Taking a look at the Buffalo Bills' roster, which stands at 90 players following the draft and undrafted free-agent signings:
Position: Cornerback
Veterans: Stephon Gilmore, Leodis McKelvin, Corey Graham, Nickell Robey, Ron Brooks, Ross Cockrell, Mario Butler, Rod Sweeting
Drafted rookies: Ronald Darby
Undrafted rookies: Bud Noel, Cam Thomas
Rookie camp tryouts: Reggie Owens (Old Dominion)
Early thoughts: This is the deepest position on the Bills' roster. Between Gilmore, McKelvin and Graham, they have three sure-fire starters for their two outside spots. With Gilmore emerging as the unquestioned top cornerback, McKelvin and Graham will have to fight for playing time. If McKelvin loses that battle, is his roster spot secure? Consider this: The Bills could save $3.1 million (the amount of his base salary) off their 2015 cap and another $3.9 million off their 2016 cap by releasing McKelvin. With the potential to carry over that $3.1 million into 2016 and effectively create $7 million in 2016 cap space by releasing McKelvin before this season, the Bills should take that option seriously. If coaches are comfortable using Darby as their third outside cornerback and keeping Robey in his slot role, McKelvin becomes expendable. His contract would complicate a trade, but he could still be an appealing option for a cornerback-needy team this summer.
