The NFL announced a record-high salary cap of $279.2 million for the 2025 NFL season, and the [Buffalo Bills](https://www.buffalorumblings.com/) find themselves approximately $10.4 million over the cap when you factor in the contracts of the team’s top 51 players.
The Bills have until 4 p.m. EDT on March 12—the start of the new league year—to become cap compliant, and on Thursday, general manager Brandon Beane made the team’s first move to create cap space before the business year begins on Wednesday.
Veteran punter Sam Martin was released by the Bills, and today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off by discussing the news and its impact, as Buffalo now only has one punter currently under contract: Jake Camarda, who signed a reserve/future contract this January.
Bills release veteran punter Sam Martin
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On Thursday, the Bills freed up some salary cap space, releasing punter Sam Martin after three seasons in Western New York. Martin, 35, had one year remaining on his contract. During his time with Buffalo, Martin averaged 46.7 yards per punt on his 150 punts, with 65 kicks landing inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.
The move frees up $2 million of cap space for Buffalo, who are currently $8.5 million over the cap. The Bills could still look to bring Martin back at a lower salary if he doesn’t find a home in free agency.
Trading for WR DK Metcalf
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While there’s no doubt that acquiring wide receiver DK Metcalf would make Josh Allen and the Bills’ offense even more formidable, the cost is expected to be significant — with any team trading for Metcalf most likely needing to offer up a new contract in addition to giving up premium draft capital.
Even more Bills news
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Read which internal free agents Buffalo should re-sign, and who should be allowed to walk away; examining the state of Buffalo’s cornerbacks with beat reporter Sal Capaccio; explaining why at least one football pundit thinks the Bills should stay away from former [Los Angeles Chargers](https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/)’ defensive end Joey Bosa; and find out where former Bills defensive tackle Kyle Williams will be coaching in 2025.
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