Yahoo Finance Bills cut guard Quinton Spain months after giving him $15 million extension
The Buffalo Bills aren’t going to let money dictate their starting lineup. The team made a surprising move Wednesday, cutting guard Quinton Spain just months after giving Spain a $15 million extension.
After starting his career with the Tennessee Titans, Spain joined the Bills last season, started all 16 games and played 100 percent of the Bills’ offensive snaps. He was called for only two penalties all year. That performance earned Spain — who was not drafted — a three-year, $15 million extension in March.
Spain looked poised to take on a similar workload in 2020, playing nearly every snap during the Bills’ first two games, but he was benched for the team’s Week 3 game against the Los Angeles Rams. At the time, Bills head coach Sean McDermott said the offensive line shakeup was about finding “what gives you the best chance to win.”
Spain returned to action in Week 4, playing 52 percent of the snaps against the Las Vegas Raiders. Spain injured his foot during that contest, and did not play in the team’s next two games.
Quinton Spain expresses frustration initially before thanking Bills
The Bills downplayed the move, saying they cut Spain so he could find a starting job elsewhere. Bills general manager Brandon Beane called Spain “a good guy, a good person” when talking about the move.
Spain initially seemed frustrated by the news. In a now deleted tweet, Spain reportedly said, “If only they knew the real reason but I’m going to leave it at that.” Spain, 29, later changed his tune, thanking the Bills and saying it was time for a change.
I want to say thank you to the Bills and #BillsMafia Just time for a change, but I appreciate y’all. pic.twitter.com/N8B2MTZ9EE
— Mr. Undrafted (@quinton_spain) October 21, 2020
Which team will sign Quinton Spain?
Spain should get an opportunity to prove the Bills messed up. He has drawn interest from the Los Angeles Chargers, who said they would look into Spain now that he’s available.
Anthony Lynn said #Chargers are "open" to looking into G Quinton Spain, who the Bills released earlier today. But he also said he's comfortable with his O line depth until Trai Turner and Bryan Bulaga return.
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) October 21, 2020
While the Chicago Bears didn’t directly say they would pursue Spain, returner Cordarrelle Patterson seems high on Spain’s ability.
Im not recruiting but I just watch @quinton_spain highlights 👀👀 @ChicagoBears
— cordarrelle patterson (@ceeflashpee84) October 21, 2020
With the Philadelphia Eagles dealing with injuries and Las Vegas Raiders’ entire offensive line isolating after Trent Brown was placed on the COVID-19/reserve list, Spain shouldn’t lack for options. It will be up to Spain to determine which club gives him the best chance to prove he still has plenty left in the tank.
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