AFC Notes: Bills GM Brandon Beane Talks Roster, Getting Over Hump, Dolphins, Jets

Bills

• Although Bills GM Brandon Beane admits they’ve fallen short of their goals in several years, he knows they are close to breaking through: “Yes, there are several years where we’ve come up short, but every time we’re right there. We’re not getting blown out. I’ll sign up next year for same chance we had this year. 17 with the ball with 3 minutes to go.” (Chris Brown)
• Beane indicated WR Amari Cooper‘s wrist injury “could have required surgery” but the receiver wanted to continue playing, per Katherine Fitzgerald.
• Beane believes Cooper helped boost their offense despite not putting up All-Pro numbers: “I do think Amari helped our offense. Did he put up All-Pro numbers? No… I do not regret the move. I think it did help us, despite what his personal numbers were.” (Fitzgerald)
• Buffalo is currently set to be $7 million over the cap in 2025, but Beane points out they are in a better position than last year and they can adjust several contracts: “We’re in a better position cap-wise than we were last year at this time. We won’t be in as deep of a cap hole. We don’t have as many clear cut cap casualty candidates as last year. We’re ok but we also have extension candidates. I don’t think we’ll be big spenders in free agency.” (Brown)
• As for his approach, Beane said he avoids chasing one particular player or position: “You’re never one player away from it’s a dangerous mindset. You don’t want to chase one player or position. This team had championship ability. But it comes down to a few plays. One to two plays can change the outcome of a game which can end your season.” (Brown)
• Beane said WR Keon Coleman wasn’t the same player after suffering his knee injury and won’t judge his rookie season too harshly: “I wish he had finished the season stronger, but we had honest, direct conversations with Keon. … Let’s give him a little grace here. His career will not be defined by one season.” (Fitzgerald)
• Beane mentioned TE Dalton Kincaid didn’t perform up to expectations, but called him a “big part” of their plans: “Dalton (Kincaid) didn’t have the year he or we expected. He got nicked up during the season. He’s tough. We believe in Dalton. He’s a big part of our plans going forward. No one here has lost confidence in him.” (Sal Capaccio)
• Beane continued on Kincaid: “Dalton (Kincaid) is a really good football player…..he didn’t have that next step up type of year…Dalton makes those plays. It never comes down to one play. Our confidence in him is very high. He knows and we know he has to gain strength (both physically and durability).” (Capaccio)
• Beane wouldn’t compare Coleman and Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy: *“Both players can be good for both teams for years to come … I don’t think today you and I can draw a statement...