As the Buffalo Bills enter the 2025 offseason, they face several crucial roster decisions. By the start of the new league year on March 12 at 4 p.m., NFL teams must have their top 51 players under the salary cap. With the cap projected at $275 million (per Spotrac), the Bills currently sit about $12 million over the limit.
To clear cap space, the Bills have several options, including releasing players, restructuring contracts, executing trades, or extending eligible players. While these moves can create immediate savings, they often come with dead cap implications that affect future seasons.
Bills Roster Cuts
Von Miller (EDGE)
Miller’s situation appears to be the most straightforward. His 2025 cap hit is set at $23.8 million, and releasing him would save just over $8 million. However, this move would come with a $15.4 million dead cap hit.
An alternative would be another negotiated pay cut, similar to last offseason. Since Miller’s contract is not guaranteed, he may agree to a reduction from his $17.1 million base salary in exchange for an incentive-based structure. This could provide cap relief without outright releasing him.
Another approach would be a post-June 1 designation, which would spread the dead cap hit across 2025 and 2026 while generating over $17 million in savings. This strategy would limit the Bills’ ability to use the savings until after June 1 but could open the door for a significant mid-year move in free agency or via trade.
Dawson Knox (TE) & Matt Milano (LB)
Many have speculated about Knox and Milano as cut candidates, but releasing either player would actually worsen the Bills’ cap situation rather than provide relief.
- Cutting Knox would result in a $6.6 million cap penalty since a portion of his 2025 salary is already guaranteed.
- Releasing Milano would create an additional $1.1 million cap hit beyond his current salary.
Given these financial constraints, restructuring or renegotiating their contracts seems like a more viable option. Milano, who has struggled with injuries, could agree to a pay cut with incentives based on playing time. Knox, on the other hand, might be a stronger candidate for a trade or contract restructuring.
Mitchell Trubisky (QB) & Mike White (QB)
With Mike White joining the Bills late in the 2024 season, Trubisky’s return seems unlikely. Cutting him would carry a $750,000 dead cap charge but free up $2.5 million. White, meanwhile, could be released with no dead cap hit, saving $1.195 million. The Bills could opt to draft a quarterback or sign a lower-cost free agent to fill a backup role.
Over the coming days, the Bills will need to weigh these options carefully as they work toward cap compliance and roster improvements.