ESPN’s Adam Schefter, citing NFL sources, is reporting via Twitter that the Baltimore Ravens are still expected to trade OT Jared Gaither prior to the start of the season – and that the Buffalo Bills are the leading suitor.

Schefter’s tweet in full: “NFL sources still expect Ravens OT Jared Gaither to be traded before season and Bills are most likely destination – they want him.”

Schefter’s ESPN cohort, Tim Graham, has embellished the report, claiming that the Bills have been “aggressively pursuing Gaither behind the scenes.”

Buffalo’s roster is currently devoid of top talent at the tackle position, and as it stands right now, Demetrius Bell, Jamon Meredith, Jason Watkins and rookie Ed Wang would all stand at least a small chance of being the opening-day starter at left tackle. Bell, thanks to his eight starts on the left side, is the most experienced option among that group.

Reports circulated prior to the 2010 NFL Draft that the Ravens were seeking a second-round pick for the 6′9″, 330-pound Gaither, whom the team has moved to right tackle to make way for Michael Oher on the blind side. Gaither had been Baltimore’s left tackle for the past two seasons. It’s unclear what sort of compensation they are seeking now.

Gaither, 24, a restricted free agent, was tendered at the first-round level in March. Whichever team acquires him will need to get a contract extension in place for him as well.

Brian Galliford is the leader of Buffalo Rumblings, the best Buffalo Bills’ fan site on the web, period. He’s generously allowed us to run his positional breakdown series.  You can see this series as well as countless exclusive news and columns by clicking here)