By Kyle Silagyi / Billswire.usatoday.com
The Buffalo Bills have released running back LeSean McCoy, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The 31-year-old back, who Buffalo acquired via trade with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2015, was set to enter his fifth year as a Bill. He rushed for 3,814 yards and 25 touchdowns throughout his time in Buffalo, serving as the lead back in a Bills’ rushing attack that often finished among the league’s best.
McCoy’s security in Western New York has long been questioned. The 11th-year back is coming off his worst season as a professional, as he rushed for a career-low 514 yards in the 2018 season.
McCoy’s dwindling production and $9.05 million cap hit put the Bills in an awkward situation. With backs like Frank Gore, Devin Singletary, and T.J. Yeldon on the roster, paying north of $9 million to an aging ballcarrier who was set to be in a rotation did not seem wise.
Though there was some writing on the wall, Buffalo’s decision to cut McCoy outright is still surprising. The Bills’ brass has been publicly committed to McCoy, with general manager Brandon Beane saying that the running back was “definitely” in the team’s plans for the 2019 season last November.
Apparently, plans change.
A change may ultimately be best for both parties. Buffalo can now give a large number of carries to Devin Singletary, a rookie back who showed promise in the preseason. Future Hall of Famer Frank Gore will be there to share the load, as well.
For McCoy, a change of scenery may be needed in order to experience a career renaissance. He’s rushed for 10,606 yards throughout his career, and he’s eager to prove that his down 2018 campaign was just a fluke.
He told reporters at training camp that there were “two [outside] teams” interested in his services last season. He likely won’t be a free agent for long.