The Buffalo Bills have decided to move on from running back LeSean McCoy. The Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, and New England Patriots have interest in acquiring the newly available back. This move shows that Buffalo is dedicated to getting the roster younger and having money available for next offseason. McCoy had a successful career in Buffalo, but his numbers at the end were trending downward and the move makes sense as a result. Here are three reasons why the Buffalo Bills cut LeSean McCoy.
Why the Bills Released LeSean McCoy
Financial Reasons
The Bills saved about $6 million from the release of LeSean McCoy. Buffalo has shown a strong commitment to saving money for future use in free agency. Buffalo’s projected cap space for the upcoming offseason now sits at over $90 million. McCoy’s contract with Buffalo had him as one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL, despite having career lows last season due to injuries.
Many of the NFL’s best running backs are young players on rookie contracts and Buffalo is looking to cash in on that trend with their own rookie running back in Devin Singletary. Veteran Frank Gore is on a cheap team-friendly contract and will serve as a great mentor for Singletary while T.J. Yeldon handles receiving work on third downs.
Youth Movement
LeSean McCoy is now in his thirties and as a running back, that is the common expiration date for the position. Rookie Devin Singletary is only 21 years old and T.J. Yeldon is 25 himself. Gore is obviously an aged veteran, but losing McCoy lowers the average age of the Bills’ running back group. McCoy’s departure allows Singletary to have a big role this season and let Buffalo decide if he is their future or if the position needs to be addressed this off-season. Especially with the $90 million they’ll have along with 10 draft picks.
Regression
LeSean McCoy has had some great seasons in Buffalo. He made the Pro Bowl in 2016 and 2017 with 1,100+ yard seasons. In 2018, McCoy’s stats fell significantly. He barely eclipsed 500 yards and three touchdowns, down from 13 and six in the previous two seasons respectively. McCoy battled several injuries but only missed two games last season. This dip in production paired itself with McCoy turning 30 years old. With a talented young back on the roster and a back in Frank Gore who refuses to let age stop him from producing, McCoy’s signs of regression and large contract were a pair that made it an easy decision for Bills general manager Brandon Beane.
Last Word
Unfortunately for Buffalo, LeSean McCoy’s time in the city came to an abrupt end. Fortunately for McCoy, he was not traded and can choose his next destination as he tries to prove that he is still an elite running back in the NFL. Devin Singletary will attempt to help Bills fans forget their prized running back of the last four seasons. Hopefully, for Buffalo, Singletary is the future at running back and releasing McCoy will end up being a good decision and not a mistake for the 2019 season.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
