LeSean McCoy was in the Bills' plans, general manager Brandon Beane said. Until he wasn't.
McCoy, released over the weekend, reportedly landed quickly with the Chiefs, a potential Super Bowl contender coached by Andy Reid.
Former Bills’ RB LeSean McCoy is reuniting with Chiefs HC Andy Reid, per source. McCoy getting a one-year, $4 million deal that includes $3 million guaranteed from the Chiefs.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 1, 2019
On Sunday, Beane met with the media for the first time since terminating McCoy’s contract, and the topic came up as the GM addressed his team's roster.
From his news conference:
Reporter: What did you make of how quickly LeSean was able to land on his feet?
Beane: I mean he's probably a Hall of Fame player, right there at it and I think that's a great fit for him. Not knowing everything but knowing coach Reed and I know Brett Veach, the GM, and he had a past relationship. Wish him the best. He's going into a team that, I know they have a lot of high expectations and I’m sure he'll be a great addition to what they're doing. We truly wish him the best, unless we play him.
McCoy, 31, spent the past four seasons with the Bills after six seasons with the Eagles.
And as late as this summer Beane and coach Sean McDermott said he would be the lead back in a crowded committee and had plenty left in his legs, NFL.com noted.
But McCoy is coming off of the worst statistical season of his 10-year career: In 14 games in 2018, he ran for 514 yards (3.2 ypg) with a long run of 28 yards and only three rushing TDs. Likely more important, he was set to count $9.05 million against the salary cap with a $6.175 million base salary. The bottom line: McCoy's cost outweighed his production.
Per Pro Football Talk, during a Saturday media session that wasn’t videotaped or transcribed by the team, Beane reportedly declined to explain why McCoy wasn’t asked to take a pay cut.
“I don’t really want to get into it, but no” the Bills didn’t ask McCoy to take less, Beane said. “We did check around with some teams. Again, this gives him a chance to kind of choose his destination as well, which I think he’s earned that right as well.”
McCoy has done just that, landing quickly with the coach who drafted him in Philly on a K.C. team that is one of the best in the AFC.
And he apparently has no hard feelings toward the Bills.
McCoy released a statement Sunday on his Instagram account, praising the organization and its fans.
"If there is anything that my 11 years in the league has taught me it is to always expect the unexpected. I never expected to become a Buffalo Bill and I never expected to fall in love with the city and the amazing fans," McCoy wrote, in part. "However, that is exactly what happened. … With that being said, I am excited and overjoyed to be continuing my career in Kansas City! The chase continues ..."
