Former Bills Captain’s Wife Post Message After Unexpected Release
The Buffalo Bills made significant changes to their roster on March 6, aiming to create a younger and more financially compliant team. While many of the cuts were expected, the release of Mitch Morse came as a surprise to many. Despite having one season remaining on his $19.5 million contract, Morse had been a crucial part of the team since 2019, particularly anchoring the offensive line for quarterback Josh Allen. Last season, under Morse’s leadership, the offensive line performed admirably, allowing the fewest sacks of Allen’s career.
Despite the shock of his release, Morse shared a goodbye message promptly. However, his wife, Caitlin Morse, took some time before addressing their departure. Nearly a month later, she posted a heartfelt letter on Instagram, expressing gratitude to the Bills Mafia and the Western New York community for their warm welcome and support over the past five years.
“We’re deeply grateful for our time in Buffalo and overwhelmed with appreciation for the wonderful memories, love, and support we’ve received from everyone. You all will always have a special place in our hearts. Until we meet again, take care and God bless. ❤️💙”
During their time in Buffalo, the experienced center and his wife celebrated the arrival of two children. Their daughter, Kennedy Marie, entered the world during the 2020 offseason, marking a joyous occasion. However, the anticipation for their son, Deacon, was met with some logistical challenges.
Caitlin’s due date aligned with a crucial moment for the Buffalo Bills: their final regular-season game against the New York Jets on January 9, 2021, which could determine the outcome of the AFC East division title. To navigate this timing, Morse disclosed that they arranged for Caitlin to undergo induction the following Monday, ensuring that both family and football commitments could be honored.
Bills QB Josh Allen ‘Loved’ Mitch Morse ‘With Every Ounce of My Being’
Morse’s cap hit for the 2024 season stood at $11.47 million, ranking as the ninth highest on the team. By releasing Morse, the team managed to save $8.47 million, with a remaining $3 million cap hit. However, Morse quickly found a new opportunity, signing a two-year, $10.5 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Addressing reporters on April 18, quarterback Josh Allen spoke about the departure of Morse, one of his longest-standing teammates. Allen expressed deep admiration for Morse, emphasizing his exceptional character and wisdom. He fondly reminisced about their time together on the field, highlighting their close connection and the familiarity they shared. Allen’s humorous remark about feeling Morse’s presence almost every snap elicited laughter.
Thank you for everything pic.twitter.com/Vq9moYThMf
— Mitch Morse (@mithenmor60) March 7, 2024
In his first press conference with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Morse reflected on his unexpected release from the Bills. He acknowledged the emotional aspect of the decision but also recognized the business dynamics at play. Morse emphasized the importance of balancing the familial atmosphere within a team with the understanding of football as a business.
Bills News: Josh Allen Said It Takes ‘A While’ to Get Comfortable With a New Center
Josh Allen knew Mitch Morse like the back of his hand.
Literally.
What are the challenges of working with a new center?
"I know this is going to sound weird but finding a comfortable position."#BillsMafia @BuffaloPlus pic.twitter.com/TUOriURgr0
— Dan Fetes (@danfetes) April 18, 2024
With Ryan Bates and Morse no longer in the picture, the Buffalo Bills are planning to transition Connor McGovern to the center position, a move that carries some risk. According to analysis from The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia, McGovern performed adequately but was the lowest-graded starter on the offensive line. Additionally, his experience at center in the NFL is limited, having played only 100 snaps there over five seasons. While McGovern did play center extensively at Penn State, it was at the college level and quite some time ago. The decision to release Morse, who was considered the linchpin of their offensive line, raises concerns about potential decline in overall performance. Buscaglia suggests that drafting a young center prospect could be a viable option for the Bills to consider.
Quarterback Josh Allen acknowledged the challenge of establishing chemistry with a new center, emphasizing that it’s a process that takes time and repetition. Comparing it to building rapport with a receiver, Allen highlighted the need for patience and practice to develop a seamless connection.