The Buffalo Bills are back in the free agency frenzy but they end up bringing back a familiar face in their backfield. Running back Ty Johnson has signed back with the Bills on a reported two-year deal according to Jeremy Fowler.
Johnson has spent the last two years with the Bills, both seasons on one-year deals so now he gets rewarded with some security on this new deal. According to Tom Pelissero, Johnson's two-year deal is worth $5 million.
Johnson was drafted in 2019 by the Detroit Lions in the 6th round and only spent one full season there before joining the New York Jets. From 2020-2022, Johnson played with the Jets and rushed for 652 yards and 4 touchdowns during that time. He started in just four games as well.
Going into 2023, Johnson stayed within the AFC East and joined the Buffalo Bills where he became a solid third-down back in Buffalo’s running back committee. He runs hard and he can catch out of the backfield and down the field as well. However, one of the best factors of his game is his ability to pass block.
Signing Ty Johnson back was a fantastic move by Bills
Johnson is heavily utilized on third-down, which is what kind of limits James Cook from doing even more damage on the field. He can be a bruiser or a slasher, whatever you need him to do, he’ll do it.
He has managed to come to a good situation in Buffalo as compared to when he was with the Jets. Johnson doesn’t need to be the main back and when defenders are tired on third down late in the game, that’s where Johnson has the massive advantage.
This is Buffalo’s third move of tampering period and Johnson rejoins the running back room with James Cook and Ray Davis. In addition, the Bills also signed running back Darrynton Evans earlier today.
Buffalo should be all set as far as the running back spot. However, Brandon Beane will still have to make a big decision on whether or not he extends James Cook. With Cook having his demands of getting paid $15 million per year, maybe this signing with Johnson is starting to give a little bit of a hint that 2025 could be the last season that Cook is in Buffalo.