Cap Crunch in Buffalo: How the Bills Can Free Up Space for a Splash Trade

The Buffalo Bills are entering the 2025 offseason with a familiar challenge: navigating the NFL’s salary cap. After a strong 2024 season that saw Josh Allen win the league MVP award and the team reach the AFC Championship game, General Manager Brandon Beane faces the task of improving the roster while managing a tight budget. With the 2025 salary cap projected to land between $277.5 million and $281.5 million, a significant jump from last year’s $255.4 million, the Bills still need to create cap space to be compliant and potentially make a splash trade. Currently, the Bills are roughly $14 million over the cap. This article will explore how the Bills can navigate this “cap crunch” and potentially free up space for a significant roster addition.

Understanding Buffalo’s Cap Situation

According to Spotrac.com, the Buffalo Bills’ total cap allocation for 2025 is approximately $295.9 million, placing them 5th highest in the league. This puts them about $14 million over the cap. While this may seem daunting, it’s a far cry from the $50 million+ hole they faced last offseason. Several factors contribute to this situation, including existing player contracts and dead cap money. However, the rising salary cap provides some relief and flexibility.

Restructuring Existing Contracts

One of the most common methods for creating cap space is restructuring existing contracts. This involves converting a portion of a player’s salary into a signing bonus, which is then spread out over the remaining years of their contract. This provides immediate cap relief but increases the cap hit in future years. Key players like Josh Allen, Dion Dawkins, and Ed Oliver are potential candidates for contract restructures. Restructuring these contracts could free up a significant amount of cap space, potentially upwards of $30 million.

Tyler Jones from Bills Breakdown noted that Allen’s restructure could save $11.05 million, Dawkins’ could save $9.8 million, and Oliver’s could save $8.7 million. These moves alone would put the Bills in a much better position.

Strategic Player Cuts and Trades

Another way to create cap space is by releasing or trading players with high salaries. While cutting a player results in dead cap money (guaranteed money that still counts against the cap), it can sometimes be a necessary evil.

Von Miller: Releasing Von Miller could free up $8.4 million in cap space. While Miller was brought in to bolster the pass rush, his production hasn’t matched his salary, and his departure could provide much-needed financial flexibility.
Trading for Myles Garrett: There have been rumors of the Bills trading for Myles Garrett. Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic laid out a potential trade scenario: The Bills would receive Garrett, a 2026 5th round pick, and a 2027 7th round pick. In return, the Browns would receive DE A.J. Epenesa, a 2025 1st round pick, a 2026 1st round pick, and a 2027 4th round pick.

Free Agency Considerations

With limited cap space, the Bills will need to be strategic in free agency. Instead of chasing big-name free agents, they may need to focus on value signings – players who can contribute at a reasonable price. Addressing needs at running back and safety could be priorities.

Running Back: With James Cook seeking a contract extension, the Bills may explore other options. Aaron Jones and J.K. Dobbins are potential free-agent targets who could provide value.
Safety: The Bills need to address their safety depth. Damar Hamlin is a free agent, and the team may consider re-signing him or exploring other options to bolster the position.

The Splash Trade Scenario: Myles Garrett

One name that has been frequently linked to the Bills in trade rumors is Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett. Garrett is one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL, and adding him would significantly upgrade the Bills’ defense. However, acquiring Garrett would require a significant investment in terms of draft capital and salary cap space.

Joe Buscaglia from The Athletic suggested a potential trade scenario where the Bills send a package of draft picks and players to the Browns in exchange for Garrett. This trade would likely require the Bills to restructure contracts and potentially release other players to create the necessary cap space.

The Impact of a Splash Trade

Acquiring a player like Myles Garrett would have a significant impact on the Bills’ Super Bowl aspirations. Garrett’s ability to generate pressure on the quarterback would elevate the entire defense, making them a more formidable unit. This, in turn, would take pressure off the offense and give Josh Allen more opportunities to lead the team to victory.

However, a splash trade also comes with risks. Trading away valuable draft picks could limit the team’s ability to add young talent in the future. Additionally, committing a large portion of the salary cap to one player could create challenges in building a well-rounded roster.

Utilizing the Draft

The 2025 NFL Draft presents another avenue for the Bills to improve their roster. While a splash trade might involve parting with some draft capital, the Bills can still find valuable contributors in the later rounds. Identifying players who fit their scheme and have the potential to develop into key contributors will be crucial.

Conclusion

The Buffalo Bills face a complex offseason as they navigate the salary cap and explore opportunities to improve their roster. By strategically restructuring contracts, making tough decisions on player cuts and trades, and carefully evaluating free-agent options, the Bills can create the necessary cap space to make a splash trade or add valuable depth. Whether they pursue a blockbuster deal for a player like Myles Garrett or focus on building through the draft and free agency, the Bills’ goal remains the same: to build a team capable of competing for a Super Bowl championship.