In 2023, the Buffalo Bills added a new dimension to their offense by establishing a potent ground game, resulting in James Cook becoming the franchise’s first 1,000-yard rusher since LeSean McCoy. However, as the new league year approaches, the Bills face a somewhat bare backfield, with only Cook and practice squad back Darrynton Evans currently under contract, and several veteran players either released or set to enter free agency.
An insider suggests that the Bills could enhance their power-running options to complement the elusive Cook by pursuing Green Bay Packers running back A.J. Dillon in free agency, ideally on a cost-effective contract.
Bills Expected to Address Backfield
According to insights from The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia, the Buffalo Bills are in search of a short-yardage back following the expiration of contracts for Latavius Murray and Leonard Fournette. Buscaglia suggests that A.J. Dillon could be a suitable candidate at a reasonable cost.
In his analysis, Buscaglia states, “The Bills will likely want another veteran runner with more power to his game, which could pave the way for Dillon to be in a small role this season. At 247 pounds with some pass-catching ability, Dillon would be the ideal short-yardage back who would keep things slightly unpredictable on offense. With the running backs market expected to take a nosedive this free agency, the Bills can get him on a good deal.”
Could former Packers RB A.J. Dillon be a free agent option for the Bills?@Spotrac Market Value⬇️
-1 Year, 3.5 Million2023 PFF Grade⬇️
75.7🟩#BillsMafia | #GoBills
pic.twitter.com/JwdlgKdbp6— Peter DiBiasi (@DibiasiPeter) March 7, 2024
Buscaglia anticipates that Dillon is likely to sign a contract significantly below the projected qualifying 2025 compensatory formula, which stood at $2.5 million last season.
During his four seasons with the Green Bay Packers, Dillon shared rushing duties with Aaron Jones, accumulating a total of 2,428 yards and 16 touchdowns. Additionally, Dillon showcased his versatility as a receiver, recording 86 receptions for 763 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
In the previous season, the Buffalo Bills often relied on quarterback Josh Allen in short-yardage situations, with Latavius Murray contributing 79 rushing attempts for 300 yards and four touchdowns. The potential addition of Dillon could provide the Bills with a powerful and multifaceted option for their backfield.
Bills Clear Running Back Room
The Buffalo Bills have taken steps in reshaping their backfield, parting ways with running back and return specialist Nyheim Hines, who missed the entire 2023 season due to a torn ACL. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the release of Hines on March 3 is expected to yield approximately $4.6 million in cap space.
Further changes may be on the horizon, with insiders speculating that the Bills are likely to seek veteran additions. Matt Bove, sports director for Buffalo’s WKBW, suggested the possibility of the Bills targeting Ezekiel Elliott in free agency, citing him as an affordable option for a team dealing with salary cap constraints.
“I really think Ezekiel Elliott makes sense for the Buffalo Bills,” Bove stated. “When you hear his name, I think you immediately go, ‘Why would the Bills spend big-time money on a running back out of his prime.’ He’s not going to cost you big-time money. I think Ezekiel Elliott could be had for $2, $3 million dollars a year.”
Despite potential free agency moves, the Bills have also invested significantly in the running back position through the draft, selecting running backs in either the second or third round in three of the last five years.