Brandon Beane warns there would not be any splashy moves this offseason…

Before a game, Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Connor McGovern steps onto the field.

The Buffalo Bills took proactive steps to alleviate their salary cap constraints this week by restructuring the contract of offensive lineman Connor McGovern, resulting in a freeing up of nearly $3.7 million in cap space.

Approaching the new league season, the Bills found themselves teetering close to $43 million over the cap, placing them among the league’s most financially constrained teams. According to a report by Zach Dimmitt on February 26 for SI.com, the Bills managed to generate some breathing room with McGovern’s revised contract and are anticipated to pursue additional significant transactions to facilitate signings of draft picks and free agents.

The Bills managed to create flexibility, as highlighted by the cap-tracking site Spotrac, by guaranteeing McGovern’s contract for 2024 and reorganizing finances to mitigate their cap burden.

Spotrac tweeted, “The Bills converted $4.675M of OL Connor McGovern’s 2024 base salary into signing bonus, adding 2 void years, clearing $3.74M of cap space this season.”

Since joining the Bills, McGovern has proven to be a dependable member of the offensive line, contributing to a starting unit that remained intact for all 17 games and played a crucial role in a well-balanced offensive strategy. McGovern commended Buffalo’s coaching staff, contrasting it favorably with his experience at the Dallas Cowboys.

“Yes, complete 180 (degrees from Dallas),” McGovern remarked. “But it’s been the best (coaching) I’ve had in my career from college all the way up. (Bills offensive line coach Aaron Kromer) gets into the small, little details, and I’ve never really had somebody pick things apart.”

While McGovern’s contract adjustment provided some relief, the Bills are anticipated to undertake more significant actions in the near future. According to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic, restructuring quarterback Josh Allen’s contract is a certainty, with potential savings of $22 million. This would significantly mitigate the cap burden, although general manager Brandon Beane cautioned against extravagant spending, signaling a prudent approach to the offseason.

“We’re going to be shopping at some of the same stores we were shopping at last year,” Beane stated, indicating a conservative stance in their financial approach.

The Bills face crucial decisions regarding impending free agents such as edge rusher A.J. Epenesa and defensive lineman DaQuan Jones.