Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane is tasked with navigating the team’s salary cap situation as they sit $36 million over the limit. Beane is working on restructuring contracts and making crucial decisions regarding impending free agents to create more cap space.
Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane Faces Salary Cap Challenge
Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane is facing a crucial task ahead of the NFL draft in April. He needs to navigate the team’s salary cap situation, which currently sits at around $36 million over the limit. Beane has already begun the process by restructuring guard Connor McGovern’s contract, which cleared $3.74 million in cap space. However, there is still a significant amount of work to be done.
( Credit to: Syracuse )
Beane expressed his pleasant surprise at the final salary cap figure for the 2024 season, which came in at $255.4 million. This number exceeded his conservative estimate of being in the low $240 million range. While it’s still a challenge for the Bills to get under the cap, every dollar helps. Beane is working on restructuring contracts and having conversations with players and their representatives to create more cap space.
Crucial Decisions Regarding Impending Free Agents
One of the key decisions Beane will have to make is regarding the team’s 20 impending free agents, including wide receiver Gabriel Davis and pass rusher A.J. Epenesa. Retaining Davis, who is projected to command around $11 million in average annual salary, could be a challenge given the Bills’ limited financial flexibility. Beane expressed his willingness to have conversations with all the free agents and stated that there isn’t a player he doesn’t want back. However, the team needs to find a balance between retaining key players and avoiding future cap issues.
The Status of Star Cornerback Tre’Davious White
Another major consideration for Beane is the status of star cornerback Tre’Davious White. Releasing White before the start of free agency could free up approximately $5 million in cap space. However, Beane emphasized that several factors, including White’s character and medical evaluation, will play a role in the decision. While the Bills have depth at cornerback, White’s presence and high character give Beane confidence in his potential return.
Addressing the Situation Surrounding Matt Araiza
Beane also addressed the situation surrounding former Bills draft pick Matt Araiza, who recently signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. Araiza was initially involved in sexual assault allegations, but he has since been cleared. Beane expressed his disappointment that the situation arose right before the start of the season and praised Araiza for handling it well. He wished Araiza the best with his new team.
Potential Changes in the Bills’ Defensive Line
The Bills’ defensive line could undergo significant changes in the upcoming offseason. With only four defensive linemen under contract who played snaps for the team last season, Beane acknowledged the possibility of an overhaul. The team values their free agents but recognizes that they may find better offers on the open market. Beane emphasized the importance of striking a balance between experienced veterans and young talent in the position group.
Conclusion
Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane faces a challenging offseason as he navigates the salary cap and makes crucial decisions regarding the team’s free agents. While the Bills have a lot of work to do, Beane remains optimistic and is actively working to put the team in the best position moving forward.