Reversing course One of the 21 Buffalo Bills pending free agents in the next 21 days is Damien Harris.
Nyheim Hines isn’t the subject of this post, but I wanted to include him to show that the Bills may save almost $5 million on the cap by cutting Hines, even if his contract doesn’t expire until 2024. It would free up space for use in the running-back room.
If you could guarantee me Damien Harris could play through the season in fine shape, I would be all for re-signing him. Throughout his career, he has struggled to do it, though.
If he’s willing to commit to the vet minimum in exchange for a ton of bonuses, I’m in. If not, I would use the draft to make the RB room full as a backup plan. Despite having excellent running-back skills, Harris is not a reliable player in the long run.
He played in six games and 60 snaps the previous season. He gained 94 yards and one touchdown on the ground. He also added sixteen receiving yards.
The Bills appear to add one or two running backs to their roster each season. In addition to Hines, there are still three unsigned free agents and James Cook to select from. It’s likely that the 2024 team will have two new backs and one practice squad member.
I would try to re-sign Ty Johnson and choose a third back in the draft, but I doubt Brandon Beane is really interested in what I have to say.
Buffalo may decide to start Cook, Johnson, and Hines in the backfield and bring back Ty Johnson rather than re-sign Harris. This backfield seems powerful, but you still need your power back.
It really annoys me to use a roster spot on a player who only plays short-yardage backs. I prefer my backs to be able to play in running and passing scenarios.
Harris might be that player and get those hard yards, but I don’t think his play is good enough to warrant a contract extension.
