Buffalo Bills Fans May Have to Say Goodbye to Two Favorite Players Next Season
The Buffalo Bills are taking a break this week, enjoying their bye week and giving everyone a chance to pause and reflect on their 6-6 record. While the players get some well-deserved rest, the coaches will continue their hard work at One Bills Drive.
Head coach Sean McDermott has faced criticism for his shortcomings in close and thrilling games. Some of his questionable decisions, such as using a timeout to ice the Eagles kicker Jake Elliott, who was already facing a difficult 59-yard field goal, have been a cause for concern. Additionally, McDermott chose not to allow Josh Allen and the offense to attempt to get into field goal range with 20 seconds remaining and one timeout left.
The Bills have a chance to secure a playoff spot, but it will require them to win four or all five of their remaining games. Their schedule includes two particularly challenging matchups following the bye week: an away game against Kansas City and a home game against Dallas.
Fans eagerly anticipate what changes may occur in 2024. Although some may wish for McDermott’s departure, it is unlikely given his successful track record and the Pegulas’ current focus on off-field matters such as a new stadium, the Sabres, and front office adjustments.
The Bills have more than 20 pending free agents in 2024, and the majority of them are on the defensive side. There are two players in particular whose expiring contracts stand out, and it’s highly unlikely that either of them will be returning to the Bills in 2024.
Micah Hyde, the safety, and Gabe Davis, the wide receiver.
Hyde and Poyer were signed in 2017 and have been the safety tandem for McDermott’s defense ever since. Unfortunately, Hyde missed a significant portion of the 2022 season due to a neck injury. It’s worth noting that he will be turning 33 in week 16 of this season.
Hyde’s performance this season appears to have slowed down, possibly due to his neck injury and age. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to envision him returning to the team, despite his significant contributions to Buffalo over the past seven seasons. Poyer, on the other hand, may also be nearing the end of his tenure, as he only has one year left on his contract after 2023.
Gabe Davis is set to become a free agent in March. However, he has not shown enough on the field to justify a contract worth more than $15-20 million per season. While he has had games where he has scored multiple touchdowns and showcased his skills as a blocker, his overall productivity has been lacking.
In 2024, the Bills will also have to deal with the cap ramifications of Josh Allen’s contract. His cap hit will increase to $47 million, which means that the team will need to make some adjustments. This includes making upgrades and retooling in positions such as wide receiver and defense.
Fans need to brace themselves for the likelihood that neither Hyde nor Davis will return for the 2024 season.
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