Financial ramifications of a Cordy Glenn trade for the Buffalo Bills

There is reportedly interest in a trade for Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Cordy Glenn. Glenn, a mainstay on the left side of the Bills offensive line for years, is coming off foot injuries and has a massive contract. Buffalo added rookie Dion Dawkins this offseason who has played steadily in Glenn’s absence. If a trade is worked out, it would certainly keep more money in the coffers at One Bills Drive.

For 2017, the numbers are pretty solid. They have paid him roughly $3 million of his $9 million salary for the 2017 season which still counts on the cap, so they would save $6 million on the cap and in cash by dumping his remaining salary in a trade.

The big cap hit would come in 2018, as the remaining money from his 2016 signing bonus would need to be accounted for. That $9.6 million cap hit would be offset by the removal of his salary and roster bonuses. With more than $11 million owed to him in 2018, Buffalo would still come out ahead.

Glenn’s base salaries in 2018 and beyond total $23.75 million and he has three $2 million roster bonuses over the next three offseasons. That’s a savings of roughly 30 million dollars over those three seasons before you add the replacement player costs to the mix.

Editor’s note: an earlier version of this article incorrectly stated the signing bonus cap hit would be applied during the 2017 season. It has been corrected.