The Buffalo Bills’ heartbreaking playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs was a gut punch for the entire city of Buffalo. After a dominant regular season and high hopes for a Super Bowl run, the Bills fell short once again. As the dust settles, the team must now turn its attention to the offseason and make some tough decisions about the future. Here are four Buffalo Bills players who are unlikely to be back in 2024:
4 Buffalo Bills Who Won’t Be Back in 2024 After Heartbreaking Playoff Loss
1. Damien Harris, Running Back
Harris was brought in during the offseason to provide depth and competition at the running back position. However, he struggled to make an impact, rushing for only 94 yards and a touchdown in six games before suffering a season-ending neck injury. With James Cook emerging as a Pro Bowl caliber back and the Bills having other capable options at the position, Harris is likely to be a salary-cap casualty this offseason.
2. Micah Hyde, Safety
Hyde has been a key member of the Bills’ secondary for the past six seasons. He’s a two-time Pro Bowler and one of the team’s defensive leaders. However, Hyde is 32 years old and entering the final year of his contract. He’s also coming off a season in which he was limited to five games due to injury. The Bills have some promising young safeties in Jordan Poyer and Ja’Quan Johnson, so they may opt to let Hyde walk in free agency.
3. Vernon Butler, Defensive Tackle
Butler has been a solid contributor on the Bills’ defensive line for the past four seasons. He’s not a flashy player, but he’s reliable and does his job. However, Butler is also 32 years old and entering the final year of his contract. The Bills have invested heavily in their defensive line in recent years, drafting Ed Oliver and Boogie Basham in the first round. As a result, Butler may be expendable.
4. Isaiah McKenzie, Wide Receiver
McKenzie has been a valuable Swiss Army knife for the Bills’ offense in recent years. He can line up at wide receiver, running back, and punt returner. However, McKenzie’s offensive role has diminished as the Bills have added more talent at wide receiver. He’s also coming off a season in which he struggled with injuries. The Bills may decide to move on from McKenzie in favor of a younger, more explosive player.
These are just four of the Buffalo Bills players who are unlikely to be back in 2024. The team has some tough decisions to make this offseason, but they have a lot of talent and are still one of the best teams in the AFC. With the right moves, the Bills can bounce back from their playoff loss and make another run at the Super Bowl in 2024.
In addition to the players mentioned above, there are a few other Bills who could be on the move this offseason. These include veteran linebacker Lorenzo Alexander, cornerback Levi Wallace, and offensive lineman Jon Feliciano. The Bills will have to weigh the costs of keeping these players against the needs of the team.
The Bills’ salary cap situation is also something to watch. The team is currently over the cap, so they will need to make some cuts before the start of the 2024 season. This could lead to the departure of some of the players mentioned above.
Despite the challenges they face, the Buffalo Bills are still a team on the rise. They have a young, talented core and a coaching staff that knows how to win. With the right moves this offseason, the Bills can put themselves in a position to contend for a Super Bowl in 2024.
