TheBeaneBandit Posted January 18 Posted January 18 2 hours ago, Magox said: With another heart-wrenching loss behind us, the Bills are entering a pivotal 2026 offseason. Between cap constraints, major free‑agent decisions, and unresolved questions in the front office, from my perspective this will be one of the most consequential roster‑building years of the Josh Allen era. Big decisions have to be made and not the roster-tinkering we have seen in years past. Where Things Stand Financially Right now, the Bills sit at roughly $3M over the cap, and that’s before we address a long list of free agents: OL: G David Edwards, C Connor McGovern Defense: S Jordan Poyer, ED Joey Bosa, ED AJ Epenesa, DT Larry Ogunjobi, LB Matt Milano, LB Shaq Thompson, CB Tre’Davious White Offense: WR Brandin Cooks There’s no way around it: big decisions are coming. Front Office & Coaching Outlook Brandon Beane Beane is firmly on the hot seat. His offseason comments about the WR room were a bad look in hindsight, even if the logic wasn’t entirely wrong. Between: Coleman not making the Year 2 leap Palmer’s injuries Curtis Samuel failing to deliver Zero WR help at the deadline Major investments on the D‑line not paying off …it’s clear the roster building has fallen short. McDermott’s subtle comments earlier in the year (especially ahead of the Jaguars game) felt like a coach sending a message. And we know from experience: when McDermott feels pressure, he doesn’t hesitate to clear obstacles. Sean McDermott & Joe Brady Both are safe. Brady called excellent games against Jacksonville and Denver, and McDermott put together a strong coaching season. Mistakes were limited, and the team fought through a mountain of adversity and lack of talent. Team Needs Even if the Bills decide to push chips forward, the roster has serious holes—especially on defense. Offense Interior OL (Edwards, McGovern both FAs) WR (the most glaring need) Contract year approaching for O’Cyrus Torrence Strengths: QB, tackles, RBs, TE room (Knox + Kincaid) Defense Needs at: 1 Safety 1 CB 1–2 Linebackers 2 Edge rushers 1 run‑stuffing DT This defense needs both personnel and scheme adjustments, especially in run fits. The disguised coverages were creative, but without pass rush or gap integrity, the ceiling is capped. Internal Free Agents to Re‑Sign A few moves feel obvious: Tre’Davious White – 2yr / ~$10M feels realistic for a hometown discount. Keeping him is a no‑brainer. Jordan Poyer – still has one good year left; ~$3M seems fair. Cooks – still separates and still has deep speed. Useful as WR2/WR3. Let Bosa and Ogunjobi walk. Milano vs. Shaq Thompson – you likely keep one, not both. Bernard’s regression and salary cap complicates this, but you hope injuries were the reason. Cap‑Saving Moves Cuts (About $19M created) Cut Curtis Samuel (pre‑June): +$6M Cut Josh Palmer (post‑June): +$5.3M Cut Tyler Bass: +$3.95M Cut Taylor Rapp (pre‑June): +$3M Cut DeWayne Carter: +$1.3M Restructure Candidates (Up to $43M if needed) Josh Allen: +$12.5M Dion Dawkins: +$11.3M Ed Oliver: +$8.8M Spencer Brown: +$10.6M Extension Candidate Dawson Knox – an extension frees ~$8.2M. And honestly, he proved his worth this season. Losing him would hurt more than many realize. I think he'd take a hometown discount on the extension. Total possible maneuvering room: ~ $70M You can tinker with these numbers here on the Overthecap https://overthecap.com/salary-cap/buffalo-bills Philosophical Approach It’s time for the Bills to accept reality: Josh Allen turns 30 this year. His elite athleticism won’t last forever. He’ll still be great for a long time, but the physical peak is near its end. If Buffalo is going to push in the chips, this is the moment. Yes—structuring contracts aggressively means tough cuts 2–3 years from now. But that’s the price of chasing a championship window. What “All In” Should Look Like The Bills don’t need average starters—they need difference‑makers: At WR Either: Go get a true alpha WR1 (Jefferson via trade—massive cost or George Pickens), or Add two vertical separators with size (Alec Pierce + Romeo Doubs). Projected contracts: Pierce: ~$20M Doubs: ~$12M At EDGE Targets who fit the bill for sacks and consistent pressure: Jaelan Phillips Trey Hendrickson Odafe Oweh Cost for the top guys: $25–28M per year I think Buffalo needs to address both of these positions in a major way this offseason. No in between sort of moves. Final Word The Bills have holes, but they also have flexibility. With up to $70M in cap space available through logical moves, they absolutely can overhaul the WR room, add a real pass rusher, and keep core defensive veterans. The AFC is still wide open behind Kansas City and Baltimore. It's now or never. Nice job mayne. I would also try to trade Palmer for a 7th rounder just to get out of that contract. Almost the entire WR room needs an overhaul. 1 hour ago, atlbillsfan1975 said: What does trading Dion do to the cap? Ryan VanDemark has looked solid at LT and I think we are going to see a decline in Dion’s play. Sell high. Package him and our first to move up into the top 10 in the first round and grab a real difference maker on a rookie deal. I could see Grable throwing his hand in too unless the plan is to try him at LG. 1 Quote
