Bills Cut 5 Players After Draft to Make Room for Rookies

The Buffalo Bills reshaped their roster post-2025 NFL Draft, cutting five players to clear space for a nine-player rookie class headlined by cornerback Maxwell Hairston and defensive tackle T.J. Sanders. The moves, announced Sunday, signal Brandon Beane’s focus on youth and depth to propel Josh Allen’s Super Bowl chase.

The cuts include cornerback Dane Jackson, wide receiver Laviska Shenault, linebacker Baylon Spector, offensive lineman Alec Anderson, and punter Brad Robbins. This overhaul frees $7.3 million in cap space, per Spotrac, allowing the Bills to integrate rookies and pursue free agents like Calvin Ridley to bolster Allen’s offense.

“We’re building for now and the future,” Beane told The Buffalo News’ Ryan O’Halloran. “These cuts pave the way for our rookies to shine alongside Allen.”

Jackson, a 2024 unrestricted free agent signee, struggled as a fringe starter, posting a 68.4 PFF coverage grade. Hairston and Dorian Strong, drafted in Rounds 1 and 6, outshine him with speed and ball skills, relegating Jackson to expendable status despite fan appreciation for his 2020-2022 tenure.

Shenault, signed for $1.8 million, contributed 245 receiving yards in 2024, mostly on special teams. Round 7 pick Kaden Prather, a 6-foot-4 project, offers greater upside, pushing Shenault out as Beane eyes receivers like Ridley to complement James Cook’s 1,086 rushing yards.

“Tough choices define contenders,” said NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks. “The Bills’ cuts signal faith in their draft and Allen’s leadership.”

Spector and Anderson, both in their final rookie contract years, were outmuscled by draft picks Jordan Hancock and Chase Lundt. Robbins, a non-guaranteed punter, lost ground to Jake Camarda. These moves prioritize versatile rookies like Hancock, a safety-corner hybrid, for special teams and depth.

With $5.3 million in cap space, the Bills’ draft haul—Hairston, Sanders, Landon Jackson, and six others—positions them to challenge the Chiefs. As Beane eyes free agency, these cuts fuel Allen’s 2025 title run. Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp for updates.