6 moves the Buffalo Bills can make to help 2021 salary cap situation

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 15: Trent Murphy #93 talks with Jerry Hughes #55 of the Buffalo Bills during warmups before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on September 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

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ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 29: Lee Smith #85 of the Buffalo Bills is introduced before an NFL game between the Buffalo Bills and the New York Jets at New Era Field on December 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /

Release Lee Smith next offseason

The tight end position is pretty well set with Dawson Knox, Tyler Kroft and Tommy Sweeney at the top. Another key piece has been Lee Smith, who has become a blocking specialist, essentially a sixth offensive lineman.

It is interesting to see that with his limitations in the passing game, Smith still was on the field nearly 30% of the time last year. He is still a big part of this offense and it doesn’t make much sense to cut him prior to this year. The Bills would save $1.75 million this year but also take on $1.5 million in dead cap.

However, if the Bills wait until next year, the Buffalo Bills would save $2.25 million against the salary cap and not take on any dead cap. This would also give a player like Tommy Sweeney another year to develop and potentially become Smith’s replacement next year.

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