The Buffalo Bills came within a few plays of defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs. Instead, Josh Allen faced another postseason heartbreak, which might be costly for one of the Bills’ top stars and lead to even more instability.
Buffalo has put all of its chips in over the last two seasons, foregoing long-term cap room and draft resources to assemble a championship-caliber group. After missing the Divisional Round for the third year in a row, Buffalo’s next NFL offseason is likely to result in a talent drain.
The Bills’ free agents in 2024 include starters Gabe Davis, Leonard Floyd, DaQuan Jones, Tyrel Dodson, Micah Hyde, and Dane Jackson. Buffalo’s financial position implies that there will be salary cap casualties and some free players will not return, as the franchise is currently $50.6 million over the NFL salary ceiling for 2024.
However, that is not the only possible huge domino to fall this season. Stefon Diggs, an All-Pro wide receiver who made a game-changing drop against the Chiefs, has an unclear future. While he is expected to remain in Buffalo for the time being, one NFL reporter feels circumstances may complicate matters for both sides.
NBC Sports’ Peter King wrote in Football Morning in America that he expected Bills general manager Brandon Beane to perform “major surgery” on Diggs’ contract, which he believes will pose additional problems for Buffalo’s dissatisfied top wide receiver.
- Stefon Diggs stats: 107 receptions, 1,183 receiving yards, 11.1 yards per reception, 8 touchdowns
- Last 8 Games: 37 receptions, 349 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 58.7% catch rate
Buffalo is virtually forced to handle Diggs’ deal due to its cap position. The Pro Bowl wideout has the second-highest cap hit on the squad, trailing only Allen ($47.056 million). An extension is unlikely for the 31-year-old, particularly given his performance in the second half of the regular season.
NFL rules would allow the Bills to renegotiate Diggs’ contract, offering small financial relief in 2024, without his agreement. To maximize cap savings, Buffalo would need Diggs’ consent before making significant modifications to his deal. For the time being, the Bills are expected to keep their top receiver, but Beane’s handling of the matter, as well as Diggs’ contract, might change that later this summer.
Buffalo is virtually forced to handle Diggs’ deal due to its cap position. The Pro Bowl wideout has the second-highest cap hit on the squad, trailing only Allen ($47.056 million). An extension is unlikely for the 31-year-old, particularly given his performance in the second half of the regular season.
NFL rules would allow the Bills to renegotiate Diggs’ contract, offering small financial relief in 2024, without his agreement. To maximize cap savings, Buffalo would need Diggs’ consent before making significant modifications to his deal. For the time being, the Bills are expected to keep their top receiver, but Beane’s handling of the matter, as well as Diggs’ contract, might change that later this summer.
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