Prior to the NFL trade deadline, reports were flying around suggesting that the Buffalo Bills could deal away LeSean McCoy as part of their ongoing rebuild.

However, the trade deadline came and past and the running back remained a member of the AFC East franchise despite the reported interest from several other teams across the league.

Despite the rumours of him possibly moving on, Bills general manager Brandon Beane has commented on how the team plans to approach the situation regarding the 30-year-old in 2019.

The Bills general manager confirmed to The Buffalo News that McCoy remains part of the team's plans for 2019.

Beane said: "LeSean is still a very good player in this league. Our offense is not where we want it, but LeSean is still playing well. He's a talented player. We like what he brings, to the point we'll have him back in 2019. He'll definitely be a part of that."

The Bills might be happy with McCoy, but anyone that's watched the running back play this season will know that he isn't the same player he once was, and his stats prove it.

The 30-year-old is averaging a career-low 3.4 yards per carry this season and has yet to score a touchdown. He only has 257 yards so far in 2018. The player himself has admitted he's finding it tough too.

McCoy said after Monday's loss to the New England Patriots, according to NFL.com: "I ain't expect to have no season like this. I'm not really playing well at all. ... It's a different season. I'm 30 years old, playing since when I've been in high school.

"This stuff [has] never happened to me. It is tough."

The Bills don't look like they will be playing in the playoffs this season unless something major changes in the team. The draft will help the team rebuild towards a brighter future and Beane knows it will take time.

Beane said: "You have to build through the draft, and it takes time. ... You can't build up a nucleus just through free agency. You've got to grow them. As much as we're in an impatient world, if you want something to last, you have to build it the right way."

Whether or not McCoy will be with the Bills to see the progress happen or moved on in order for the team to land more draft picks though remains to be seen despite the Bills general manager's comments.