Change is on the horizon for the Buffalo Bills as they make a series of moves to get under the salary cap. The team has released several key players, including cornerback Tre’Davious White, safety Jordan Poyer, and center Mitch Morse. These players have been with the team since head coach Sean McDermott took over in 2017, making their departures significant for the organization.
The Bills were more than $40 million over the salary cap, prompting these necessary moves. The recent releases, along with other cost-cutting measures, will save the team $25.96 million. Tre’Davious White will be designated as a post-June 1 release, providing the team with $10.2 million in cap space. Despite rehabbing a torn right Achilles, White will be eligible to sign with another team when free agency opens next week.
Tre’Davious White’s release marks the end of an era in Buffalo. He was the first draft pick selected after McDermott became head coach and has been a key contributor to the team’s success. White’s career has been marred by injuries, including a torn left ACL in 2021 and a torn Achilles in 2023. However, before these setbacks, he was a standout player with 18 interceptions, 68 passes defended, 311 tackles, and 5 forced fumbles. In 2019, he tied for the NFL lead with six interceptions and was named first-team All-Pro.
Jordan Poyer, another longtime starter, is also leaving the Bills. He re-signed with the team last offseason but will now be parting ways with Buffalo. Poyer has been a reliable presence in the secondary alongside safety Micah Hyde since 2017. Together, they have started the most games together since that time, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Poyer’s departure, along with Hyde’s potential retirement, signals a new look for the Bills’ defense in 2024. Poyer has had a successful career with 24 interceptions, 54 passes defended, 12 sacks, 9 forced fumbles, and 806 tackles over 11 NFL seasons.
Mitch Morse, the team’s starting center since 2019, is also being released. Morse expressed a desire to stay with the Bills, but the team made the difficult decision to let him go. Morse has been a key locker room presence and has played a crucial role in protecting quarterback Josh Allen. Since 2019, he ranks second on the team in pass block win rate. Connor McGovern is expected to take over the center role next season.
In addition to these releases, the Bills have made other moves to clear cap space. They restructured the contract of pass rusher Von Miller, saving $8.645 million in salary cap space. Miller’s contract now includes incentives that could earn him up to $20 million next season. However, Miller’s off-field issues, including allegations of assault, continue to be investigated.
The Bills have also reached an agreement with safety Taylor Rapp on a three-year deal worth up to $14.5 million. Rapp had a solid first season with the team in 2023, recording 50 tackles, an interception, and a fumble recovery. The team is also planning to restructure cornerback Rasul Douglas’ deal and has re-signed guard David Edwards and punter Matt Haack.
These moves signify a significant shift for the Buffalo Bills. The departures of Tre’Davious White, Jordan Poyer, and Mitch Morse mark the end of an era in Buffalo. As the team looks to get under the salary cap and make necessary changes, fans can expect a new look on both offense and defense in the upcoming season.