The Buffalo Bills are poised to make the 2019 playoffs at 9-4. But they could be big players in the 2020 offseason, and they could be getting some help from the NFL, too.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the league has informed all 32 teams that the salary cap is projected to be in the range of $196.8 million to $201.2 million next season.
The increase would mark a rise of $8-13 million, as the cap for 2019 was set at $188.2 million. It also marks a 40 percent increase from the 2015 season when the cap was set at $143.3 million.
Sounds like football is doing well?
As mentioned, this just helps the rich get richer in terms of the Bills. According to Spotrac, who have already adjusted their numbers, assuming the 2020 salary cap is at $199 million, the Bills will have $91 million in salary cap space.
That’s the fourth-most in the NFL currently projected, behind only the Buccaneers ($93.3 M), Colts ($108.1 M) and Dolphins ($109 M).
This room could certainly help the Bills spend, but it will also give them money in the bank to keep their stout defense together for years to come.
Defensive end Shaq Lawson will be a free agent after the Bills declined the fifth-year on his rookie deal after this season, as will defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and veteran Lorenzo Alexander, if he wants to return.
The Bills need to start prepping for 2021, too. That offseason will see linebacker Matt Milano, safety Jordan Poyer and cornerback Tre’Davious White hit free agency. However, the Bills can pick up the fifth-year option on White’s rookie deal that year.
On offense, 2021 will see linemen Jon Feliciano and Dion Dawkins hit the open market, while Quinton Spain will be a free agent this upcoming offseason as well.
More money is, in fact, not a problem for the Bills and general manage Brandon Beane in the coming years.
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