Magox Posted January 18 Author Posted January 18 37 minutes ago, TheBeaneBandit said: Nice job mayne. I would also try to trade Palmer for a 7th rounder just to get out of that contract. Almost the entire WR room needs an overhaul. I could see Grable throwing his hand in too unless the plan is to try him at LG. I think there is a real possibility that McGovern and Edwards will be replaced with what we already have on the roster and they may end up being great replacements. But I see almost a 0 possibility chance they trade Dawkins this season. 2 Quote
TheFunPolice Posted January 18 Posted January 18 Beane said you can't go all in to win or you become the Rams 5 1 Quote
L Ron Burgundy Posted January 18 Posted January 18 Just now, TheFunPolice said: Beane said you can't go all in to win or you become the Rams The Rams won a superbowl. Sign me up. I'd take one then sucking rather than getting close every year. 2 1 1 Quote
TheFunPolice Posted January 18 Posted January 18 Just now, L Ron Burgundy said: The Rams won a superbowl. Sign me up. I'd take one then sucking rather than getting close every year. Except they never really sucked and now they're stacked again. 1 1 Quote
Norcalbillsfan Posted January 18 Posted January 18 Unfortunately I dont think beane is on the hot seat. Pegula owns the sabers, he knows how bad things can be. By all accounts he has an extremely successful football team that makes a fortune. Beane started that, it would be a tough decision for Terry to make 1 Quote
L Ron Burgundy Posted January 18 Posted January 18 6 minutes ago, TheFunPolice said: Except they never really sucked and now they're stacked again. Yup, plus that. 100%. 1 Quote
Kirby Jackson Posted January 18 Posted January 18 2 hours ago, Magox said: With another heart-wrenching loss behind us, the Bills are entering a pivotal 2026 offseason. Between cap constraints, major free‑agent decisions, and unresolved questions in the front office, from my perspective this will be one of the most consequential roster‑building years of the Josh Allen era. Big decisions have to be made and not the roster-tinkering we have seen in years past. Where Things Stand Financially Right now, the Bills sit at roughly $3M over the cap, and that’s before we address a long list of free agents: OL: G David Edwards, C Connor McGovern Defense: S Jordan Poyer, ED Joey Bosa, ED AJ Epenesa, DT Larry Ogunjobi, LB Matt Milano, LB Shaq Thompson, CB Tre’Davious White Offense: WR Brandin Cooks There’s no way around it: big decisions are coming. Front Office & Coaching Outlook Brandon Beane Beane is firmly on the hot seat. His offseason comments about the WR room were a bad look in hindsight, even if the logic wasn’t entirely wrong. Between: Coleman not making the Year 2 leap Palmer’s injuries Curtis Samuel failing to deliver Zero WR help at the deadline Major investments on the D‑line not paying off …it’s clear the roster building has fallen short. McDermott’s subtle comments earlier in the year (especially ahead of the Jaguars game) felt like a coach sending a message. And we know from experience: when McDermott feels pressure, he doesn’t hesitate to clear obstacles. Sean McDermott & Joe Brady Both are safe. Brady called excellent games against Jacksonville and Denver, and McDermott put together a strong coaching season. Mistakes were limited, and the team fought through a mountain of adversity and lack of talent. Team Needs Even if the Bills decide to push chips forward, the roster has serious holes—especially on defense. Offense Interior OL (Edwards, McGovern both FAs) WR (the most glaring need) Contract year approaching for O’Cyrus Torrence Strengths: QB, tackles, RBs, TE room (Knox + Kincaid) Defense Needs at: 1 Safety 1 CB 1–2 Linebackers 2 Edge rushers 1 run‑stuffing DT This defense needs both personnel and scheme adjustments, especially in run fits. The disguised coverages were creative, but without pass rush or gap integrity, the ceiling is capped. Internal Free Agents to Re‑Sign A few moves feel obvious: Tre’Davious White – 2yr / ~$10M feels realistic for a hometown discount. Keeping him is a no‑brainer. Jordan Poyer – still has one good year left; ~$3M seems fair. Cooks – still separates and still has deep speed. Useful as WR2/WR3. Let Bosa and Ogunjobi walk. Milano vs. Shaq Thompson – you likely keep one, not both. Bernard’s regression and salary cap complicates this, but you hope injuries were the reason. Cap‑Saving Moves Cuts (About $19M created) Cut Curtis Samuel (pre‑June): +$6M Cut Josh Palmer (post‑June): +$5.3M Cut Tyler Bass: +$3.95M Cut Taylor Rapp (pre‑June): +$3M Cut DeWayne Carter: +$1.3M Restructure Candidates (Up to $43M if needed) Josh Allen: +$12.5M Dion Dawkins: +$11.3M Ed Oliver: +$8.8M Spencer Brown: +$10.6M Extension Candidate Dawson Knox – an extension frees ~$8.2M. And honestly, he proved his worth this season. Losing him