Huge Problem Could Stop Buffalo Bills From Keeping Cordy Glenn
By Erik Lambert
At the start of the off-season, there was no doubt in the mind of any Buffalo Bills fans that the top priority was to make sure left tackle Cordy Glenn didn’t go anywhere. He was by far their best offensive lineman in 2015, a sturdy pass protector and solid run blocker. He’s in his prime and should be the anchor for their front moving forward.
There is just one big issue: money. As of right now, Buffalo has the lowest amount of cap space in the NFL. Overthecap.com estimates it to be around $210,000. Albert Breer of NFL Network believes this presents significant hurdles to ensuring Glenn stays in town.
... All signs point to the Jets tagging Wilkerson. Cap issues in Buffalo could prevent Bills from tagging Glenn. Vernon could go either way.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 23, 2016
Bills entered the offseason with over $160M committed to 46 players. Cutting Mario Williams saves $12.9M. Tagging Glenn will cost > $13M.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 23, 2016
Spoke quickly on this on HQ. Clarity on point intended: Tagging Glenn tough cap-wise for Buffalo, but not impossible https://t.co/er6mmRzGuj
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 23, 2016
In other words, even if the Bills cut Mario Williams as many expect them to, they still wouldn’t have enough money to even lock up Glenn. This doesn’t even factor in other free agents and of course the NFL draft. Buffalo has tons more work to do. Some have suggested restructuring the contracts of tight end Charles Clay and Marcell Dareus. They could also hand an extension to cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who is carrying a cap hit of $11.082 million into the season.
There is also the option of cutting veterans Corey Graham and/or Leodis McKelvin, which could save just over $7 million. So the Buffalo Bills brass have options, it just takes some difficult decision-making and time to negotiate. With free agency just a couple weeks away, they are running out of wiggle room.