely along the defensive front.

Prior to Week 9, the Bills placed DT Ed Oliver on injured reserve due to a torn bicep. Beane said it's too early in the process to know if Oliver can return later this season or in the playoffs, but didn't rule it out.

"It's so early with that just happening. We dealt with that with Matt Milano a year ago when he did it in camp. It's so far down the road. I can't really tell you. We're going to leave that option open and be hopeful and optimistic, and I know Ed wants to get back," Beane said.

Rookie defensive tackle T.J. Sanders is eligible to have his practice window opened starting Week 11 and Beane seemed optimistic that Sanders will return this season.

"Obviously out right now, hopefully we'll get him back here real soon. He's eligible next week, so fingers crossed, we'll see what that looks like," Beane said.

Veteran wide receiver Gabe Davis is someone the Bills could elevate from the practice squad at some point this season, Beane also shared. Davis signed to the Bills practice squad on Sept. 2 and was placed on the injured list as he rehabbed from a knee injury suffered in the 2024 season with Jacksonville.

Last week, Davis practiced with the team for the first time this season.

"He's worked his tail off to get where he's got. Honestly, maybe even quicker than I thought. I thought last week he had a nice week. Now he's still working through it," Beane shared. "At the right time, of course we would look at that as an option for us."

Why Beane believes WR Keon Coleman has taken a step forward in Year 2

Beane also discussed the growth of his rookies and second-year players at the halfway point of the season. In relation to wide receivers, Beane said their play has been good. In terms of usage, the GM said it's game-plan specific because they also want to establish the line of scrimmage through the run game.

Second-year receiver Keon Coleman has played in all eight games and has recorded 29 catches for 284 yards and caught two receiving touchdowns. Beane believes Coleman is growing as a receiver.

"The microscope is on Keon, I get it," Beane said of the WR's play. "He's drafted high second round, so you're naturally going to put a lot of pressure on him. I would say, there's been some good things and there's things he can continue to do better. I think he has taken another step this year."

Beane shared Coleman's growth has been in his ability to help the team in more than one way.

"I think he has shown maturity of how he can help our offense even away from the ball and in the run game and things like that," Beane said. "But I think he's catching the ball well…He wants his opportunity. He's working hard. He's not complaining."

The GM wants to wait till Coleman's second NFL season is finished to truly evaluate his play.

"I think everyone just needs to let it play out and stop trying to evaluate every snap with him," Beane shared. "Let's evaluate it at the end of the season where he's at after two years."