Bills’ Strategy to Free Cap Space for Crucial 2026 Offseason

The Buffalo Bills face critical decisions as they prepare for the 2026 offseason. Significant changes are on the horizon, including a new head coach and a revamped defensive strategy. With Joe Brady stepping in as head coach and Jim Leonhard implementing a new defensive scheme, the team’s management has a full agenda ahead.

Bills’ Strategy to Free Cap Space for Crucial 2026 Offseason

As it stands, the Bills are projected to be $7.449 million over the expected salary cap of $303.5 million for 2026. The rise in the salary cap, projected between $301.2 million and $305.7 million, has sparked hope. However, the Bills face hurdles due to their use of void years in player contracts.

Understanding the Cap Situation

• Current Cap Status: The Bills currently have no available cap space.
• Projected Cap for 2026: Expected to be around $303.5 million.
• Cap Deficit: Projected at -$7.449 million, largely due to void years on contracts.
• Impact of Void Years: Prorated bonus money pushes future liabilities into the current cap year.

Key players like Matt Milano, with two void years totaling $11.071 million, contribute to this cap challenge. As contracts meet their void dates, they will shift from the Top 51 contracts list, allowing room for new players.

Potential Moves to Free Up Cap Space

The Bills will need to consider contract restructures to gain financial flexibility. Here are some strategies they can pursue:

• Quarterback Josh Allen: Restructuring his contract could create $12.16 million in cap savings.
• Right Tackle Spencer Brown: A restructure here may yield $4.74 million.
• Defensive End Greg Rousseau: Restructuring could free up $2.964 million.

Other potential restructure options include players like left tackle Dion Dawkins and defensive tackle Ed Oliver, but their long-term fit raises questions.

Cut Candidates to Consider

The Bills also need to evaluate potential cuts that could alleviate their cap burden. Key candidates include:

• TE Dawson Knox: Cutting him could save $9.664 million, a substantial amount for the team.
• WR Curtis Samuel: His release would save $6.055 million, allowing for roster improvements.
• S Taylor Rapp: His exit could free up $3.075 million in cap space.
• RB Ty Johnson: Cutting him could save $2.455 million, especially with promising young backs on the roster.

Future Cap Projections

After implementing these strategies, the Bills could find themselves with around $24.79 million in cap space. This estimate assumes strategic cuts and restructures of key players. Including further potential restructures could elevate that figure to $33.34 million.

With almost $25 million in cap space, the Bills would be well-positioned to pursue significant players in free agency or consider trades. As the 2026 offseason approaches, Bills president Brandon Beane and his team have crucial decisions ahead that will shape the franchise’s future.