The 2020 NFL Scouting Combine is underway from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Among those representing the Buffalo Bills at the yearly prospect event are general manager Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott.
The front office duo spoke to reporters on Tuesday and discussed a variety of topics in regard to their organization.
Here are nine takeaways from Beane at the combine:
Extending players with term left on contract
The Bills have the third-most salary cap space heading into the offseason. It’s a big topic of discussion. If the Bills really want to sling some dollars and bring in the big fish, they certainly can do so.
But there’s an underlying factor at play. The Bills have several young players still on their rookie contracts, who are key members of the team, that will need extensions in a year or two. Among those entering the final year of their contracts are linebacker Matt Milano, offensive lineman Dion Dawkins, and cornerback Tre’Davious White, however, White does have a fifth-year option on his deal as a former first-round pick.
With those three in mind, Beane said the negotiations for extensions probably won’t come until later this offseason just because of his schedule. Free agency opens in March and then the NFL Draft is in April.
“It can vary,” Beane said. “The way it’s worked out, I think I’ve done more [of those types of deals] after the draft.”
“There’s just so much more going on from when the season ends, through the draft, through free agency, it’s hard to slow down and focus on guys you already have under contract,” Beane added.
Although, Beane did admit he “would not be hesitant to do a deal now if it made sense.” Players Beane has extended after the draft include Jerry Hughes, Stephen Hauschka and Eric Wood.