Once the 2026 NFL Draft ended, teams started making calls to sign undrafted free agents where players had the choice on where they would sign. That is one of the only advantages of not being drafted.
The Buffalo Bills signed 12 undrafted free agents, and one of those players was running back Desmond Reid out of the University of Pittsburgh. He was one of the seven offensive free agents that the Bills had signed.
Even though the Bills already have one of the more completed running back rooms in the league, adding competition is never a bad thing. Not to mention, Reid could have a chance to become a special teams contributor as that might be his only way to securing a roster spot. At the same time, it may not be a bad idea for the Bills to see what he can do at running back, especially since Ty Johnson may only have one more season left in Buffalo.
Desmond Reid has big chance to show Bills Mafia what he can bring
Gary Davenport from Bleacher Report listed each team’s “most exciting” undrafted free agent and Reid was listed for the Bills, primarily because of what he has done once he gets in the open field. In addition, Davenport had also mentioned that Reid has experience in returning punts.
"Reid struggled with injuries last year at Pitt, but back in 2024 he demonstrated the damage he can do with the ball in his hands. That season, Reid averaged 5.3 yards per carry, caught 52 passes and surpassed 1,500 total yards." said Davenport.
"That lack of size and Reid's injury history led to his going undrafted, and he's not going to be a lead back in the NFL. But the youngster's explosiveness in the open field, plus pass-catching skills and experience returning punts (including two touchdowns) makes him an interesting prospect if a team can figure out a way to scheme him touches in space." Davenport added.
Again, I doubt that Reid will get a real serious look at joining the running back room with a primary focus on being in the backfield. With having James Cook, Ray Davis, and Ty Johnson already, Reid would have to be perfect and the one of the three listed would have to severely drop in performance on the field.
Reid being listed as the most exciting UDFA that the Bills have isn’t a surprise, but it is at the same time because of the position that he plays. Believe it or not, one player that should have fans’ attention is fullback Jackson Acker who could easily become the replacement for Reggie Gilliam.
With Buffalo’s rushing attack coming alive the last two seasons, Gilliam was the one who helped open up the lanes for Cook. Now, that could be Acker’s role if he shines in training camp and the preseason.
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