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The Buffalo Bills are going to have some tough decisions to make this offseason as they attempt to fit under the 2016 salary cap. At the offensive tackle position, the play of a former second-round pick could have far-reaching implications when it comes to the plan for next year.
Cyrus Kounadjio stepped in and logged his first NFL start against Jacksonville while Seantrel Henderson was sidelined with an injury. Koauandjio performed well enough to praise from both head coach Rex Ryan and offensive coordinator Greg Roman, with the former calling the second-year pro's play "tremendous."
BuffaloBills.com beat reporter Chris Brown thinks this bodes well for Kouandjio's spot next season, as left tackle Cordy Glenn is set to become a free agent.
"I think Kouandjio’s play will serve him best next season when the offensive tackle situation could look a lot different than it does now," said Brown in a recent Fan Friday column. "Cordy Glenn is slated to be a free agent, and will likely be looking for big money. Buffalo can’t keep everybody, and knowing the Bills have only bought themselves a year of time making use of the fifth-year option on Stephon Gilmore, who is playing great right now, he’s the priority. Nigel Bradham is also up at the end of the year."
With just $8 million in projected cap space and Glenn, Bradham, and Richie Incognito all set to become free agents, plus Gilmore's monster deal forthcoming, someone on that list is going to have to be out. If the Bills like what they see from both Henderson and Kouandjio, the pair of 2014 draft picks could end up being starting tackles in 2016.
"So to get to the point here, Kouandjio’s play this year is likely to carry more weight next year when the team makes a decision on Cordy Glenn," continued Brown. "If Glenn is not here, I think Kouandjio will get strong consideration for the right tackle job, with Henderson the most likely option for left tackle."