The Buffalo Bills are preparing for the 2026 NFL season after finishing the previous year with a 12-5 record. This performance secured them the second position in the AFC East and placed them as the seventh seed for the postseason. As they head into 2026, the Bills are operating with an estimated initial cap space of approximately $4 million, compared to the expected league threshold of $304 million.
Buffalo Bills Financial Projections for 2026
Key financial factors for the Bills include a significant $56.4 million allocated to quarterback Josh Allen. Furthermore, six player contracts are set to void soon, which represents another $32 million in cap space. The team also enters the offseason with seven draft picks, including two seventh-round selections.
Free Agency and Key Decisions
The Bills face critical decisions regarding free agency as two essential offensive linemen—center Connor McGovern and guard David Edwards—are approaching free agency. The team must decide whether to invest in retaining these players or seek replacements. Additionally, the offensive strategy may be influenced by the need for a top-tier wide receiver in 2026.
- Connor McGovern: Valued at $16 million
- David Edwards: Valued at $20 million
- Joey Bosa: Valued at $13.7 million
- A.J. Epenesa: Valued at $9.2 million
- Larry Ogunjobi: Valued at $5 million
- Matt Milano: Valued at $4.5 million
- Shaq Thompson: Valued at $2.75 million
Dalton Kincaid’s Future with Buffalo
Tight end Dalton Kincaid, after a promising rookie season catching 91 passes, has become a focal point in Allen’s offense. However, his injury history raises questions about future contract options. Kincaid’s fifth-year option for 2027 is projected at around $8.8 million, which the Bills could comfortably accommodate.
Potential Contract Extensions
One notable player under consideration for an extension is offensive tackle Dion Dawkins, who has been reliable since joining the team in 2017. Currently, Dawkins has two years remaining on his $36.5 million contract. The Bills may explore adding more years to secure his talent, projecting a new deal of around $63 million over three years.
Bubble Candidates and Release Options
The Bills are also evaluating players who may be on the bubble for releasing, including:
- WR Curtis Samuel: Active for only 20 games over two seasons, with a potential release saving $6.2 million against the cap.
- K Tyler Bass: A hip injury sidelined him for the entire 2025 season, putting his $8.25 million contract in jeopardy.
- TE Dawson Knox: Set to earn $12 million, with a $17 million cap hit, he could be renegotiated to ease cap pressure.
Cap Space Optimization Strategies
The Bills are also exploring strategies for cap space optimization. This includes converting contracts into signing bonuses. Potential conversions include:
- Josh Allen’s salary to free up over $12 million.
- Spencer Brown’s compensation for nearly $11 million.
- Taron Johnson’s salary, which could release an additional $6 million.
With these financial projections and decisions on the horizon, the Buffalo Bills are well-positioned to strategize their roster effectively ahead of the 2026 season.
