Buffalo Bills roster will undergo huge ‘talent drain’ in 2024, losing key starters owing to cap issues.
The Buffalo Bills threw everything they had into the last two years in the hopes of breaking through and ending one of sports’ worst championship droughts. Following another painful playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, it appears that the Bills’ decision to go all-in may now pay them dearly.
Buffalo has undertaken a series of transactions over the last two years with the express goal of upgrading its roster immediately, at the expense of long-term cap security. One of the most notable examples occurred in 2022, when the Buffalo Bills signed edge rusher Von Miller to a six-year, $120 million contract.
Buffalo Bills cap space for 2024: -$51 million.
Miller has one of the Bills’ highest cap hits going into the 2024 offseason. With a slew of starters and crucial role players set to hit free agency this offseason, Buffalo will lose talent.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano, the expectation is for a ‘talent drain’ out of Buffalo this offseason, with numerous imminent free agents expected to leave the organization for better offers in the NFL.
The Bills are already more than $50 million over the NFL salary ceiling for 2024, and they need to stay under it in order to sign their rookie class. Even with contract restructures, Buffalo is anticipated to lose significant salary-cap space, which will be insufficient to keep top free agents.
Buffalo Bills Free Agents 2024:
DaQuan Jones, Dane Jackson, Leonard Floyd, Gabe Davis, Tyrel Dodson, AJ Epenesa and Micah Hyde
Restructuring the contracts of All-Pro quarterback Josh Allen and wide receiver Stefon Diggs would go a long way toward freeing up valuable salary space. Even in that situation, the Bills’ front staff is undoubtedly aware that it will need to part ways with multiple key contributors.
At a time when the AFC is becoming more competitive, with clubs such as the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, and Los Angeles Chargers on the rise, Buffalo’s future as an AFC powerhouse becomes increasingly dubious as its roster ages. While a healthy Allen will always offer the Bills a chance to win the Super Bowl, chronic struggles in head-to-head matchups against the Chiefs, combined with Buffalo’s talent drain, could have serious consequences for the next two years.