would hurt more than many realize. I think he'd take a hometown discount on the extension. Total possible maneuvering room: ~ $70M You can tinker with these numbers here on the Overthecap https://overthecap.com/salary-cap/buffalo-bills Philosophical Approach It’s time for the Bills to accept reality: Josh Allen turns 30 this year. His elite athleticism won’t last forever. He’ll still be great for a long time, but the physical peak is near its end. If Buffalo is going to push in the chips, this is the moment. Yes—structuring contracts aggressively means tough cuts 2–3 years from now. But that’s the price of chasing a championship window. What “All In” Should Look Like The Bills don’t need average starters—they need difference‑makers: At WR Either: Go get a true alpha WR1 (Jefferson via trade—massive cost or George Pickens), or Add two vertical separators with size (Alec Pierce + Romeo Doubs). Projected contracts: Pierce: ~$20M Doubs: ~$12M At EDGE Targets who fit the bill for sacks and consistent pressure: Jaelan Phillips Trey Hendrickson Odafe Oweh Cost for the top guys: $25–28M per year I think Buffalo needs to address both of these positions in a major way this offseason. No in between sort of moves. Final Word The Bills have holes, but they also have flexibility. With up to $70M in cap space available through logical moves, they absolutely can overhaul the WR room, add a real pass rusher, and keep core defensive veterans. The AFC is still wide open behind Kansas City and Baltimore. It's now or never. Great post @Magox and thanks for doing the heavy lifting. Lol, I started a similar post this morning but didn’t have the energy for it. Appreciate you biting the bullet. I like your swing at it as well. I would probably bring back Shaq, Milano and Bosa. I’m pretty sure that you can take from their void years to bring them back cheaper. If it’s already sitting on the cap you might as well stretch it (especially the bigger number on Milano). I think that they will bring back Palmer too (although I don’t think I would). The will definitely get a number 1 WR after all the talk this year. Jefferson or Pickens is where you start. If you can get Pickens for just money, great. I doubt that he hits the market though. I offer 2 firsts for Jefferson and a little more. Make them say no. If neither of those lands, I expect them to work their way through the list of other guys that are 1’s or could be in the right setting: Olave, Wilson, Waddle, MHJ, BTJ, AJ Brown, etc… Mike Evans on a 2 year deal is the hedge with a 1st round WR. I don’t think that they will go with role players like Pierce and Doubs even if they’re a lot better than what they have. I believe they will absolutely have a top guy and then at least ine other guy capable of being a 2. The focus then is on pass rush. If you sign Pickens, try to trade for Crosby. If you trade for Jefferson, try to sign Hendrickson. Try to get one from each category. That’s doable if you structure the contracts correctly. In this scenario, I’ve traded my top pick. I’m using the other top 100 picks (should have 2 still) on defense. Maybe something like a LB and a S? Maybe something like Harold Perkins or Anthony Hill and Dillon Thieneman? Those guys would have a chance to start as rookies and raise the ceiling and athleticism of those groups. I’d get some giant DT in the draft even if he’s a 2 down guy. 2 1 Quote
y2zipper Posted January 18 Posted January 18 17 minutes ago, IYKYK said: Forgive me if I'm wrong, but it sounds a lot like lets run it back next year. The thought we will be able to sign a top tier free agent doesn't seem feasible with our cap situation and 2/5 of our OL heading for FA. i hope I'm wrong but i think they will plan on running it back next year because of the injuries we had this year. I'm not aying I agree with this, but I think we are going to be in cap hell the next couple of years. Great job on your write up though! Top notch!👍 Their cap sheet actually isn't terrible at all. Rousseau and Bernard have been relatively bad investments so far, but there's also another 8 million for a post June 1 cut of Johnson and the natural roster churn is going to put the team in position to overhaul the defense, which is what they need to do. I would call it seventy eight million based on this write up because I would make the listed restructures and cuts without batting an eye, and then cut Johnson. Offensively, running it back is closer to the right idea than not. It's going to be really important to get the interior of that line right. I would probably want to retain McGovern to play center and try a depth guy at left guard, then resign cooks and send it. On defense, i like bishop and i'm set at corner with Benford and Hairston. Most of the resources and money should go toward revitalizing the front. Quote
