3 Contract Decisions That Will Pay Off for the Buffalo Bills in 2024

This was the most difficult offseason Brandon Beane has had with the Buffalo Bills since he arrived. Bills fans were starting to get used to bigger moves in terms of additions. That wasn’t the case last offseason. The culmination was the loss of key franchise players who helped create the Bills culture, especially on defense.

Some of Beane’s overlooked moves aren’t getting as much attention as they should, but Bills fans will see those moves pay off over the course of the season. That includes free agent signings and even getting more salary cap room for players with something to prove.

Any time a player takes a pay cut, it’s 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 opportunity to recoup his money through bonuses. The future Hall of Famer tore his ACL in 2022 and returned far too early last year. His production has been nonexistent and he’s faced the most criticism of any Bills player on the roster.

By taking the pay cut, Miller is showing that he’s willing to make his money back through production. Bills fans are hoping Miller can be the big-league reliever he was brought to Buffalo to be.

The Bills signed veteran safety Mike Edwards to a one-year deal worth just $1.2 million. Edwards not only fills a need in the defensive secondary, but he also brings championship experience after winning two Super Bowls with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs. Having Sean McDermott and Bobby Babich as defensive-minded head coaches will benefit Edwards greatly. He has shown his versatility, playing both center field and outside the lines. Now he gets a chance to showcase his talents in Buffalo.

Samuel is arguably the Bills’ biggest free agent signing this offseason, signing a three-year, $24 million deal. For the first time in his career, Samuel will have an elite quarterback to throw the ball to him. Plus, he’ll also be reunited with offensive coordinator Joe Brady, under whom Samuel had his best year in 2020 with the Carolina Panthers (851 receiving yards, 200 rushing yards, 5 total touchdowns).

Samuel should be a part of many offensive packages, whether it’s off the roster or even in the backfield. His presence could have a Deebo Samuel-like impact on the Bills.