Buffalo Bills Make Major Roster Moves, Release Key Veterans Including Jordan Poyer

In a stunning turn of events, the Buffalo Bills have opted for a major roster overhaul ahead of the new league year, making significant cuts to address their salary cap challenges. The team, a four-time AFC East defending champion, bid farewell to key veterans, including safety Jordan Poyer, center Mitch Morse, and cornerback Tre’Davious White.

The Bills, who entered the day with a projected $44 million over the 2024 season cap, faced the challenging task of creating cap space while maintaining competitiveness. The decisions made were a result of a complex balancing act by General Manager Brandon Beane, navigating the team through a transition period with heightened costs associated with retaining star players.

Jordan Poyer, a Seven-Year Standout: One of the most notable casualties of the Bills’ cap-cutting measures is safety Jordan Poyer, who has been a cornerstone of the defense for the past seven seasons. The 32-year-old, originally a seventh-round pick in 2013, spent the majority of his first four seasons with the Cleveland Browns before joining the Bills in 2017. Known for his versatility and leadership, Poyer earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2021 and secured a Pro Bowl nod in 2022.

Poyer, who started all 16 games for the Bills in the 2023 season, recorded impressive stats, tallying 100 total tackles, four passes defensed, a forced fumble, and a sack. Despite dealing with various injuries during the 2022 season, Poyer showcased resilience, contributing significantly to the team’s defensive efforts. His remarkable performance in 2022 earned him a contract extension, but the latest cap-cutting moves have brought an unexpected end to his tenure in Buffalo.

Over his seven-year stint with the Bills, Poyer accumulated 54 passes defensed, 24 interceptions, 37 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks. His impact went beyond the field, as he served as a team captain for the last four seasons, providing valuable leadership both on and off the field.

Tre’Davious White’s Post-June 1 Cut: Cornerback Tre’Davious White, a first-round pick in 2017, will also be parting ways with the Bills in a post-June 1 cut. Despite being plagued by injuries over the past three years, White’s contributions to the Bills’ defense were undeniable. His release will save the team $10.2 million in cap space, adding to the substantial financial adjustments made by the organization.

White, who earned two Pro Bowl nods and an All-Pro selection in 2019, played a pivotal role in the secondary. His 18 interceptions, 68 passes defended, 311 tackles, and 5 forced fumbles over his career showcased his impact as a playmaker. Unfortunately, injuries, including a torn Achilles in the last season, have prompted the Bills to make this difficult decision.

Mitch Morse’s Surprising Release: The Bills also made the unexpected decision to release center Mitch Morse, a five-year starter who earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2022. Despite his sturdy play in front of quarterback Josh Allen, Morse’s release adds another layer of complexity to the Bills’ offensive line dynamics.

Morse, known for his pass-protecting abilities, started 77 games in Buffalo over five seasons. His leadership as a team captain and consistent performance on the field made him a key figure in the Bills’ offensive success. However, the financial considerations led to Morse’s departure, leaving the Bills with plans to move left guard Connor McGovern to center.

Cap-Clearing Moves and Future Plans: In addition to the high-profile releases of Poyer, White, and Morse, the Bills made several other roster moves to address their cap situation. The release of defensive back Siran Neal, return specialist Deonte Harty, and running back Nyheim Hines contributed to the team’s efforts to become cap compliant.

A restructuring of outside linebacker Von Miller’s contract also played a crucial role in the cap-clearing strategy. Miller’s contract was significantly adjusted, providing the Bills with approximately $9 million in cap savings, as reported by NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.

The Bills, under the leadership of Brandon Beane, face a challenging offseason, marked by the departure of key veterans and the need to rebuild the roster. The decisions made in the coming weeks will shape the team’s future as they aim to balance competitiveness with financial prudence.

As the NFL enters a new era with the start of the free agency period on March 13, the Buffalo Bills find themselves at a crossroads, navigating the complexities of the salary cap while striving for continued success on the field. The departure of seasoned players like Jordan Poyer, Tre’Davious White, and Mitch Morse marks the end of an era in Buffalo, leaving fans and the organization anticipating the next chapter in their pursuit of championship glory.