BB2004 Posted January 18 Posted January 18 3 hours ago, Magox said: With another heart-wrenching loss behind us, the Bills are entering a pivotal 2026 offseason. Between cap constraints, major free‑agent decisions, and unresolved questions in the front office, from my perspective this will be one of the most consequential roster‑building years of the Josh Allen era. Big decisions have to be made and not the roster-tinkering we have seen in years past. Where Things Stand Financially Right now, the Bills sit at roughly $3M over the cap, and that’s before we address a long list of free agents: OL: G David Edwards, C Connor McGovern Defense: S Jordan Poyer, ED Joey Bosa, ED AJ Epenesa, DT Larry Ogunjobi, LB Matt Milano, LB Shaq Thompson, CB Tre’Davious White Offense: WR Brandin Cooks There’s no way around it: big decisions are coming. Front Office & Coaching Outlook Brandon Beane Beane is firmly on the hot seat. His offseason comments about the WR room were a bad look in hindsight, even if the logic wasn’t entirely wrong. Between: Coleman not making the Year 2 leap Palmer’s injuries Curtis Samuel failing to deliver Zero WR help at the deadline Major investments on the D‑line not paying off …it’s clear the roster building has fallen short. McDermott’s subtle comments earlier in the year (especially ahead of the Jaguars game) felt like a coach sending a message. And we know from experience: when McDermott feels pressure, he doesn’t hesitate to clear obstacles. Sean McDermott & Joe Brady Both are safe. Brady called excellent games against Jacksonville and Denver, and McDermott put together a strong coaching season. Mistakes were limited, and the team fought through a mountain of adversity and lack of talent. Team Needs Even if the Bills decide to push chips forward, the roster has serious holes—especially on defense. Offense Interior OL (Edwards, McGovern both FAs) WR (the most glaring need) Contract year approaching for O’Cyrus Torrence Strengths: QB, tackles, RBs, TE room (Knox + Kincaid) Defense Needs at: 1 Safety 1 CB 1–2 Linebackers 2 Edge rushers 1 run‑stuffing DT This defense needs both personnel and scheme adjustments, especially in run fits. The disguised coverages were creative, but without pass rush or gap integrity, the ceiling is capped. Internal Free Agents to Re‑Sign A few moves feel obvious: Tre’Davious White – 2yr / ~$10M feels realistic for a hometown discount. Keeping him is a no‑brainer. Jordan Poyer – still has one good year left; ~$3M seems fair. Cooks – still separates and still has deep speed. Useful as WR2/WR3. Let Bosa and Ogunjobi walk. Milano vs. Shaq Thompson – you likely keep one, not both. Bernard’s regression and salary cap complicates this, but you hope injuries were the reason. Cap‑Saving Moves Cuts (About $19M created) Cut Curtis Samuel (pre‑June): +$6M Cut Josh Palmer (post‑June): +$5.3M Cut Tyler Bass: +$3.95M Cut Taylor Rapp (pre‑June): +$3M Cut DeWayne Carter: +$1.3M Restructure Candidates (Up to $43M if needed) Josh Allen: +$12.5M Dion Dawkins: +$11.3M Ed Oliver: +$8.8M Spencer Brown: +$10.6M Extension Candidate Dawson Knox – an extension frees ~$8.2M. And honestly, he proved his worth this season. Losing him would hurt more than many realize. I think he'd take a hometown discount on the extension. Total possible maneuvering room: ~ $70M You can tinker with these numbers here on the Overthecap https://overthecap.com/salary-cap/buffalo-bills Philosophical Approach It’s time for the Bills to accept reality: Josh Allen turns 30 this year. His elite athleticism won’t last forever. He’ll still be great for a long time, but the physical peak is near its end. If Buffalo is going to push in the chips, this is the moment. Yes—structuring contracts aggressively means tough cuts 2–3 years from now. But that’s the price of chasing a championship window. What “All In” Should Look Like The Bills don’t need average starters—they need difference‑makers: At WR Either: Go get a true alpha WR1 (Jefferson via trade—massive cost or George Pickens), or Add two vertical separators with size (Alec Pierce + Romeo Doubs). Projected contracts: Pierce: ~$20M Doubs: ~$12M At EDGE Targets who fit the bill for sacks and consistent pressure: Jaelan Phillips Trey Hendrickson Odafe Oweh Cost for the top guys: $25–28M per year I think Buffalo needs to address both of these positions in a major way this offseason. No in between sort of moves. Final Word The Bills have holes, but they also have flexibility. With up to $70M in cap space available through logical moves, they absolutely can overhaul the WR room, add a real pass rusher, and keep core defensive veterans. The AFC is still wide open behind Kansas City and Baltimore. It's now or never. Excellent post. If it came between Edwards or McGovern, who would you resign first? Quote
