It’s not a normal offseason, however. We may be starting to see that light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to the coronavirus, but NFL business remains very much affected by the worldwide pandemic. Instead of having a comfortable amount of room under the salary cap, the Bills currently sit right around the projected cap number of $180-185 million. (As of press time, the official cap number had yet to be determined.) Instead of continuing its year after-year climb, the cap actually is set to decrease due to the necessary downturn in attendance.
The Bills should be able to create around $30 million in cap space with a handful of veteran cuts, which will give them both some breathing room and the ability to make a few key additions. It does not mean, however, that the Bills will likely be able to both spend and reward their own — which includes Allen — right away. It’s very different from last off-season, when the Bills had $80 million in cap space and were able to spend in free agency and sign Tre’Davious White, Dion Dawkins and Jordan Poyer to contract extensions.
Allen has one year remaining on his initial rookie contract, plus a fifth-year option for 2022. So there’s still time.
For now, the Bills should focus on two areas in free agency: the offensive line and the run defense.
The entire right side of Buffalo’s offensive line is set to hit free agency. Both players should absolutely return.
This story is from the March 29, 2021 edition of Bills Digest.
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This story is from the March 29, 2021 edition of Bills Digest.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
TRACKING TRAINING CAMP
Bills Digest was there for all the big moments at training camp. Here are some observations …
‘We're constantly trying to evolve'
For more on what’s happening within Buffalo’s offense, here are some highlights from offensive coordinator Brian Daboll’s recent press conferences.
‘On the field you must flip that switch'
Here are some highlights from head coach Sean McDermott’s recent press conferences.
ALLEN GETS HISTORIC DEAL
Bills QB now under contract through 2028
Right back in the swing of things
It’s fair to say that this year’s Bills training camp looks wildly different from those of the past.
1st & Ten with STEFON DIGGS
Stefon Diggs had one of the best seasons ever by a Bills receiver in 2020, and he’s looking for an encore. Diggs was clearly amped up and ready to go as the Bills began their preparations for the new season, leading the huddle and supporting his teammates as they kicked off training camp in Orchard Park. Diggs recently touched on his goals for the upcoming season for both himself and the team in an informative discussion with members of the media. Here are the highlights from that discussion.
RUNNING BACKS: TOP AVAILABLE FREE AGENTS
Aaron Jones, Packers 5-9 • 208 pounds • 27 years old A fifth-round steal in the 2017 draft out of UTEP, Jones is equally proficient in the running and passing games. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards the last two years, and caught 49 and 47 passes, respectively. He’s also a touchdown machine with 30 TDs the last two years (25 rushing and 5 receiving). The son of two career Army officers, he’s a tough, driven player and the kind of guy players want on their team.
THE RIGHT STUFF?
Keeping two important starters is a priority as the right side of the O-line hits free agency
QUARTERBACKS: TOP AVAILABLE FREE AGENTS
Dak Prescott, Cowboys 6-2 • 235 pounds • 27 years old A solid starter who has a nice TD-INT ratio over his first five seasons (104-40), Prescott is an accurate thrower and very mobile. However, he’s coming off a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle, so it remains to be seen if this will impact his game moving forward.
TIGHT ENDS: TOP AVAILABLE FREE AGENTS
Hunter Henry, Chargers 6-5 • 250 pounds • 29 years old A very talented player, Henry has had issues staying healthy, unable to complete an NFL season, including missing the entire 2018 season with a torn ACL. But when healthy, he’s a terrific all-around tight end who really connected with Justin Herbert in 2020 with 60 catches. Henry is very good at finding holes in zone coverage.
