After another disappointing loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Buffalo Bills fell just short of a Super Bowl appearance. With many calling this a “reset” year, the Bills finished better than many thought they would this season. While it’s an unfortunate end to the season, there’s a lot to be excited about in 2025.
Now, the Bills are left with many questions on the roster. With plenty of free agents who made contributions to the team, and the team projected to have very little in cap space, the Bills will have some difficult decisions to make in the near future.
Spotrac has the team projected to have -$2.5M in cap space. Obviously, that will change as free agency nears, but right now it doesn’t look great. The Bills are set to have 16 players hit the open market. There will likely only be a handful that returns, so let’s take a look at several players the Bills shouldn’t bring back.
Cornerback Rasul Douglas
The trade that brought Douglas to Buffalo turned out to be a great move. However, Douglas is 30 years old and his production started to decrease this season. The cornerback position is likely one that the Bills will invest heavy in this off-season, with or without Douglas on the team. Buffalo began their youth movement last off-season, with an overhaul of the defense. This year, the Bills could do the same with multiple veterans, including letting Douglas walk.
Defensive tackle Austin Johnson
Johnson was a cheap addition last off-season to a defensive line that saw a handful of players leave in free agency. This time around, the Bills have more depth at the position and could afford to lose Johnson, who played in 15 games and made one start. In that time he totaled 19 tackles, half a sack, and two interceptions. The Bills currently have four tackles signed for the 2025 season, and likely will look elsewhere to add to the position.
Wide receiver Amari Cooper
The Bills didn’t see too much success with Amari Cooper, completing only 20 passes his way for 297 yards and two touchdowns. The trade should be viewed as a win, as Buffalo traded away third and seventh-round picks for Cooper and a sixth-round pick. Spotrac projects his contract to be two years/$28M with an average of $14M per year. Unless Buffalo can sign him to a cheaper contract, Cooper is likely playing for a new team in 2025. With some quality free agent receivers becoming available soon, the Bills can use that money elsewhere to find a pass catcher for Josh Allen.