TFBillsfan Posted January 18 Posted January 18 The simple fact in year 8 the roster has this many holes, is a clear indicator that Beane is not meeting expectations. He’s had SEVENTEEN draft picks in the past two drafts. Out of that draft only Bishop, Ray Davis and Walker had any impact. Sanders showed nothing after being drafted in the 2nd round, Hairston injured when he shouldn’t have even been on the field and most of the season. Coleman basically a JAG at WR. And then major whiffs in FA. The amount of draft capital and money thrown at the DL that never exceeds or meets expectations. Bo Nix threw 46 times yesterday and was never sacked. 46 times! It’s a constant reoccurring theme. 17 picks in the past two years and we need a complete rebuild at WR outside Shakir. Still need a S to go with Bishop and at LB you have three players who can’t stay healthy (Milano, Bernard and Shaq). And for the cherry on top the entire DL is still a question mark. Not one person can consistently generate pressure or exploit their matchup. It doesn’t matter if they are a starter or a call up from the PS, 99% of the time they stonewall the Bills pass rush. 1 1 Quote
GunnerBill Posted January 18 Posted January 18 1 hour ago, BillsVet said: McD working within that organizational structure is not just as Buffalo's HC. He's the architect of a philosophy which Beane supports (poorly I would add) and this is now a major weaknesses. Because it's clear being on the same page philosophically is why they never do a true assessment for how they lose in the Divisional/Championship Game. It's how you get off-seasons of all or mostly defense with poor WR signings. I'd like to see Beane fired, a new GM hired and the reporting structure changed. That is, McD would report to a new GM and if that meant McD quits, so be it. He's not earned the right to continue charting the path forward for the Buffalo Bills - even without Beane. To be absolutely clear Beane is more involved in the vision than you present. It is absolutely a shared vision on how to build a team. It is not just McDermott's shopping list and send Brandon down to Walmart. They are joint architects. I agree with the rest, I'd actually go further. I don't really see a justification for keeping McDermott once you decide that Beane has to go (and regrettably, I think he does). Quote
Magox Posted January 18 Author Posted January 18 8 minutes ago, BB2004 said: Excellent post. If it came between Edwards or McGovern, who would you resign first? Whoever they believe is the most difficult to replace that is already on the roster Quote
Mark Vader Posted January 18 Posted January 18 2 hours ago, Magox said: With another heart-wrenching loss behind us, the Bills are entering a pivotal 2026 offseason. Between cap constraints, major free‑agent decisions, and unresolved questions in the front office, from my perspective this will be one of the most consequential roster‑building years of the Josh Allen era. Big decisions have to be made and not the roster-tinkering we have seen in years past. Where Things Stand Financially Right now, the Bills sit at roughly $3M over the cap, and that’s before we address a long list of free agents: OL: G David Edwards, C Connor McGovern Defense: S Jordan Poyer, ED Joey Bosa, ED AJ Epenesa, DT Larry Ogunjobi, LB Matt Milano, LB Shaq Thompson, CB Tre’Davious White Offense: WR Brandin Cooks There’s no way around it: big decisions are coming. Front Office & Coaching Outlook Brandon Beane Beane is firmly on the hot seat. His offseason comments about the WR room were a bad look in hindsight, even if the logic wasn’t entirely wrong. Between: Coleman not making the Year 2 leap Palmer’s injuries Curtis Samuel failing to deliver Zero WR help at the deadline Major investments on the D‑line not paying off …it’s clear the roster building has fallen short. McDermott’s subtle comments earlier in the year (especially ahead of the Jaguars game) felt like a coach sending a message. And we know from experience: when McDermott feels pressure, he doesn’t hesitate to clear obstacles. Sean McDermott & Joe Brady Both are safe. Brady called excellent games against Jacksonville and Denver, and McDermott put together a strong coaching season. Mistakes were limited, and the team fought through a mountain of adversity and lack of talent. Team Needs Even if the Bills decide to push chips forward, the roster has serious holes—especially on defense. Offense Interior OL (Edwards, McGovern both FAs) WR (the most glaring need) Contract year approaching for O’Cyrus Torrence Strengths: QB, tackles, RBs, TE room (Knox + Kincaid) Defense Needs at: 1 Safety 1 CB 1–2 Linebackers 2 Edge rushers 1 run‑stuffing DT This defense needs both personnel and scheme adjustments, especially in run fits. The disguised coverages were creative, but without pass rush or gap integrity, the ceiling is capped. Internal Free Agents to Re‑Sign A few moves feel obvious: Tre’Davious White – 2yr / ~$10M feels realistic for a hometown discount. Keeping him is a no‑brainer. Jordan Poyer – still has one good year left; ~$3M seems fair. Cooks – still separates and still has deep speed. Useful as WR2/WR3. Let Bosa and Ogunjobi walk. Milano vs. Shaq Thompson – you likely keep one, not both. Bernard’s regression and salary cap complicates this, but you hope injuries were the reason. Cap‑Saving Moves Cuts (About $19M created) Cut Curtis Samuel (pre‑June): +$6M Cut Josh Palmer (post‑June): +$5.3M Cut Tyler Bass: +$3.95M Cut Taylor Rapp (pre‑June): +$3M Cut DeWayne Carter: +$1.3M Restructure Candidates (Up to $43M if