LATEST UPDATE: Bills GM Brandon Beane Admits Cutting Slew of Starters was ‘Brutal’
When the Buffalo Bills made significant cuts to their roster on March 6, it came as a shock to both fans and analysts alike. In a matter of hours, Bills general manager Brandon Beane parted ways with six veteran players.
The departures of Jordan Poyer, Tre’Davious White, and Mitch Morse were particularly poignant, as they had been mainstays of the Bills roster for a long time. Speaking on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Beane admitted that the process was difficult but necessary.
“It’s not something you want to do. These players are still talented, but it’s the realities of the business,” Beane elaborated on March 26. “With salary constraints, we had to make adjustments, especially considering our desire to inject youth into certain areas of our defense.”
"That was a brutal day..
Guys like Mitch Morse, Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde meant so much to Buffalo..
You don''t wanna do it but that's the business part of it" ~ Brandon Beane #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/Yi9HRSoZKN
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 26, 2024
The Bills entered the offseason significantly over the salary cap, with a deficit of $43.3 million against the $255.4 million limit. Through contract restructuring and allowing players like Gabe Davis and Leonard Floyd to leave in free agency, the Bills managed to create approximately “$6 to $7 million” in cap space, as Beane informed reporters on March 24. This figure doesn’t include the additional $10 million that will come with Tre’Davious White’s release on June 1.
Beane admitted that informing Morse, Poyer, and White of their releases was one of the most challenging aspects of his job. “There’s a lot of tough decisions in this role, but saying goodbye to players of their caliber is particularly difficult,” he said.
While recognizing the significant contributions these players made to the team’s success since 2017, including six playoff appearances and four AFC East titles, Beane emphasized the need to prioritize the team’s financial health. By making these tough decisions now, the Bills hope to avoid potential financial troubles down the line.
Brandon Beane Clarified That Micah Hyde Remains a Free Agent, Could Return in 2024
While acknowledging the departure of the All-Pro safety duo Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde from Buffalo, Brandon Beane clarified during his conversation with McAfee that Micah Hyde remains a free agent.
Amanda Hyde, Micah’s wife, had strongly hinted that their time in Buffalo was over after the Bills’ playoff exit. However, Beane mentioned that if Hyde decides not to retire, a return to Orchard Park is still on the table.
“I’ve spoken with his agent since my conversation with Micah, and I don’t think the door is completely closed yet. It’s still a possibility, and we wouldn’t rule out bringing Micah Hyde back if he chooses to continue playing. I’m not certain if he’s made a final decision either way,” Beane explained.
Given the team’s financial constraints, there are limitations to what Buffalo can offer the 33-year-old veteran. “Obviously, any deal would need to align with our salary cap situation,” Beane admitted. “Perhaps Micah insists on a certain salary, whether with Buffalo or another team. So, it’s essential that any agreement fits within our financial framework.”
The possibility of Tre’Davious White returning to Buffalo after his release is also not off the table. “I assured him that just because we’ve made this move now doesn’t mean a return to Buffalo is out of the question,” Beane stated.
The Bills Didn’t Take the Decision to Cut Mitch Morse ‘Lightly’
Releasing Tre’Davious White and Jordan Poyer due to age and injury concerns was a tough but somewhat expected decision for the Buffalo Bills. However, the unexpected move came with the release of Mitch Morse.
Most shocking move yet https://t.co/I75KO5XOOq
— Jon Scott (@JonScottTV) March 6, 2024
Morse, the former Bills team captain, had been a stalwart on the offensive line, protecting quarterback Josh Allen since 2019. Despite being 31 years old, Morse remained durable and effective, allowing the fewest sacks (24) of Allen’s career last season while appearing in all 18 games. His release resulted in a significant cost-saving measure for the team, freeing up $8.47 million in cap space, albeit with a $3 million cap hit.
“It’s never an easy choice, and it doesn’t mean it’s without its flaws,” Beane explained. “However, when we signed Connor McGovern last year, we envisioned him as a potential future center for us when the time came.”
Buffalo intends to transition McGovern, whom they signed to a three-year, $27 million deal last offseason, to the center position, while David Edwards competes for the left guard spot. “Although we didn’t anticipate this decision at the time of McGovern’s signing, Connor has embraced the opportunity, and he’ll have his chance as we prepare for the upcoming season,” Beane added.
As for Morse, the Pro Bowl center swiftly found a new home, signing a lucrative two-year, $10.5 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars.