Citing league sources, Mike Florio at ProFootballTalk.com is reporting that the Buffalo Bills were one of two teams that expressed interest in trading for Ravens restricted free agent left tackle Jared Gaither in the weeks preceding the 2010 NFL Draft. Though Baltimore did not receive an offer from Buffalo, their interest is somewhat telling.
The Cowboys were the other team that expressed interest in Gaither. Gaither holds a first-round tender, but the Ravens indicated pre-draft that they'd be willing to move Gaither in exchange for less than a first-round pick.
Reports circulated out of Baltimore that the team's interest in trading Gaither was more a ploy to get Gaither to report to the team's voluntary off-season workouts, but speculation still exists that Gaither could be on the trading block. Set to make $2.5 million in 2010, Gaither is seeking a long-term extension, and if Baltimore doesn't move him now, he's likely to leave as an unrestricted free agent after next season. Baltimore plans on starting Michael Oher at left tackle, and Gaither could be forced to move to the right side or ride the pine if that move happens with Gaither still on the roster.
Buffalo used a fifth-round selection on Virginia Tech left tackle prospect Ed Wang on Saturday. The Bills appear to be steeling themselves for an open competition for the left tackle position between Wang and veterans Demetrius Bell and Jamon Meredith. It's unclear if Buffalo's interest in Gaither waned prior to draft day, or if there is still interest at all, but this is a situation that bears watching for the time being.