Running back Damien Harris is one of the 21 Buffalo Bills pending free agents in 21 days.
Although this isn’t a post about Nyheim Hines, I wanted to bring him up to highlight that the Bills can save about $5 million on the cap by dismissing Hines, even though he is signed until the 2024 season. which would allow space in the running back room to be used.
I would be all for re-signing Damien Harris if you could assure me that he could make it through the season in good condition. However, he has found it difficult to accomplish that throughout his career.
I’m in if he agrees to sign up for the vet minimum in exchange for a ton of bonuses. If not, my backup plan would be to use the draft to fill up the RB room. Although Harris has strong running-back ability, he is not a long-term player.
Last season, he took part in 60 snaps and six games. He ran for 94 yards and scored one touchdown. In addition, he contributed 16 receiving yards.
Every year, it seems like the Bills add one or two new running backs to their group. James Cook is confirmed, but there are still three unsigned free agents and Hines to choose from. There’s a good chance that the 2024 squad will feature one practice squad back and two new backs.
Though I doubt Brandon Beane is very interested in what I have to say, I would try to re-sign Ty Johnson and choose a third back in the draft.
Instead of re-signing Harris, Buffalo might choose to bring back Ty Johnson and start Cook, Johnson, and Hines in the backfield. Although this backfield appears strong, you need your power back.
Using a roster spot on a player who only plays short-yardage backs bothers me a lot. I like my backs to be versatile enough to be used in both passing and running situations.
Harris may be that player and gain those difficult yards, but I don’t think he can play well enough to be signed again.
