Bills Could Target A RB In Middle Rounds To Replace C.J. Spiller?

February 20, 2015

Bills GM Doug Whaley said on Thursday that “there’s going to be some work that has to be done” if they’re going to re-sign free agent RB C.J. Spiller this offseason, via the Buffalo News.

Whaley also mentioned that they will be meeting with the representatives for Spiller in the coming days and are hoping to “close the gap.”

“(Senior VP of Football Administration) Jim Overdorf, (President) Russ Brandon and (Contract Administrator) Kevin Meganck are meeting with his representation right here at the combine,” Whaley said, via BuffaloBills.com. “We’re hoping we can close the gap and get the deal done.”

However, it sounds like the Bills are willing to consider drafting a running back in the middle rounds this year if someone they like ends up being available to them.

“It’s deep. It’s one of those classes that we’re excited about,” Whaley said. “In the draft altogether, there’s some value in rounds 2 to 5 that you’re going to get some guys who will make an impact in this league.”

The will still have to sort things out in free agency before considering any upgrades in the draft, but Whaley stressed the benefits of taking the best player available.

“The one thing we’re going to try to do is set up the roster through free agency, have most of our so-called needs filled so when we look at that draft board, we can go best player available,” Whaley said. “That decreases your chances of picking the wrong player.”

Kimberly A. Martin of Newsday reported Wednesday night that the Jets are “very interested” in Spiller, which fits with a lot of recent speculation now that New York has hired former Bills HC Chan Gailey as their new offensive coordinator.

Spiller, 27, finished out his five-year, $25,672,087 rookie contract with the Bills that included $11,854,169 guaranteed and is now in position to be an unrestricted free agent in the coming weeks.

In 2014, Spiller was limited to appearing in nine games and rushing for 300 yards on 78 carries (3.8 YPC) to go along with 19 receptions for 125 yards receiving and one touchdown.

We have Spiller currently listed as the No. 36 player in our Top 100 Free Agents list.