Buffalo Bills: Versatile T.J. Yeldon adds youth to backfield
The Buffalo Bills continue to add veteran free agents. And the offense got a big boost with the signing of talented running back T.J. Yeldon.
The list of players that Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane has added this offseason via free agency continues to grow. A team that has reached the playoffs just once this century (2017) and followed that up this past season with a 6-10 record needs help in a variety of areas.
A lot of the club’s moves have focused on improving the offensive line. The newcomers include center Mitch Morse, interior blocker Spencer Long, tackles Ty Nsekhe and LaAdrian Waddle and guards Jon Feliciano and Quinton Spain. Beane also took a flier on Jake Fisher, a former tackle turned blocking tight end.
Sean McDermott‘s club did finish ninth in the league in rushing yards per game this past season. But keep in mind that rookie quarterback Josh Allen led the Bills with 631 yards on the ground, to go along with eight rushing touchdowns. Much of that came when escaping the pocket and not be design.
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Veteran running backs LeSean McCoy (514) and Chris Ivory (385) ran for a combined 899 yards and four scores. The latter was released this offseason while Beane added seemingly-ageless Frank Gore, who now ranks fourth in NFL history in rushing yards. It goes without saying that he and McCoy bring a bevy of experience to the Buffalo offense.
But the signing of four-year pro T.J. Yeldon gives McDermott and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. The 2015 second-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars led the club with 740 yards rushing as a rookie. He finished the year with 1,019 yards from scrimmage and three scores in 12 games and starts for the club.
The former University of Alabama standout led Jacksonville in rushing in 2016 as well. The last two seasons, he’s been the primary backup to Leonard Fournette, who has had his own problems staying healthy.
This past year, Yeldon ranked second on the team with 414 yards on the ground (one touchdown). And only wide receiver Dede Westbrook (66) totaled more receptions this past season for the Jaguars than the four-year running back (55). It added up with 487 yards and four touchdowns for the 25-year old performer.
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In four NFL seasons, Yeldon has touched the football a combined 636 times (465 carries, 171 receptions) for 3,174 yards and a dozen touchdowns in 51 regular-season contests. Simply put, that’s not a lot of wear and tear when it comes to the young running back. Adding the talented performer, teaming him with the veteran 1-2 punch of McCoy and Gore and add some improved play up front, the Buffalo Bills’ running attack could once again be a major factor.