The Buffalo Bills are not necessarily known for getting the biggest names on their roster. While they are not afraid to take a swing at times, they don’t do it a ton. Under Brandon Beane, there are only a handful of big names that have been brought to Buffalo via free agency or trade. They believe more in developing a team through the draft and it’s a factor that has helped them become successful.
Players like Stefon Diggs and Von Miller are notable names that the Bills have acquired through trade or free agency. The next biggest one I would put with Diggs and Miller is Joey Bosa (but it could come back to haunt the Bills with his injury history).
However, the Bills do find some hidden gems through free agency who typically contribute more than fans expect. Going into this season, Buffalo’s secret weapon that is arguably the best kept secret in the league is running back Ty Johnson.
Ty Johnson is Bills' best secret going into 2025 season
The Bills already have James Cook and Ray Davis as their 1-2 punch and it’s one of the more underrated duos in the league. But the Bills may have one of the best overall running back rooms with Cook, Davis, and Johnson. The main focus for an opposing defense is Cook and Davis gets his reps as well.
However, Johnson showed Bills fans last season just how important his role is as well. He’s a bruiser who fights for extra yardage but he also showed that he can be a receiving back threat. In addition to rushing for 213 yards (averaging over five yards per carry), he also added 284 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
One of Johnson’s best plays from last season took place in the Wild Card round against the Denver Broncos where he made a back-of-the-endzone falling touchdown catch to give the Bills a two touchdown lead in the third quarter.
WOW.
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 12, 2025
📺: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/hwHQskhBo3
Johnson was impressive as the Bills’ RB3 and he was brought back to the team on a two-year deal in free agency. While the Bills are still dealing with the contract dispute involving James Cook, they atleast know that having someone as serviceable as Johnson will keep continuity in the offense.