Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane has his work cut out for him this offseason. There are several areas that require addressing in the offseason. In this series, we will take a look at each position group: the known entities, the pending free agents, and who we would love to see added.
Beane could take a swing or two to address major areas of need, but that’s for another article. In this space, we will look at the running back room, how it projects for 2026, and what potential moves the Bills could make.
The Buffalo Bills 2026 offseason playbook for the running back position
The known quantities
The running backs room could be 100% without a single move from the Bills. James Cook is the biggest piece of the puzzle, the reigning rushing yard leader from 2025. After an offseason contract negotiation that dragged on, Cook re-signed and became a centerpiece of the Bills' offense.
Behind him are a trio of running backs who offer a unique skill set that makes them valuable to the Bills. Ty Johnson has proven himself to be a very good receiver and situational back. Ray Davis excelled in the return game and has shown himself capable of garnering tough yardage. Frank Gore Jr. has the pedigree and potential to become a contributor in a rotation going forward.
Free Agents who could come back
There is only one pending free agent in the running back/fullback room, and it is Reggie Gilliam. The Bills should do everything in their power to bring him back, as he does so many of the little things right that don’t necessarily earn recognition for the average fan.
Blocking, receiving, or simply pushing Josh Allen to yet another first down, Gilliam needs to be signed as soon as possible. He is a steadying veteran presence for the offense, someone who won’t show up on the stat sheet but is invaluable to the group.
Preferred moves
Beane could do nothing at the position and be fine with it. After all, Cook is the unquestioned No.1 running back, someone who should threaten to finish in the top five in rushing yards for the foreseeable future, especially with the way this offense is structured.
Davis is the safest of the remaining group, especially with what he adds as a returner. He contributed a few dynamic carries out of the backfield in 2025, and a few more carries could be coming his way in 2026.
Gore Jr., given his cap hit is virtually nothing, feels safe simply because of his cost-effectiveness and youth. Johnson could become a cap casualty with his $3.275 million cap hit for 2026. He’s a nice gadget receiver for QB Josh Allen, but if the Bills can make better use of the space, he would be the one to go.
Bills Running Backs Outlook for 2026
Once Beane signs Gilliam, the running back room should be virtually set. The most realistic scenario will see the return of all four backs, with Gore Jr. probably going to the practice squad. Entering the season with Cook, Johnson, and Davis in the backfield would again place the Bills among the best in the NFL.
Cook certainly excelled in 2025, but he has refinements to his game that need to be made, particularly when it comes to protecting the ball. Between him and Johnson, Allen has a couple of great options out of the backfield on short passes.
Davis would ideally continue his upward trajectory and extend the gap between him and Johnson in terms of snaps and rushing attempts. If he remains, it will likely be the last season for Johnson as a Bill as Davis’ role evolves and Gore Jr. starts to see more time.