Bills Wide Receiver Deonte Harty’s Future in Jeopardy After Playoff Loss
Following the Buffalo Bills’ disappointing loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional round, general manager Brandon Beane faces a tough decision regarding the team’s roster. With 21 pending free agents and limited financial flexibility, it is predicted that Deonte Harty may become a casualty of the team’s salary cap situation.
Harty, who signed a two-year, $9.5 million contract with Buffalo last year, is set to earn a base salary of $2.6 million in 2024. However, his cap hit increases to $5.7 million. By releasing him, the Bills could save over $4 million with only a $1.64 million cap hit.
The potential departure of Harty, coupled with the impending free agency of Gabe Davis and Trent Sherfield Sr., suggests that the Bills’ wide receiver position may undergo significant changes in the offseason.
Despite showcasing his explosiveness in the regular season finale with a record-breaking 96-yard punt return touchdown against the Miami Dolphins, Harty failed to make a significant impact in the playoffs. Even with Davis sidelined due to injury, Harty was unable to establish himself as a valuable asset to the offense. With the expected return of Nyheim Hines for the 2024 season, Harty’s spot on the roster may be in jeopardy.
However, if the Bills wish to retain Harty, they have the option to restructure his contract or offer him an extension to alleviate the burden on the salary cap. Throughout the regular season, Harty recorded 15 receptions for 150 yards and one touchdown. In the two postseason games, he caught both of his targets for 37 yards.
As the Bills face a challenging offseason, Beane must carefully consider the future of Deonte Harty and the team’s wide receiver corps.
BILLS RECEIVER GABE DAVIS EYES FUTURE IN BUFFALO
In a recent interview, Buffalo Bills wide receiver Gabe Davis expressed his openness to returning to the team for the upcoming season. Having been with the Bills for the past four years, Davis has grown fond of the city and everything it has to offer. However, he also acknowledges the business side of the NFL and plans to explore other options before making a final decision. Despite a somewhat underwhelming performance this year, Davis remains dedicated and hardworking. Unfortunately, a knee injury prevented him from participating in the postseason.
Davis, a team captain and a beloved figure among his teammates, may find himself playing for a new franchise next year. According to predictions from Spotrac.com, Davis is expected to earn a lucrative four-year, $54 million contract, which might be beyond what Buffalo is willing to offer. As the offseason progresses, Davis will have to weigh his options and make a decision that is best for his career.
STEFON DIGGS’ ROLE QUESTIONED AFTER DISAPPOINTING PERFORMANCE
Stefon Diggs, the Bills’ top wide receiver, faced criticism following a lackluster performance in the team’s most important game of the season. Despite surpassing 1,000 yards for the fourth consecutive year, Diggs struggled in the back half of the season, raising concerns among fans and analysts alike. In the game against the Chiefs, Diggs had a difficult time making an impact, catching only three of his eight targets for a mere 21 yards. He even dropped and fumbled his first two targets, further adding to the disappointment.
Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic pointed out that Diggs has consistently failed to deliver in crucial moments, highlighting the team’s need for additional playmakers in the passing game. While the Bills could potentially address this issue by drafting a receiver in the upcoming NFL draft, there is also a chance for internal growth. If the Bills decide not to re-sign Davis and release Harty, they could turn to Justin Shorter, their fifth-round pick from the 2023 NFL draft. Despite missing the entire season due to a preseason hamstring injury, Shorter is eager to prove himself and has been diligently preparing for the upcoming year.
As the offseason progresses, the Bills will have to make strategic decisions regarding their receiving corps. Whether they choose to retain Davis or explore other options, the team is determined to improve and make a strong comeback in the next season.
