Buffalo, NY – May 15, 2025
Buffalo Bills right guard O’Cyrus Torrence emerged as a cornerstone of the offensive line in 2024, but he’s facing a frustrating blow, sources told ESPN. Torrence missed a $2 million bonus by just two snaps, falling short of a key contract incentive.
Drafted in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Torrence’s rookie deal included a proven performance escalator clause. Playing 35% of the Bills’ snaps since being drafted would have boosted his 2025 salary from $1.4 million to $3.5 million, a major raise for the 24-year-old.
However, Torrence fell agonizingly short, logging 1,098 out of 3,141 possible snaps—34.986%. Needing just two more snaps to hit the 35% mark, his camp was left stunned. “It’s a heartbreaking miss,” his agent, Michael Carter, told ESPN. “We thought he’d made it.”
"We calculated him at exactly 35%," Carter said. "But the NFL and NFLPA had him just under, so the Bills can’t grant the escalator."
The contract’s strict language prevents rounding up the percentage, and as an NFL-mandated incentive, the Bills cannot pay Torrence the bonus without renegotiating. The missed opportunity stings, especially after his standout 2024, where he started all 17 games, allowing just 3 sacks.
Torrence’s efforts protected Josh Allen’s 4,306-yard MVP season and supported James Cook’s 1,086-yard rushing campaign. His PFF run-blocking grade of 74.2 ranked among the league’s best, making the bonus miss even more bitter for the young guard.
"I’m disappointed, but I’ll use it as motivation,” Torrence told The Buffalo News. "My focus is on winning, not the money."
With the Bills preparing for a pivotal 2025 home clash against the Chiefs, Torrence remains a vital piece of the offensive line. In the final year of his rookie deal, a strong season could secure a lucrative contract—easing the pain of this avoidable setback.
