Running the Buffalo Bills Offseason in GM Mode

This offseason, I took control of the Buffalo Bills in GM Mode on StickToTheModel with a clear objective: fix a negative cap situation, reload around the quarterback, and reshape both lines while adding defensive depth.

Here’s how it unfolded.

The Big Picture

• Starting Cap Space: -$7.4M
• Final Cap Space: $2.7M
• Players Cut: 5
• Contracts Restructured: 7
• Trades Made: 1
• Free Agents Signed: 7
• Draft Picks: 10
• Overall Grade: B+

This was a cap-recovery offseason that still managed to add impact talent.

The Cap Moves

Cuts

Curtis Samuel

• Cap Savings: +$6.1M

Taylor Rapp

• Cap Savings: +$3.3M

Mecole Hardman

• Cap Savings: +$1.3M

Dane Jackson

• Cap Savings: +$1.2M

Gabe Davis

• Cap Savings: +$9.0M

Veteran contracts were moved to stabilize the books and create flexibility.

Restructures

Seven contracts were reworked to generate immediate cap relief:

• Josh Allen (+$12.2M)
• Dion Dawkins (+$7.1M)
• Ed Oliver (+$6.5M)
• Josh Palmer (+$4.2M)
• Spencer Brown (+$4.0M)
• Greg Rousseau (+$2.8M)
• Gabe Davis (+$4.9M)

Notably, Gabe Davis was restructured before later being cut as a cap casualty, maximizing flexibility.

Trade

Sent Dawson Knox to Philadelphia

• Received: 2026 Pick #68

The move added future draft capital while reallocating resources.

Free Agency Additions

Seven total moves were made in free agency, including one re-signing.

Re-Signed

Mitch Trubisky (QB) – 1 year / $2.0M APY
Quarterback depth retained for continuity behind the starter.

External Additions

George Pickens (WR) – 4 years / $32.9M APY
Major investment to upgrade the receiving corps.

Jaquan Brisker (S) – 2 years / $12.6M APY
Physical presence added to the secondary.

Jaelan Phillips (EDGE) – 2 years / $9.4M APY
Pass rush reinforcement off the edge.

D.J. Reader (IDL) – 1 year / $4.7M APY
Interior defensive line support.

Tariq Woolen (CB) – 2 years / $4.4M APY
Athletic corner depth added to the secondary.

Devin Bush (LB) – 1 year / $3.3M APY
Short-term linebacker depth to reinforce the middle of the defense.

Draft Class Breakdown

Ten picks focused on reinforcing the trenches and adding young offensive playmakers.

Round 2 – Pick 34
Christen Miller (DL, Georgia)

Round 3 – Pick 68
Chase Bisontis (OG, Texas A&M)

Round 3 – Pick 77
Elijah Sarratt (WR, Indiana)

Round 3 – Pick 93
Dani Dennis-Sutton (EDGE, Penn State)

Round 4 – Pick 134
Dametrious Crownover (OT, Texas A&M)

Round 5 – Pick 166
Sam Roush (TE, Stanford)

Round 5 – Pick 167
Devon Marshall (CB, NC State)

Round 5 – Pick 174
Bishop Fitzgerald (S, USC)

Round 7 – Pick 220
Owen Heinecke (ILB, Oklahoma)

Round 7 – Pick 228
Colbie Young (WR, Georgia)

The draft added size up front and depth across the defense while supplying new weapons on offense.

Final Take

This offseason was about survival and recalibration. The Bills erased a negative cap situation, made tough veteran decisions, added a true No. 1 receiver, and reinforced both lines through the draft.

The result is a balanced roster, cap stability, and a B+ grade to close it out.

Want to Run Your Own Offseason?

I built this roster using GM Mode on StickToTheModel. If you want to take control of your favorite team, manage the cap, make trades, sign free agents, and run the draft yourself, you can do it there!

Be the GM of any team here:

https://sticktothemodel.com/

Build it your way.