The Buffalo Bills quarterback situation is a disaster, but the franchise’s salary cap isn’t exactly a wonderful situation, either. Consequently, the team might be lured into dumping their second-best gunslinger on the roster.
According to Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News, “multiple player-personnel people around the league” expect the Bills to cut Matt Cassel, who was a leading candidate for the starting position before Tyrod Taylor ultimately earned the official nod.
That means Rex Ryan must roll with EJ Manuel as the backup, despite the 2013 first-round pick offering little evidence he’s capable of sticking in the league.
But financially, it’s a smart decision. Carucci said:
“The primary logic behind the potential move is, with a cap figure of nearly $5 million, Cassel is far too expensive to remain on the roster as a reserve and the Bills need all of the cap space they can get to extend the contract of Pro Bowl defensive tackle Marcell Dareus.”
Cassel isn’t due any money beyond 2015, while Manuel’s rookie deal is guaranteed through the 2016 season. Releasing the veteran Cassel now will allow Buffalo to roll over the saved cap space to next year, which, as Carucci noted, will help the team’s negotiations with Dareus.
The Bills need Dareus to officially become a fixture on the defense, and risking an already dreary outlook at quarterback certainly sits lower on the priority list.
If Cassel is indeed cut, expect the Cleveland Browns and Washington football team to be rumored as potential suitors for the 33-year-old.