With the NFL Free Agency Market opening on March 11th, teams are making a multitude of roster moves to be in good standing with their salary cap space. The Buffalo Bills, who have currently spent $8.2 million over the cap ceiling, are currently in the 28th-worst cap position in the league. What roster moves could they make to fall below the $300 million threshold?
Josh Allen, one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, will take up 18.8% of the salary cap in 2026 with a cap number of $56,388,000. While cutting or trading Allen would save notable money, the move could jeopardize the team’s chances of success.
Another substantial cap hit for the 2026 league year is TE Dawson Knox with a $17,068,000 cap number. If the Bills did not change Knox’s contract or trade him, he would take up 5.7% of the cap. In the 2025 season, Knox recorded 36 receptions for 417 yards, which is an average of 11.6 yards per reception. Knox is generally considered a decent blocking tight end, which adds to his value, yet there is little justification for a 5.7% cap hit. If the Bills cut Knox before June 1st, they would save around $9.6 million.
With Dalton Kincaid under contract, the Bills would not have to fret with the potential release of Knox. Being on his rookie contract, Kincaid only eats 1.4% of the cap. The star tight end from the University of Utah has proven himself with a 571-yard season in 2025 and 673 yard season in 2023. Kincaid’s talent will likely nudge the Bills to resign him at the end of his rookie deal, removing the need for another highly-paid tight end like Knox.
Further, the injury ridden WR Curtis Samuel has totaled only 38 receptions for 334 yards in his two seasons with Buffalo. In 2026, he will have a $9.5 million cap hit. Having little impact on the team, a 3.2% cap percentage should not be attached to his name. Samuel has the 37th largest contract among all 300 NFL wide receivers, which is disproportionate to his playing value. If the Bills cut Samuel before June 1st, they would save around $6 million.
Cumulatively, Buffalo needs to make adjustments to fall below the cap ceiling before the new league year. While different steps could be taken to relieve the $8.2 million burden, releasing Knox and Samuel will create flexibility.
References:
overthecap.com/salary-cap/buffalo-bills
