GM Brandon Beane Fires Back at Critics Claiming Bills Underpay Players

Buffalo, NY – June 28, 2025: Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane has unleashed a fiery rebuttal to critics accusing the team of underpaying its stars, defending his roster-building strategy as the Bills chase a 2025 Super Bowl, sources told ESPN. With training camp looming, Beane’s bold stance underscores his commitment to balancing financial discipline with championship aspirations.

The accusations stem from high-profile contract disputes and departures, with detractors claiming Buffalo’s frugal approach shortchanges talent. Beane, addressing reporters at One Bills Drive, dismissed the narrative, pointing to hefty extensions for homegrown stars as proof of the team’s investment, per The Athletic.

“People say we underpay? Look at our books,” Beane declared on WGR 550’s The Instigators. “We’ve paid Josh [Allen], Greg [Rousseau], Khalil [Shakir], and others what they’re worth. We build through the draft, develop, and pay our guys to stay. But we’re not throwing cash at every demand—that’s how you kill a roster.”

Beane’s strategy faces scrutiny, particularly with running back James Cook, whose $15 million annual extension demand remains unmet. Cook, 25, led the NFL with 16 rushing touchdowns in 2024, totaling 1,086 yards, per Pro Football Reference. His absence from voluntary OTAs and listing his Orchard Park home for sale fueled speculation of a trade, per Buffalo Rumblings. Beane, offering $12 million annually, insists Cook will play in 2025, saying, “Jimbo’s a pro—he’ll be ready to roll,” per SI.com.

Other cases amplify the criticism. Stefon Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowler, was traded to Houston in 2024 after tensions, signing a $69 million deal with New England in 2025—higher than Buffalo’s $18-20 million offer, per Spotrac. Tremaine Edmunds, a 2022 Pro Bowler, left for a $72 million Bears contract in 2023, exceeding Buffalo’s $12-14 million cap limit, per Democrat and Chronicle. Both exits sparked “stingy” accusations, yet Beane counters that cap constraints ($5.3 million in 2025) demand tough choices, per The Buffalo News.

“We’ve spent nearly $600 million on extensions this offseason—Allen, Rousseau, Bernard, Shakir, Benford,” Beane said, per buffalobills.com. Josh Allen’s 6-year, $330 million deal, with $250 million guaranteed, is the NFL’s richest, while Greg Rousseau ($80 million) and Khalil Shakir ($53 million) anchor the roster, per ESPN. “We pay for loyalty and fit, not just flash,” Beane added.

Bills Mafia rallied behind Beane on X, with fans praising his draft-and-develop approach. “Beane builds winners, not wallets,” one post read, per @BillsMusee. Yet, critics like ex-Bill Stefon Diggs, who called Buffalo “stingy” on The Pivot Podcast, argue the team undervalues stars, per Sporting News.

With Allen’s 4,306-yard MVP season and Cook’s dynamic backfield, Buffalo’s offense thrives, per NFL.com. Beane’s signings—Justin Simmons, Jalen Ramsey—bolster a defense eyeing Kansas City, per Bleacher Report. As the Bills prepare for their September 4 opener against Miami, Beane’s fiery defense of his strategy signals a singular focus: Super Bowl LX. Can he silence the doubters? Stay tuned to ESPN!