Ty Johnson didn't get an opportunity to play until after Joe Brady took over as the Buffalo Bills' offensive coordinator. Whether that was coincident or not, is anyone's guess but as soon as he took the field, I think most Bills fans were sold on him. Week 11 was his first meaningful contribution to the offense, before then he had four kick returns and one carry for two yards.
Against the New York Jets in Week 11, he received three carries and was targeted in the passing game three times. Johnson turned those touches into 58 yards and a touchdown. From that week on, he totaled 29 carries and seven receptions for 192 yards and a touchdown. He also added eight total returns for 161 yards, for a 20.13 yards per return. Johnson could continue in this same role in 2024 and perhaps even expand on it a bit, with a few more additional touches, either in the run or passing game.
The Buffalo Bills currently have only two backs under contract for the 2024 season, James Cook and Nyheim HInes. Both Damien Harris and Latavius Murray are pending free agents as well. Some think Hines could be a salary cap casualty, which could save the Bills nearly $5 million if he is released. If that happens, then only James Cook is under contract. I would like to see Johnson brought back for next season and draft another running back late in this year's NFL draft in April.
What can we expect the Buffalo Bills to sign Ty Johnson for?
Spotrac.com doesn't have a projected market value set for Johnson; however, he earned just over $1 million last season. I wouldn't expect that to change much, if at all for the 2024 season. Johnson is 26 years old, turning 27 during the season. I'd like to see the Bills sign him to a two-year deal, worth roughly $2 million, with some added incentives based on performance.