The Bills currently have 53 players under contract and a salary cap of $294.33 million, according to Spotrac.com. To become cap-compliant with a cap set around $250 million, they need to create over $40 million in cap space. General Manager Brandon Beane acknowledged that this offseason may not include any big money moves due to the need to be creative with the cap. He plans to start by restructuring Josh Allen’s contract, which could bring his cap hit down by approximately $22 million. Once the Bills are under the cap limit, Beane may delay shopping during free agency. Last season, the team made smaller signings during the first week and focused on the second and third waves of free agency. Additionally, Beane will need to clear more space to sign the expected 10-player draft class in April.
He stated that it’s important to understand that they will continue to shop at the same stores as last year and won’t be able to afford high-end shopping centers. However, they will use every resource available to them. The Bills signed Trent Sherfield, Leonard Floyd, and Taylor Rapp to one-year contracts last year and Beane believes this may be a strategy he uses again in free agency this year. Additionally, they plan to rely more on young players, especially rookies, to build next year’s roster. With 10 draft picks, Beane stressed the importance of hitting every draft to succeed in their current cap situation. Players like A.J. Epenesa will have to play more significant roles earlier in their careers, and the Bills will work around their tightened finances to remain competitive. Beane is confident that the Bills will remain an attractive destination for prospective free agents, particularly with Josh Allen’s success and the team’s overall performance.