needed) Josh Allen: +$12.5M Dion Dawkins: +$11.3M Ed Oliver: +$8.8M Spencer Brown: +$10.6M Extension Candidate Dawson Knox – an extension frees ~$8.2M. And honestly, he proved his worth this season. Losing him would hurt more than many realize. I think he'd take a hometown discount on the extension. Total possible maneuvering room: ~ $70M You can tinker with these numbers here on the Overthecap https://overthecap.com/salary-cap/buffalo-bills Philosophical Approach It’s time for the Bills to accept reality: Josh Allen turns 30 this year. His elite athleticism won’t last forever. He’ll still be great for a long time, but the physical peak is near its end. If Buffalo is going to push in the chips, this is the moment. Yes—structuring contracts aggressively means tough cuts 2–3 years from now. But that’s the price of chasing a championship window. What “All In” Should Look Like The Bills don’t need average starters—they need difference‑makers: At WR Either: Go get a true alpha WR1 (Jefferson via trade—massive cost or George Pickens), or Add two vertical separators with size (Alec Pierce + Romeo Doubs). Projected contracts: Pierce: ~$20M Doubs: ~$12M At EDGE Targets who fit the bill for sacks and consistent pressure: Jaelan Phillips Trey Hendrickson Odafe Oweh Cost for the top guys: $25–28M per year I think Buffalo needs to address both of these positions in a major way this offseason. No in between sort of moves. Final Word The Bills have holes, but they also have flexibility. With up to $70M in cap space available through logical moves, they absolutely can overhaul the WR room, add a real pass rusher, and keep core defensive veterans. The AFC is still wide open behind Kansas City and Baltimore. It's now or never. Great write-up. The salary cap will not be an issue for us, because we have next to nothing as far as dead cap goes, and as you've stated the Bills can make a lot of cap room. I would bring back Tre White & Jordan Poyer. They both had good seasons and they give us depth with the younger guys. Bring back Shaq Thompson and let Matt Milano walk. Milano's injury history cannot be ignored. If Brandin Cooks wants to come back, that would be good. He was a good addition for us, and it would be great to have him for an entire season. I agree with you on who you would cut, and I would also add Taron Johnson to that list. His play has declined and I think we would save another $6-7 million of cap space. I would keep David Edwards over Connor McGregor. I would also entertain the thought of trading Dion Dawkins. We have plenty of young O-Lineman that we are going to have to start playing for real, might as well start doing that now. I don't know what to do with Joey Bosa or AJ Epenesa. Is there any chance that we can pry Maxx Crosby from the Raiders? 1 Quote
Bermuda Triangle Posted January 18 Posted January 18 May as well slot him in now as a mid-November PS signing. Spector too. 2 Quote
VW82 Posted January 18 Posted January 18 1 hour ago, Magox said: I don't think we've gone all in. And I definitely don't believe Josh will be a "pumpkin" in a few years. What I'm saying is that he is probably from here on out on the downslide from a physical athletic standpoint and I'd like to push all the chips in while he's at that stage. Also, it is very possible that if the Bills draft well that they wouldn't lose a step even 2-3 years from now if they did have to make some difficult roster cuts. He might be on the downside physically but still on the upswing mentally and therefore better overall. We don't know. We went all in with the Von signing and Diggs extensions. Last two years we were in cap hell and had to do transition years with the roster. Everyone forgets that when discussing WR situation for example. You can't say "go all in" and also say "if Bills draft well" because a big part of going ALL IN with a QB cap hit of 60M is trading away your best picks for inexpensive help. Quote
Mark Vader Posted January 18 Posted January 18 1 hour ago, Magox said: I hear ya, but I am a looking forward sort of dude and I find this to be therapeutic lol This is me. I'm ready for the East-West Game, Senior Bowl, and combine. Can't wait to be in Pittsburgh for the draft! 2 Quote
Magox Posted January 18 Author Posted January 18 (edited) 46 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said: Great post @Magox and thanks for doing the heavy lifting. Lol, I started a similar post this morning but didn’t have the energy for it. Appreciate you biting the bullet. I like your swing at it as well. I would probably bring back Shaq, Milano and Bosa. I’m pretty sure that you can take from their void years to bring them back cheaper. If it’s already sitting on the cap you might as well stretch it (especially the bigger number on Milano). I think that they will bring back Palmer too (although I don’t think I would). The will definitely get a number 1 WR after all the talk this year. Jefferson or Pickens is where you start. If you can get Pickens for just money, great. I doubt that he hits the market though. I offer 2 firsts