Buffalo Plus: A Buffalo Bills Podcast

Episode: The BILLS Salary Cap SITUATION, STAY or GO for Buffalo's 'Back 7' on defense and LIFE ADVICE

Date: February 19, 2026
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the Buffalo Bills' difficult salary cap and draft capital situation heading into the 2026 offseason and explores the big decisions looming over the team's linebackers and secondary ("back 7"). The crew provides detailed stay-or-go analysis on key players, examines potential schemes under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, and speculates about possible roster turnover. The episode closes with a lively "life advice" segment on clothes sharing and some fun listener stories.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Bills Salary Cap and Draft Capital Dilemma

[02:47-10:43]

- NFL.com Ranks Bills Dead Last (32nd) in Cap & Draft Capital

• "I was surprised because the Bills ranked dead last." – Jenna [03:19]
• The ranking isn't based on win percentage, just current cap space and draft picks.
• Playoff success means later draft picks and less young, cheap talent.

- Lull Before Offseason Rush

• After coaching hires and McDermott's departure, fan interest has dipped a bit, but the combine and free agency will soon ramp things up [02:21].

- Is Last Place a Crisis?

• Not necessarily – creative roster moves and restructures can free up cap space, but "moves do eventually cost you down the road" and the pool of players to restructure is shrinking (Mike) [04:12].
• The Bills have far fewer defensive snaps returning under contract than most teams – only 57%, second worst in the league, signaling natural defensive turnover [07:56].

- Notable Quote
"Before we know it, they'll have $35 million in cap space." – Dan Fetes [03:54]

2. Breaking Down the “Back 7”: Stay or Go?

[12:36-46:12]

A. Linebackers

Matt Milano

• 31, now a FA, $11M dead cap. Is his time in Buffalo done?
  • Mike: "This is the time they would move on… It's tough to depend on him for another stretch of 17 games in a change of schemes." [14:09]
  • Dan: Sees Milano as a good theoretical scheme fit (cover ability) and wishes they'd keep him at the right price [14:42].
  • Jenna: "I think it all depends on the price. Also what Milano wants." [16:03]
  • Fun Moment: Mike and Dan debate a six-pack wager on whether Milano will be re-signed by training camp [22:06].

Terrel Bernard

• 26, signed big extension, coming off injury-riddled year, likely to stay for contract reasons; there’s uncertainty about fit in a new possible 3-4 system (Dan skeptical) [17:15, 18:23].

Shaq Thompson

• UFA, 31, coming off impressive "prove-it" year post-injury. Hosts believe he's played well enough to get a multi-year, large-money offer elsewhere [22:53].
• "He brought a physicality, brought a toughness. Somebody will want that at a premium." – Dan [24:13]

Dorian Williams

• 24, entering 4th year. Young, athletic, possible bigger role under Leonard. Excels playing aggressively, less so in coverage [24:44, 25:06].
  • Mike: "When you look at him ... he's one of the best athletes on the whole team, 100%." [25:06]
  • Hosts agree: New system could unlock him.

Others

• Joe Andreessen: Special teamer, might get an open look but no clear fit yet [28:18].

B. Secondary

Taron Johnson

• 30, under contract, down year in 2025. As the longtime nickel "dictator," his role could shift in a new base defense.
  • Jim Leonhard gave him "effusive praise" at his intro conference [30:22; notable to the hosts].
  • Brief discussion of possibly moving to safety given physicality and instincts [32:14].
  • Large dead cap makes him more likely to stay while his future role is figured out [33:29].

Cam Lewis

• Ultra-versatile backup, special teamer. Needed on the roster for depth and flexibility, but is not a major difference-maker [43:55].

Christian Benford & Max Harrison

• Both young, cheap, and likely to be key parts of the cornerback mix [34:39].
  • Max Harrison: Injury-prone, didn't overtake Tre’Davious White as a starter, raising mild concern [35:01–38:50].
  • Benford: "Needs to be a starter" for cap reasons, but must improve on a bumpy 2025 [34:43].

