The coronavirus has affected everyone and everything. It will also have a ripple effect on what we’re about to see in free agency.
As of press time, the NFL had not released an official salary cap number for the 2021 season. We do know that it will decrease from $198.2 million in 2020 to somewhere between $180 and $185 million (with initial reports putting that projected number closer to $180 million). Under normal circumstances, the salary cap continues to rise as NFL revenue continues to rise — but revenue took a massive hit in 2020 due to coronavirus-related changes in attendance.
The Bills are fortunate to have restored order with the salary cap under Brandon Beane and Sean McDermott. At the moment, they would be right around that $180 million mark but could easily free up $30-40 million with a handful of veteran releases.
The Bills are also fortunate in that they don’t have many top players set to hit the open market — with tackle Daryl Williams, guard Jon Feliciano and linebacker Matt Milano topping the list — and most of their key performers are locked up on long-term deals.
It’s time again for our annual look at what’s in store for the Bills with their upcoming free agents.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
These are players with four or more years of experience whose contracts expire at the end of the season. The Bills either sign or lose them. Buffalo receives no compensation if a player signs with another team.
LB Matt Milano
Years with Bills: 4
Years in the NFL: 4
2020 salary-cap number: $2,198,378
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.
