As the Buffalo Bills dive into the offseason, they're facing some challenging decisions regarding their salary cap situation. With the team currently sitting about $12 million over the cap, they'll need to make some strategic moves to stay competitive in 2026. Let's delve into the potential roster changes that could help the Bills manage their finances.
Dawson Knox
Dawson Knox presents a particularly tricky situation for the Bills. As a reliable tight end and respected leader, Knox has been a fan favorite throughout his seven-year tenure with the team. However, his current cap hit of $17.07 million is a hefty price tag that doesn’t align with his recent production.
Releasing Knox could save the Bills $9.664 million, but it would also incur a $7.4 million dead cap hit. If they opt for a post-June 1 designation, the savings increase to $12 million, with a reduced dead cap of $5.07 million. More likely, the Bills may look to restructure his contract, potentially saving $6.9 million while keeping Knox in the fold.
Curtis Samuel
Wide receiver Curtis Samuel's contract is another focal point. Although brought in for his versatility and speed, Samuel has struggled to make a significant impact, with just 38 catches over two seasons.
Cutting him before June 1 would save $6.06 million, with $3.45 million in dead cap. A post-June 1 cut increases savings to $7.78 million and lowers the dead cap to $1.725 million.
The Bills might consider replacing his production with a less costly option from the draft.
Taylor Rapp
Safety Taylor Rapp's situation seems more straightforward. Releasing him would offer a clean cap relief of $3.075 million, leaving behind a manageable $666,668 in dead cap. With Rapp unlikely to start next season, this move could free up space to bolster other areas of the roster.
Tyler Bass
Kicker Tyler Bass faces uncertainty due to a hip injury that sidelined him last season. While he's been reliable in the past, his recovery raises questions about his future performance. It's unlikely the Bills will release him during his rehab, but if he doesn’t show progress by training camp, they could save $3.95 million by moving on.
In the end, these decisions won't be easy, given the personal connections and contributions of these players. However, the NFL is a business, and the Bills must make tough choices to maintain their competitiveness in the AFC. These potential moves could be pivotal in shaping the team's future.