In a surprising offseason decision, the Buffalo Bills released veteran cornerback Tre’Davious White, marking the end of his tenure with the team since being drafted in 2017. Mike Garofolo of NFL Network reported that Tre’Davious White is set to meet with both the Los Angeles Rams and the Las Vegas Raiders.
https://x.com/MikeGarafolo/status/1769531078996275531?s=20
What Brought Tre’Davious White to the Market?
White’s release underscores the often harsh realities of NFL roster management. He was designated as a post-June 1 cut, which will save the Buffalo Bills $10.2 million in cap space with $6.2 million in dead money. This move was necessary to help the Buffalo Bills maneuver for some upgrades during this free agency period, like WR Curtis Samuel.
Tre’Davious White was limited to just four games due to a severe Achilles injury, contributing 12 tackles, one interception, and two pass deflections. The year before, White’s season was also cut short by injury, limiting his appearances to just six games.
Unfortunately for White, he was part of a cap numbers crunch while coming off an injury, which happens frequently in the NFL.
Tre’Davious White by the Numbers
At the height of his career, he was one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL, if not the best. In 2019, he ranked fifth in the 2019 Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year race, thanks to leading the league with six interceptions and securing All-Pro honors. However, the subsequent years brought challenges, with a torn ACL in 2021 and the recent Achilles tear in 2023 stunting his momentum and leading to his release from the Buffalo Bills.
His arrival in Buffalo was a turning point for the franchise, contributing significantly to a team that had struggled to reach the playoffs for 17 years. His rookie year saw him tally four interceptions and 69 tackles, playing a pivotal role in the Bills’ 9-7 record and their clinch of a playoff spot on the season’s final day. According to Pro Football Reference, White’s presence on the field was intimidating for opposing quarterbacks, who managed a completion rate of only 50.0% and a 43.3 passer rating when targeting his coverage area.
His Pro Bowl selection and second-team All-Pro honor in 2020 further cemented White’s status as a top-tier defensive player. That year, the Bills won the AFC East and advanced to the AFC Championship Game for the first time in 27 years, showcasing the depth of talent and leadership White brought to the team.