A surprise cut out of Buffalo. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports (via Twitter) that the Bills have released veteran running back LeSean McCoy.
There had been rumblings of a potential divorce for several months. McCoy was entering the final year of his five-year, $40MM deal, and cutting the veteran would save the organization more than $6MM. While the organization had been touting McCoy as their 2019 starter throughout the offseason, some pundits wondered if the front office was simply trying to generate trade interest.
However, back in January, GM Brandon Beane made it clear that the running back was staying put.
“LeSean will come back in 2019 and we’ll go from there,” the GM said.
Despite their faith in McCoy, the organization still brought in a pair of inexpensive vets in Frank Gore and T.J. Yeldon. Third-round rookie Devin Singletary has also emerged as an intriguing piece during the preseason. Considering the financial discrepancy between McCoy and the other three running backs, the team decided to move on from their four-year starter.
While McCoy was productive during his first three years in Buffalo, he struggled in 2018. The 31-year-old finished the campaign with a career-low 3.2 yards per carry, compiling 514 yards and three touchdowns on 161 carries. He also hauled in 34 receptions for 238 yards.
McCoy still offers serious burst and cutting ability, even at his advanced age, so there’s reason to believe that he can get back to his old form in 2019. Several teams will surely kick the tires on the veteran, so he shouldn’t be a free agent for long.
Texans
Wouldn’t that be nice. On a 1 year prove it deal. Although I don’t think he needs to prove anything.
It would make sense for the Texans to do it….which means they probably won’t. The Texans don’t really understand how football works.
didn’t see that coming
It is well deserved! He should have been cut months ago.
1. Spoilers suck
2. Don’t mess with the MCU
I think he does he’s gotten old and been injured and just doesn’t produce like he use to
Ouch, humbling for Shady.
Meh. I’m sure he knows the business. He has made money. Why would he want to hang around and play in Buffalo? He can catch on somewhere where he can win or not live in Buffalo
Not saying he doesn’t, but it is still a huge blow to the ego when you’re released and looking for a job.
Especially when you’re released by the Bills.
Maybe he forced this to escape Buffalo.
Dumb move, could have kept and then dealt him for even lower picks
I think that, if he had trade value, he would’ve gotten moved for something.
Jets
Yankees
Manchester United
Seems like a SHADY transaction !!
JUNK
Bucs
If he’s more Shiney than Shadey, Redskins…
The Texans have been waiting patiently to see which RBs get released on cut down day. I would think Shady would be towards the top of their list…they won’t need to pay him much. They could also look at younger options like McGuire from the Jets. But I fully expect Houston to sign a new RB by Monday at the latest. Hopefully that doesn’t piss Duke Johnson off and he demands another trade 😉
I thought they’d already signed Ajai?