Three Potential Bills Cut Candidates Ahead of the 2025 Offseason
As the Buffalo Bills enter the 2025 offseason, they find themselves in a familiar position—so close to a Super Bowl, yet still falling short. After another deep playoff run ended in disappointment, the front office faces difficult decisions in order to maximize their championship window while navigating a tight salary cap. With Buffalo projected to be roughly $10 million over the cap and only 47 players under contract, some tough roster cuts may be necessary.
A Promising Season That Ended in Disappointment
The Bills had another strong campaign in 2024, but the season once again concluded without a Super Bowl victory. At this stage in the Josh Allen era, anything less than a championship is considered a failure. Following a heartbreaking 32-29 AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, head coach Sean McDermott remained optimistic.
“We’ve got to keep working to get over that hump,” McDermott said. “We’ve won a lot of tough games this year against really good opponents, [we have] good coaches, and I’m proud of this football team for it.”
However, regular-season success is no longer enough. If Buffalo hopes to dethrone Kansas City and capture its first Super Bowl title, significant changes are required. With cap constraints looming, the Bills will have to make some difficult roster moves. Here are three players who could become cap casualties this offseason.
1. Von Miller, EDGE
When the Bills signed Von Miller in 2022, he was expected to be the missing piece in their Super Bowl aspirations. However, injuries and age have prevented him from making the impact Buffalo envisioned. After suffering a torn ACL in late 2022, Miller struggled to regain his explosiveness in 2024, recording just six sacks in 13 games.
Financially, Miller’s contract has become a burden. His $17.1 million salary in 2025 contributes to a massive $23.8 million cap hit. Given his declining production, Buffalo may opt to cut him. If designated as a post-June 1 release, the team would free up $17.4 million in cap space, though the savings wouldn’t take effect until later in the offseason.
2. Matt Milano, LB
For years, Matt Milano was a cornerstone of the Bills’ defense, known for his coverage ability, run-stopping skills, and knack for big plays. However, injuries have derailed his availability. Since his All-Pro 2022 season, he has appeared in just nine games over the past two years.
At 30 years old, durability concerns and a sizable contract make Milano a potential cap casualty. Cutting him before June 1 would result in a cap penalty, but a post-June 1 designation would save Buffalo $9.6 million in 2025—valuable space for a team facing financial constraints.
3. Tyler Bass, K
While kickers are rarely at the forefront of roster cuts, Tyler Bass’s struggles in 2024 could put him in jeopardy. Once a reliable weapon, Bass had an inconsistent season, missing key field goals and five extra points. His struggles from beyond 40 yards raised concerns about his long-term reliability.
Bass is currently paid just above the league median for starting kickers, but his production no longer justifies the cost. Releasing him would free up $1.6 million in cap space, and if the Bills believe they can find a more dependable and cost-effective replacement, he could be on the way out.
Tough Decisions for a Contender
For a team with Super Bowl ambitions, making these cuts won’t be easy. However, Von Miller’s declining impact, Matt Milano’s injury history, and Tyler Bass’s inconsistency may force Buffalo’s hand. Moving on from these veterans would provide much-needed financial flexibility, allowing the Bills to reinforce key areas and remain competitive in their pursuit of a title.
Buffalo’s championship window won’t stay open forever. Now is the time for bold decisions that give them the best shot at finally reaching the Super Bowl.
