Should the Buffalo Bills re-sign CJ Spiller?

As we get closer and closer to the start of free agency, one big question regarding one of the Buffalo Bills most electrifying players still looms, and that is whether or not to re-sign running back CJ Spiller. There is no doubt that Spiller is full of talent, but injuries have really hurt him throughout the first five years of his career, thus making it reluctant for the Bills to bring back such a player.

Drafted 9th overall in the 2010 NFL Draft, Spiller had a very disappointing rookie year, as he rushed for only 283 yards and zero touchdowns. The Bills were receiving lots of criticism for drafting Spiller, as they already had running backs Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson on the roster. Despite the early struggles Spiller was having during his second season, he got the chance to start, due to a Fred Jackson injury and never looked back, as he finished his second season averaging 5.2 yards per carry and four rushing touchdowns.

Spiller took his momentum into the 2012 season, where he would continue to have a great amount of success. Spiller proved that he could be an every down NFL back, and turned in his first career pro bowl season. In total, the Clemson product rushed for 1244 yards and six touchdowns. His third season was by far his best season at the time, and there was no telling as to how good Spiller could actually be.

Unfortunately, the following two years didn’t go as Spiller had planned, as he was often hampered by injuries, plummeting his production. The running backs durability has really come into question over the last couple of seasons, and ultimately may lead to his departure in Buffalo. Spiller is a talented back with great speed and has the ability to hit a home run whenever the ball is in his hands, but should the Bills resign him?

After five season’s in the NFL, one can argue the only thing Spiller has going for him is his speed. When he gets into the open field, he is almost impossible to catch. When Spiller, finds space outside, its almost a guarantee that its a big play. The former first rounder also has a big impact in the passing game. Whether its a screen pass, or he’s lined up in the slot, Spiller is a nightmare for whoever he is lining up against. You always have to account for Spiller when he is in the game.

Aside from his speed and his ability in the passing game, there isn’t much more that Spiller brings to the table. To put it nicely, he is a horrible pass blocker. So many times over the past few years, Spiller has left his quarterback out to dry on third downs due to missed blocks. More noticeably the past two seasons, he didn’t see the field much on third downs because he was such a liability in the pass game. Spiller never showed improvement in this aspect of his game, and this was a big reason for his lack of playing time during some points of the season.

Another knock on Spiller’s game was that he was too impatient during the run game. Instead of waiting for a hole to open up, Spiller often bounces it outside, resulting in lots of negative runs. He hasn’t shown he possesses great vision that running backs like Matt Forte and Le’Veon Bell have. Spillers lack of patience didn’t sit well with former head coach Doug Marrone, which meant less carries and less playing time.

Another reason why Spiller struggled to find the field, was the ageless Fred Jackson, and the emergence of Boobie Dixon. Jackson continued to prove that he can still produce in both the run game and pass game, despite being the oldest running back in the NFL. Dixon was a nice addition on both offence and special teams, and should continue to get a significant amount of playing time come the start of 2015.

With free agency just around the corner, the Bills will have to act quick in their decision making on whether or not to resign Spiller. Personally, I don’t see Spiller as part of the future in Buffalo. Although the Bills will be a run heavy offense, they are in good hands at the running back position with Jackson, Dixon and Bryce Brown. Spiller never lived up to the hype that surrounded him when he was drafted in 2010. Inconsistent play and injuries really played a big role in what has turned out to be a disappointing career so far. Its best for the Bills to let Spiller walk and move forward without him.