The Bills continue to work with experienced players to resolve cap concerns. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport, Buffalo is releasing center Mitch Morse. Rapoport and his colleague Tom Pelissero also reported that the organization planned to cut ways with receiver/returner Deonte Harty.
Morse’s departure brings additional upheaval to Buffalo’s offensive line. Ryan Bates’ recent move to the Bears increases his chances of regaining first-team status. Initially, it appeared that the Bills’ starting inside combination of Connor McGovern, O’Cyrus Torrance, and Morse would remain intact until 2024. Morse, on the other hand, is now prepared to enter free agency.
The decision to part ways with Morse, who had one year remaining on his contract, will result in £8.5 million in cap savings and £3 million in dead money. The move means Buffalo will have a new starting center for the first time since 2019, unless the team and the player negotiate a more financially viable agreement. Morse received his only Pro Bowl nomination in 2022 and played more than 1,100 snaps for the second time in his career last season. The 31-year-old finished 20th among qualifying centers in 2023, with an overall grade of 64.1. This level of performance is consistent with his evaluations throughout his career, and comparable play is projected in 2024.
Buffalo started the offseason with tight cap limits, which resulted in multiple exits via veteran player releases. Earlier today, safety Jordan Poirier and special teams player Ciaran Neal were let go as part of a cost-cutting effort. Harty’s discharge would have an additional financial advantage of £4.3 million in cap space. Last offseason, Harty signed a two-year contract with Buffalo and became the team’s primary punt returner in 2023, returning 26 punts and scoring a 96-yard touchdown as part of his special teams performance. This offseason, the Bills will look for a more cost-effective solution.
According to Rapoport, Connor McGovern is set to move from guard to center to replace Morse. McGovern, not to be confused with the Jets’ center of the same name, joined the Bills last offseason after spending time with the Cowboys. Despite playing entirely at left guard in 2023, McGovern has little experience as a center from his time in Dallas. On the other hand, David Edwards appears to be the frontrunner to replace McGovern at left guard on Buffalo’s new offensive line.
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