Breaking News: Bills GM Delivers Cryptic Response on $69 Million Star’s Return Next Season
After the Buffalo Bills’ heartbreaking 27-24 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional round, there is much for general manager Brandon Beane to evaluate. As the team heads into the offseason, they find themselves approximately $43 million over the salary cap, with 21 players set to become free agents in March. Additionally, key veterans on substantial contracts are grappling with injuries.
During his end-of-season press conference, Beane fielded questions about the future of cornerback Tre’Davious White, an All-Pro who signed a four-year $69 million contract extension in 2020, keeping him under contract through 2025. Unfortunately, White’s 2022 NFL season was cut short by an ACL tear, and he later suffered an Achilles injury in Week 4.
Brandon Beane if Tre White will be on the roster next year
"It's a good question."
— Built in Buffalo (@BuiltInBuffalo_) January 23, 2024
In response to inquiries about White’s status for the 2024 season, Beane provided a thoughtful response, acknowledging the uncertainty. He expressed the team’s admiration for White’s relentless work in rehabilitating from the ACL injury and highlighted the significant contribution of Rasul Douglas, acquired through a trade with the Green Bay Packers, as a valuable asset in the absence of White. Douglas is contracted for the upcoming season, alongside starting cornerback Christian Benford.
Acknowledging the financial challenges faced by the team, Beane refrained from making definitive statements about White’s future on the roster, emphasizing the primary focus on getting White healthy and back on the field. Beane also recognized the team’s depth in the cornerback position but emphasized the importance of a fully recovered Tre White, underscoring his exceptional talent and the desire to see him return to peak performance on the field.
The Bills Could Save Over $6 Million in Cap Space By Releasing Tre’Davious White
Following White’s early October injury, speculation arose regarding whether the Bills would retain the two-time Pro Bowler. While contemplating replacement options, Buffalo News reporter Ryan O’Halloran suggested the possibility of parting ways with the 29-year-old star.
Brandon Beane on how he would assess this 2023-24 Bills season as a whole #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/g5l2qJh9M8
— Pay The Bills Podcast (@PayTheBillsPod) January 23, 2024
The decision for General Manager Beane to consider moving on from White after the season is challenging. Despite the sympathy for White’s injury, the reality of the game and football business persists – a fact he would likely acknowledge. If the Bills were to cut White, they would incur $10.36 million and $4.13 million in ‘dead’ cap hits for 2024-25. However, it would also free up $6.26 million and $12.54 million in space, respectively.
Describing the decision to cut White as “tough” is an understatement. White was the Bills’ first-round pick in 2017 when Sean McDermott became head coach and has been a key member of the roster ever since. McDermott’s emotional response to reporters following White’s injury makes it challenging to envision Buffalo parting ways with him.
Jarrett Bailey of AtoZ Sports urges the Bills to trade the veteran and save money. While acknowledging White’s excellence as a player and his significant role in the Bills’ recent success, Bailey argues that making this move is necessary. Highlighting White’s 30 missed games in the last three seasons and only playing in 10 games since 2022, Bailey advocates for a strategic decision to address the team’s needs.
Brandon Beane Said There was No Chance of Tre’Davious White Playing if the Bills Made it To the Super Bowl
White wasn’t the sole standout on the defensive front that the Bills lost early in the season. Pro Bowl linebacker Matt Milano suffered a leg fracture during Week 5 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, while defensive tackle DaQuan Jones also endured a pectoral tear in the same game, making a comeback in Week 17.
Even if the Bills had reached the Super Bowl, Beane clarified that neither Milano nor White would have been eligible to return. Beane expressed optimism about Milano’s progress in rehab, noting that he might be closer to completion than Tre White. However, specific timelines remain uncertain, and both players will continue working towards full recovery.
While the outlook for Milano and White is hopeful, it lacks the definitiveness seen in Beane’s response regarding running back Nyheim Hines. Hines, who missed the entire season due to a torn ACL from a jet ski accident, does not have an exact return timeline. However, when asked about Hines’ future with the team, Beane emphatically answered “Yes,” indicating that the veteran running back will indeed be part of the team moving forward.
next year