The Buffalo Bills are bracing for a challenging offseason as they grapple with the aftermath of their playoff exit and the escalating costs associated with quarterback Josh Allen. Despite a valiant effort in a 27-24 clash with the Kansas City Chiefs, the Bills fell short, marking the third consecutive year of elimination in the divisional playoff round and the fifth straight year without a Super Bowl appearance.
Josh Allen, who concluded the postseason with an impressive performance, voiced his disbelief at the end of their playoff run. “It still doesn’t feel real that we’re not practicing,” he remarked on Monday. The disappointment of missing out on the Super Bowl stings, but Allen remains optimistic about the team’s future, particularly with the return of offensive coordinator Joe Brady.
Expressing his commitment to the team and acknowledging head coach Sean McDermott’s growth, Allen emphasized the importance of learning from defeats and staying resilient. “Losing is never enjoyable. We will not flee from this. We’re going to accept it, keep learning, and recover,” Allen declared. “We will not give up and will keep doing everything in our power to become that one cohesive team.”
However, as the Bills plan for the future, financial challenges loom large. Josh Allen’s salary is set to skyrocket from $18.6 million this season to a staggering $47.1 million in 2024. Wide receiver Stefon Diggs, with a nearly $28 million cap penalty, adds to the financial pressure. The possibility of trading Diggs after June 1 to save around $20 million is being considered.
Players like safety Micah Hyde, defensive end Leonard Floyd, defensive tackle Ed Oliver, and cornerback Rasul Douglas, whose contracts are expiring, further complicate the financial landscape. With Buffalo forecasting a $42 million surplus over the 2024 salary cap, critical decisions lie ahead in managing contracts and securing key players for the upcoming season.
Tight end Dawson Knox highlighted the importance of using the disappointment as motivation for the future. “You have to keep in mind this feeling moving forward,” Knox stated. Despite recent successes, the team aims for greater satisfaction and success in the seasons to come, recognizing the challenges and uncertainties of the offseason.
