In 2024, the Buffalo Bills picked up a number of quality role players, but there was a valuable one already on the team. They re-signed RB Ty Johnson after his 2023 stint, starting on the practice squad before earning a spot on the full-time roster. In 2024, he was a natural part of the team. Now, Buffalo has a decision to make.
With money tight and the best season of his career under his belt, do the Bills bring back Ty Johnson, or look into other options at the position?
Ty Johnson's 2024 season
As previously stated, Ty Johnson is coming off the best season of his career, turning into an extremely valuable member of the team. His snap counts started relatively low but as the year wore on, he held a consistent role. By the time the playoffs started, he was a close RB2 behind James Cook. In the playoffs, Ty Johnson caught all his targets and averaged 4.7 yards per carry over three games.
When he wasn't running a route or carrying the rock, Johnson was very effective in pass protection. An apt blocker who can handle a blitz, he was also an outlet that Buffalo needed often. He hauled in 284 receiving yards and three TDs, with another 213 yards and a touchdown on the ground. In the playoffs, he added another 128 total yards with another score, and another healthy dose of that needed pass-protection.
Run it back at running back
To account for his production, both within and without the statistics, Spotrac projects Ty Johnson to receive a two-year contract worth $5.4m, an average annual value of $2.7m. The money is not significant enough to make the deal unsavoury - the Buffalo Bills have signed players to bigger contracts who never played a snap. Johnson is an important contributor.
Though he was touted as RB3, and a cut candidate before the season started, the value he brought to the table can't be overstated. The Buffalo Bills have an upcoming need at running back, with James Cook asking for $15m per year as he enters the final year of his contract. Limiting the future need at the position, with uncertainty beyond 2025, is a must for the Bills.
Ty Johnson has an established fit with Buffalo, and a rapport with Josh Allen. He's the safest option as far as depth goes, with proven upside.
Letting Ty Johnson walk
Ty Johnson may be a valued part of this offense, but he's also still a role player. There are other pass-blocking running backs out there, who can play the same special teams roles. If his contract starts to become too expensive, there's nothing stopping the Bills from getting what they need elsewhere. Undrafted free agents with similar skillsets come along every season, and there will be more in 2025.
If they do intend to commit to a new contract with James Cook, then the team will need to find cheaper ways to keep solid depth at running back.
The verdict
Frankly, there's little decision to be made here. The Bills have done well in the McDermott era without spending big money at a position of luxury. Re-signing Ty Johnson keeps in line with their spending habits, and can serve to mitigate the potential loss of James Cook. For anything below $3m per season, he should remain a Buffalo Bill.