For much of the offseason, it was believed that 2013 first-round quarterback EJ Manuel faced the loss of his roster spot if he couldn’t regain his starting job. Now, the Bills could end up getting rid of the veteran for whom they traded in March.
Sal Capaccio of WGR 550 reports that the Bills have having an “internal debate” on whether to cut Matt Cassel.
The Bills already paid Cassel a $500,000 roster bonus, but they would avoid a $4.15 million base salary by moving on before Week One.
The Bills sent a 2015 fifth-round pick and a 2016 seventh-round selection to the Vikings for Cassel and a 2015 sixth-rounder. Cassel lost the starting job to Tyrod Taylor, a free agent the Bills signed to a three-year, $3.35 million contract. He has a base salary of only $750,000 this year.
If the Bills cut Manuel, they’d still owe him $1.2 million for 2015 and $1.6 million for 2016. However, the Bills would get credit for any money Manuel earns elsewhere.