for Jefferson and a little more. Make them say no. If neither of those lands, I expect them to work their way through the list of other guys that are 1’s or could be in the right setting: Olave, Wilson, Waddle, MHJ, BTJ, AJ Brown, etc… Mike Evans on a 2 year deal is the hedge with a 1st round WR. I don’t think that they will go with role players like Pierce and Doubs even if they’re a lot better than what they have. I believe they will absolutely have a top guy and then at least ine other guy capable of being a 2. The focus then is on pass rush. If you sign Pickens, try to trade for Crosby. If you trade for Jefferson, try to sign Hendrickson. Try to get one from each category. That’s doable if you structure the contracts correctly. In this scenario, I’ve traded my top pick. I’m using the other top 100 picks (should have 2 still) on defense. Maybe something like a LB and a S? Maybe something like Harold Perkins or Anthony Hill and Dillon Thieneman? Those guys would have a chance to start as rookies and raise the ceiling and athleticism of those groups. I’d get some giant DT in the draft even if he’s a 2 down guy. Ok, for wide receivers, the way I view it is you either retool the majority of the WR room which means you get a couple quality guys that both can separate and stretch the field that aren't Alpha's to go along with Cooks and Shakir and have a quality overall WR set sort of like the Packers or you go after an ALPHA and surround him with Shakir, Cook and couple JAGS. The Alpha's via trade would probably cost MHJ: He hasn't produced the way they had hoped but he was beginning to play better and he did have inconsistent QB play, plus he is on his rookie contract so he's very cheap. I think he would cost the Bills a 1st and a 2nd to get him. $4M cap hit in 2026 and $5.6M cap hit in 2027 BTJ: Incredible rookie year, regressed this past year, not sure if it was what he was expected to do under Liam's offense. Probably a 1st and a 3rd - A $2.1M cap hit in 2026 and $2.8M in 2027 Waddle: A 1st would most likely get the deal done - would have to assume a $1.8M cap hit in 2026 and $24M in 2027 Chris Olave: A 1st and probably a 4th - has a very manageable $15.5M cap in 2026 but he would want a new contract with an AAV probably around $30M Justin Jefferson: Probably 2 1sts and a 2nd round pick - and it would come with a $25.5M cap hit in 2026 and $29.25 in 2027 AJ Brown: A 1st and probably a 3rd would carry a $1.5M cap hit in 2026 and $21.25 Some of these guys are cheap in terms of cap hits because of the dead cap hit through Option bonuses that the team have put in place. Makes it difficult for them to want to trade because of the dead cap, so they probably would want a little more for them. For me all options are on the table, which for me has to be one of the three scenarios. - Trade for an Alpha such as the ones you suggested - Get one in FA which only one alpha is available George Pickens - Get two quality WR's that can separate and stretch the field via FA Pierce/Doubs being options or maybe and its just an idea to ponder which I know many would disagree with is possibly trading for a Tyreek Hill. None of his money is guaranteed so a new contract would need to come in place and it would most likely be a prove it sort of deal with heavy incentives. Probably a guaranteed $10-$12M with with heavy on incentives. He probably could be had for a day three flyer. His injury was pretty bad, but he has all the makings of the type of guy that is biologically gifted and probably would return at near 100% by past mid season of next year. He wouldn't be my alpha, he would be part of this option 3 of getting 2 quality vertical separators. Whatever option we go, I think Cooks showed a lot in this short time period and he should be part of the room as a 2/3. And for trading purposes I think I like AJ Brown or Waddle the most. 33 minutes ago, Mark Vader said: Great write-up. The salary cap will not be an issue for us, because we have next to nothing as far as dead cap goes, and as you've stated the Bills can make a lot of cap room. I would bring back Tre White & Jordan Poyer. They both had good seasons and they give us depth with the younger guys. Bring back Shaq Thompson and let Matt Milano walk. Milano's injury history cannot be ignored. If Brandin Cooks wants to come back, that would be good. He was a good addition for us, and it would be great to have him for an entire season. I agree with you on who you would cut, and I would also add Taron Johnson to that list. His play has declined and I think we would save another $6-7 million of cap space. I would keep David Edwards over Connor McGregor. I would also entertain the thought of trading Dion Dawkins. We have plenty of young O-Lineman that we are going to have to start playing for real, might as well start doing that now. I don't know what to do with Joey Bosa or AJ Epenesa. Is there any chance that we can pry Maxx Crosby from the Raiders? I think you may be right on Taron Johnson, he played OK down the stretch but not the same Taron we've seen and I think Cam Lewis can fill his role. If you cut Taron Johnson Pre June 1 you absorb most of the cap hit and it would only save $1.9M but you have a very minimal cap hit on him for 2027. If you do a Post June 1 cut you get a $8.7M cap savings in 2026 and push out about $6M to 2027. I would love Maxx Crosby, if I had the choice of trading away 1st round picks, Maxx Crosby would be my top target. I think he would be a Bills legend, fits the city perfectly. Probably would be a 2026 1st, 2027 1st and 2027 3rd. He would be a $30M cap hit in 2026 so a restructuring of his contract would have to take place. Edited January 18 by Magox 2 Quote
