BUFFALO, NY — November 1, 2025
Five days before the NFL trade deadline, the Buffalo Bills just turned a devastating injury into a strategic power move — and the entire AFC is on alert.
Star defensive tackle Ed Oliver, who suffered a torn left biceps in Week 8 against the Carolina Panthers, has agreed to a major contract restructure that immediately frees up
$13 million in cap space for Buffalo. The move vaults the Bills from a tight $7.8M in cap room to a war-ready $20.8M, giving GM Brandon Beane the ammunition to chase high-end defensive help before November 4.
Oliver’s injury — suffered while bringing down RB Chuba Hubbard in the second half — sent shockwaves through the roster. He underwent surgery on October 28, was placed on injured reserve, and is now
out indefinitely. Best-case scenario? A return in the playoffs. Worst case? His 2025 season is already over.
But instead of disappearing into rehab, Oliver made a move no one saw coming — choosing to restructure his deal
after the injury, converting salary into bonuses and void years to help the team reload.
“I can’t be out there hitting quarterbacks right now, but I can still help this team win.
If I can’t fight on the field, I’m gonna fight for cap space. That $13 million is my contribution to the playoff push.”
Through eight weeks, Oliver had already missed four games due to an ankle issue, finally returned vs. Carolina… and then saw his season collapse in one snap. Yet he still chose
team first. That move — not a sack, not a tackle, not a stat — may be the biggest play of his career.
With the new cap space, league sources already link Buffalo to:
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Danielle Hunter
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Trey Hendrickson
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Chase Young
The Bills’ defensive line suddenly has the financial room to reload in a single week.
This is no longer just a roster move.
It’s a statement of belief.
A wounded leader paying for one more shot at a ring.
Buffalo didn’t just gain $13 million.
They gained a legend in No. 91.
AFC, be warned — the Bills just got stronger in the middle of a storm.