Tre’Davious White

• Veteran, potential cap casualty after year on a voided contract. Played well but not a lock to return; Saints mentioned as a possible fit if not back [39:00–40:24].
  • "Tells you that Tre played well last year. It doesn't necessarily mean he's gonna play for this team this year." – Mike [39:05]

Taylor Rapp

• 28, likely gone; hosts not optimistic, especially after "soft benching" and injury last season [41:00–42:53].

Jordan Poyer

• UFA, played hard in 2025 but tied closely to McDermott. May not return, but could be preferred over Rapp [42:57].
  • Jenna: "He played his ass off … I think you also saw how much that steadying helped Cole Bishop and what he was able to do." [43:01]

Other names:

• Darnell Savage (possibly returning), Demar Hamlin (likely moving on), Jordan Hancock, Dorian Strong—depth/special teams futures unclear [45:41].

3. Notable Quotes & Banter

• "You just rolled through about three of my favorite sayings there. Very proud of you." – Mike, after Dan’s flurry of NFL clichés [39:42].
• "Watch what they do, not what they say. We are in peak of that season." – Jenna [40:44].
• "He sets your floor." – Dan, on Cam Lewis’ value as a depth player [45:12].
• "Don’t get all worked up if Cam Lewis re-signs. You need those type of dudes." – Mike [44:13].
• Classic playful razzing as Dan and Mike wager (six-pack of choice) on the future of Matt Milano [22:07].

4. Life Advice Segment

Listener Q&As and Stories [46:12–end]

Listener Email: “Did I Go Too Far With My Backyard Bills Bar?”

• Chris, a carpenter, spent $15K building an elaborate Bills-themed outdoor bar/pavilion for game days.
• Mike: "You haven't gone far enough yet … That is going to be the place."
• Jenna: "But my one thing is that most of the games are not during the summer. You got to get, like, some heating stuff." [52:05]
• Hosts agree: If you can build it and love it, it’s worth every penny.

Listener Stories: First Cars

• Several listeners shared memorable tales of unreliable, quirky first vehicles.
• Fun moment: "My sister’s car grew mushrooms in the passenger-side carpet when wet." [49:20]
• "Time to change all the passwords with security questions that ask about your first car." – EBC, as read by Jenna [50:28]

Borrowing Clothes Among Friends: How Weird Is It?

• Bill’s story: An acquaintance at a viewing party asks to borrow sweatpants because he was still in work uniform.
• Mike: "I have never worn or loaned clothes to a friend of mine. I think it's kind of weird." [55:34]
• Gender/generational divide: Jenna defends clothe-sharing as totally normal among women; Dan highlights context, closeness of friendship [56:10–59:15].
• "It's more about level of friend. But I'd never let anyone borrow my shoes." – Dan [58:31]
• "But you gotta give it. ... You just avoid the awkwardness." [59:15]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Salary Cap/Draft Capital Rankings: 02:47–10:43
• Back 7 Defensive Analysis (Linebackers/Safeties/CBs): 12:36–46:12
  • Matt Milano Deep Dive: 12:36–22:12
  • Dorian Williams Outlook: 24:44–27:32
  • Max Harrison/Trey White Dilemma: 34:39–40:24
• Life Advice Section: 46:12–end (esp. clothes-sharing at 55:34–)
• Listener Bar Story: 50:48
• Listener First Car Memories: 49:07–50:28

Final Thoughts and Tone

The show’s tone stays light, witty, and honest throughout, with plenty of playful jabs and personal storytelling. The hosts’ insider expertise and frank opinions make for a candid look at the Bills’ roster challenges ahead, while the life advice section offers a fun, relatable close to the episode.

For More

To catch the full discussion—including even more player-by-player breakdowns and listener Q&A—check out Buffalo Plus on YouTube or visit the Buffalo Plus Link Tree.