The Buffalo Bills made big changes to their roster before free agency. They were $43.3 million over the $255.4 million limit before the off-season. They released six veterans.
Saying goodbye to All-Pro cornerback Tre’Davious Whitewas one of the hardest. White signed a four-year $69 million extension in 2020 and was under contract until 2025. However, White hurt his ACL and Achilles, which ended his 2022 NFL season prematurely.
On March 24, Bills general manager Brandon Beane said at the NFL’s annual meeting that the door was still open for White to come back. However, the Bills’ first-round pick from the 2017 NFL draft is now gone.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Tuesday, March 26, that “White plans to sign a one-year, $8.5 million deal with a maximum value up to $10 million with the Los Angeles Rams, according to sources.”
While White attracted attention from multiple teams during free agency, but it seems the Rams were in a better position as the veteran continues to recover. “A connection: Rams team doctor Neal ElAttrache fixed Tre’Davious White’s Achilles, and the two spent time together after the surgery, rehabbing,” Schefter noted.
Just one day before, Bills head coach Sean McDermott got emotional when talking to reporters about White’s sudden release. “To me, it’s tragic, in some ways, because of the injuries, and if the injuries hadn’t happened, who knows where his time in Buffalo would have taken him and us?” McDermott said.
“I think he’s one of the best defensive backs to ever play in Buffalo – I really believe that.”
Former Bills Star Tre’Davious White Missed 30 Games Over The Past 3 Seasons
GettyBills cornerback Tre’Davious White at Highmark Stadium on December 17, 2022.
After White got injured in early October, there was speculation about whether the Bills would keep the two-time Pro Bowler. While considering replacement options, The Buffalo News reporter Ryan O’Halloran suggested the idea of releasing the 29-year-old star.
The veteran has missed 30 games in the last three seasons. He’s only played in 10 games since 2022. If White was willing to come back to Buffalo for a heavily discounted contract, there was a good chance they could reunite. However, with only $6 to $7 million in cap space, it’s unlikely that the Bills could match the Rams’ offer.
The Bills Will Face Tre’Davious White & The Rams in 2024
The Bills will encounter White soon, as they are set to play against the Rams at SoFi Stadium next season. Schefter reported, “The compensation metric for getting this deal done was one piece of the puzzle,” Conner said. “The most important part was Tre having assurance and confidence there was a clear strategic plan for his return to the field at his optimal level.
“We both were able to speak to (Rams head coach) Sean McVay and VP of Sports Performance Reggie Scott, who explained a plan we were comfortable with.”
With Beane hinting at a possible return, White’s departure hit Bills Mafia particularly hard on Tuesday. WKBW’s Matthew Bové wrote, “It feels strange to even see this. Can’t believe he’s not on the Bills and actually signing with another team.”
Based on McDermott’s comments on Monday, though, he appeared to be aware that White was going to leave. McDermott praised White, calling him classy, hardworking, and a great person who has lifted himself, his family, and the team up despite his difficult background.
“For me, it's a very unfortunate situation with the injuries. And, yeah, sorry to – sad to – see him go.”