Kirby Jackson Posted January 18 Posted January 18 15 minutes ago, Magox said: Ok, for wide receivers, the way I view it is you either retool the majority of the WR room which means you get a couple quality guys that both can separate and stretch the field that aren't Alpha's to go along with Cooks and Shakir and have a quality overall WR set sort of like the Packers or you go after an ALPHA and surround him with Shakir, Cook and couple JAGS. The Alpha's via trade would probably cost MHJ: He hasn't produced the way they had hoped but he was beginning to play better and he did have inconsistent QB play, plus he is on his rookie contract so he's very cheap. I think he would cost the Bills a 1st and a 2nd to get him. $4M cap hit in 2026 and $5.6M cap hit in 2027 BTJ: Incredible rookie year, regressed this past year, not sure if it was what he was expected to do under Liam's offense. Probably a 1st and a 3rd - A $2.1M cap hit in 2026 and $2.8M in 2027 Waddle: A 1st would most likely get the deal done - would have to assume a $1.8M cap hit in 2026 and $24M in 2027 Chris Olave: A 1st and probably a 4th - has a very manageable $15.5M cap in 2026 but he would want a new contract with an AAV probably around $30M Justin Jefferson: Probably 2 1sts and a 2nd round pick - and it would come with a $25.5M cap hit in 2026 and $29.25 in 2027 AJ Brown: A 1st and probably a 3rd would carry a $1.5M cap hit in 2026 and $21.25 Some of these guys are cheap in terms of cap hits because of the dead cap hit through Option bonuses that the team have put in place. Makes it difficult for them to want to trade because of the dead cap, so they probably would want a little more for them. For me all options are on the table, which for me has to be one of the three scenarios. - Trade for an Alpha such as the ones you suggested - Get one in FA which only one alpha is available George Pickens - Get two quality WR's that can separate and stretch the field via FA Pierce/Doubs being options or maybe and its just an idea to ponder which I know many would disagree with is possibly trading for a Tyreek Hill. None of his money is guaranteed so a new contract would need to come in place and it would most likely be a prove it sort of deal with heavy incentives. Probably a guaranteed $10-$12M with with heavy on incentives. He probably could be had for a day three flyer. His injury was pretty bad, but he has all the makings of the type of guy that is biologically gifted and probably would return at near 100% by past mid season of next year. He wouldn't be my alpha, he would be part of this option 3 of getting 2 quality vertical separators. Whatever option we go, I think Cooks showed a lot in this short time period and he should be part of the room as a 2/3. And for trading purposes I think I like AJ Brown or Waddle the most. I think you may be right on Taron Johnson, he played OK down the stretch but not the same Taron we've seen and I think Cam Lewis can fill his role. If you cut Taron Johnson Pre June 1 you absorb most of the cap hit and it would only save $1.9M but you have a very minimal cap hit on him for 2027. If you do a Post June 1 cut you get a $8.7M cap savings in 2026 and push out about $6M to 2027. I would love Maxx Crosby, if I had the choice of trading away 1st round picks, Maxx Crosby would be my top target. I think he would be a Bills legend, fits the city perfectly. Probably would be a 2026 1st, 2027 1st and 2027 3rd. He would be a $30M cap hit in 2026 so a restructuring of his contract would have to take place. I guess, I just don’t think that they’ll gamble on the GB model after this fail. While those guys are way better, I don’t think that they’ll do that (unless they go up for a guy in the first). They have to sell a top of the depth chart guy to the fan base. Beane has to tuck his tail between his legs and go big. If he’s canned the new guy may have more flexibility and a longer leash. Cooks coming back is good by me. He raises the floor on this team. He’s an acceptable 2 and would be a high end depth player. The gap from him to the others on the outside was eye opening. 1 1 Quote
billsfan714 Posted January 18 Posted January 18 1 hour ago, TheFunPolice said: Beane said you can't go all in to win or you become the Rams Yeah and the Rams used a ton of draft picks to quickly turn it around again, Beane would of traded away the picks. Quote
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