The NFL offseason often brings tough decisions for teams looking to balance their books, and the Buffalo Bills are no strangers to this financial juggling act. With a $12 million deficit looming, the Bills are gearing up to make some strategic moves to not only get back in the black but also create space to bolster their roster in key areas.
Expect to see some contract restructures and player releases as the Bills navigate this cap crunch. However, one potential move that has fans buzzing is the possibility of releasing defensive tackle Ed Oliver. According to Brad Gagnon from Bleacher Report, Oliver’s departure could be on the horizon.
Ed Oliver's potential release has certainly raised eyebrows among Bills fans. With a hefty $23.9 million cap hit for 2026, cutting him post-June 1 could free up $14.7 million in cap space. This financial maneuvering might be necessary, especially with a new defensive coordinator, Jim Leonhard, bringing in a fresh approach.
Oliver's performance and cost-effectiveness are under scrutiny. While he's shown flashes of brilliance since joining the Bills in 2019, his injury history and recent struggles complicate his future with the team. Last season, Oliver was limited to just three regular season games and one playoff appearance, which raises questions about his reliability moving forward.
The emergence of Deone Walker, who impressed during his rookie year, adds another layer to the decision. Meanwhile, T.J. Sanders, despite some struggles, remains a player the Bills are hopeful can develop into a key contributor.
With potential schematic changes on the horizon, the Bills face a critical decision: Is Oliver still a fit for their evolving defense, and is his price tag justifiable? If not, we may have witnessed Oliver's last moments in a Bills uniform.