Bills release LeSean McCoy
The Buffalo Bills announced Saturday that they've released running back LeSean McCoy.
"We made a tough decision today but felt that it was the right time to release LeSean McCoy," general manager Brandon Beane said in a statement. "I have nothing but great things to say about LeSean, and we truly wish him the best."
McCoy's release came "out of left field" and was not preceded by a request for the 31-year-old to take a pay cut, reports Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, citing a source.
The 11-year vet was among the highest-paid players at his position. He was scheduled to make $6.1 million in base salary in the final season of a five-year, $40-million extension signed with the Bills in 2015. The total dollar value of his contract was topped only by Todd Gurley, Le'Veon Bell, and Devonta Freeman. His annual average of $8 million ranked fifth behind Gurley, Bell, David Johnson, and Freeman.
McCoy had been the starter in Buffalo since he was acquired via a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles ahead of the 2015 season.
His production waned last season, as he totaled just 514 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games. He put up 1,138 rushing yards and six scores during a healthy 2017 campaign.
Reminder that LeSean McCoy was brutal last year, and he is now 31 years old.
— Evan Silva (@evansilva) August 31, 2019
* Career-low 3.2 yards per carry
* Career-low 3.9 yards per touch
* 55th among 56 RBs in yards after contact per rush (2.01)
* 48th among 56 RBs in @PFF Elusive Rating
The Bills fleshed out their backfield this offseason by signing veterans Frank Gore and TJ Yeldon while drafting Devin Singletary in April's draft. The third-rounder figures to take over as the starting back.
"This allows Devin more opportunities to show what he can do for the team," Beane said. "We believe in LeSean and still believe he can play, but you can't look at every decision in a vacuum. After the draft, Devin was a guy we were excited about, but some guys transition faster and some guys transition slower."