This was the toughest offseason that Brandon Beane had to put together for the Buffalo Bills since arriving. Bills fans were starting to get used to bigger moves being made as far as additions. That was not the case this past offseason. The highlights were losing key franchise players who helped create the culture that the Bills have, especially on the defense.
Some of the overlooked moves that Beane pulled off are not getting as much attention as they should, but Bills fans will see those moves pay off during the season. This includes free agent signings and even getting more room as far as the salary cap for players who have something to prove.
We take a look at the three contract decisions that will benefit the Bills in 2024.
Von Miller taking a pay cut
Whenever a player takes a pay cut, it is always a great addition to the salary cap by providing relief. Von Miller decided to take a pay cut himself, saving the Bills over $8 million, but Miller has the chance to earn back his money in incentives. The future Hall of Famer tore his ACL in 2022 and returned way too early last year. His production was nonexistent and he faced the most criticism out of any Bills player on the roster.
With Miller taking this pay cut, he is showing that he is willing to earn back his money through production. Bills fans are hoping that Miller can be the closer that he was brought to Buffalo to be.
Signing S Mike Edwards
The Bills brought in veteran safety Mike Edwards on a one-year deal worth only $1.2 million. Edwards doesn’t just fill a need in the secondary, but he also brings championship experience having won two Super Bowls with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs. Having Sean McDermott and Bobby Babich as defensive minded head coaches are going to heavily benefit Edwards. He has shown his versatility, playing both centerfield and outside the numbers. Now he gets the chance to display his talents in Buffalo.
Signing WR Curtis Samuel
Samuel is arguably the Bills’ biggest free agent signing this offseason, agreeing to a three-year deal worth $24 million. For the first time in his career, Samuel will have an elite quarterback throwing him the ball. In addition, he will also reunite with offensive coordinator Joe Brady, whom Samuel had his best year under in 2020 with the Carolina Panthers (851 receiving yards, 200 rushing yards, 5 total touchdowns).
Samuel should be featured in many offensive packages, whether it is outside the numbers or even in the backfield. His presence could bring a Deebo Samuel-like impact to the Bills.