To reset rules, in the offseason the NFL counts the Top 51 cap hits toward the salary cap number. That number increases to all 53 contracts plus injured reserve plus practice squad when the regular season rolls around.
The Bills are $41.4 million over the Top 51 cap space and $43.7 million over the total cap space right now, per Spotrac. The Bills will also need to budget $6 million in cap space for signing their draft picks. Using Their Top 51 contracts, the Bills need to effectively clear $47.4 million in cap space in order to be compliant and even more if they want to sign free agents.
To free up cap space, the Bills can restructure QB Josh Allen’s contract by converting his roster bonus and most of his base salary into a signing bonus and spreading it over five years, creating $22 million in 2024. This move is a no-brainer as Allen is a long-term player. Additionally, the team should not touch the contracts of Von Miller or Stefon Diggs, as it leaves cap flexibility for 2025. While restructuring TE Dawson Knox’s contract creates $5.4 million in 2024, it’s important to note that his 2024 compensation is mostly guaranteed, so a basic restructure is recommended to lower his cap hit without adding void years.
Nyheim Hines will receive a pay cut, resulting in a $2.5 million savings in 2024 cap space. Although Hines did not meet expectations for his 2023 salary, it was due to injury and he is unlikely to receive a better offer elsewhere. He will receive a total compensation of $2.5 million, including a salary of $1.56 million, a $500,000 roster bonus, $340,000 in per-game bonuses, and a $100,000 workout bonus.
To create more cap space, the Bills could restructure Ryan Bates’ contract, which would result in a $2 million savings in 2024 cap space. They could also consider doing something with Tre’Davious White, such as asking him to take a pay cut with incentives or releasing him to create $6 million in cap space. Another option would be to give White a contract extension and convert $8.5 million of his 2024 compensation into a signing bonus, which could clear $4 million to $6 million in 2024 cap space.
Extending Taron Johnson’s contract could create $4.4 million in 2024 cap space, as he has been a consistent player and is entering the final year of his deal. It is difficult to provide comparisons for his contract, but he is likely to be paid in the range of $12 to $14 million per year and considered a coverage linebacker. $5 million in base salary can be shifted and a $500,000 roster bonus can be used to create the cap space.
