The Buffalo Bills have made some bold moves to trim their salary cap this offseason, and according to one analyst, there could be another significant move on the horizon.
The team has parted ways with several veteran players, including safety Jordan Poyer, cornerback Tre’Davious White, and center Mitch Morse, collectively saving nearly $30 million in salary cap space. Additionally, the Bills traded their top receiver, Stefon Diggs, to the Houston Texans.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine suggests that the next big move could involve trading Von Miller, the high-priced star who struggled in his return from a torn ACL. Despite agreeing to a pay cut, Miller’s cap hit for 2024 remains substantial at $15.2 million.
“While his new contract includes incentives that could see him earn up to $20 million this season, Miller, at 35 years old, may no longer be the dominant edge rusher he once was,” Ballentine explained.
Trading Miller after June 1 would save the Bills approximately $8.8 million against the cap, allowing them to spread the dead cap charge over the next two seasons. Ballentine believes this flexibility could prove invaluable later in the season for addressing new needs or making mid-season acquisitions.
“With Miller’s $1.5 million base salary, he could be an enticing trade candidate despite his decline in performance,” Ballentine added.
Miller struggled to make an impact last season, failing to register a sack in 12 games and seeing limited playing time.
Bills general manager Brandon Beane has demonstrated a willingness to make tough decisions this offseason, as evidenced by the Diggs trade. Beane emphasized the importance of addressing cap concerns promptly to avoid lingering issues throughout the year.
“If we didn’t [trade Diggs], if we tried to split it up too many different ways, then now it’s just like that albatross hanging on your neck all year,” Beane said.
Trading Miller could provide similar cap relief while positioning the team for greater flexibility in the future.
Nathan Dougherty, a sports reporter for Heavy.com, specializes in NFL coverage, with a focus on the Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, and Miami Dolphins. With a background in sports journalism, Nathan is based in Rochester, New York, and has a passion for football.
