The Buffalo Bills’ offense is going to look a little different in 2023 than it did in 2022. The biggest change that will occur, unless star wide receiver Stefon Diggs is actually moved, is in the backfield.
Last season’s starter, Devin Singletary, moved on in free agency. He signed a deal with the Houston Texans and has been replaced by two veterans; Damien Harris and Latavius Murray. Those two players will compete with holdovers James Cook and Nyheim Hines for snaps in the backfield.
Cook is in line to be the starter, but it is still up for debate if he is someone that can handle a three-down role in the offense. He was used mostly as a passing specialist last season, a role that Hines has excelled in throughout his career. Harris and Murray are capable of handling early-down work, but the Bills could still look to make more additions in the backfield.
They haven’t been shy about exploring upgrades as they were connected to Christian McCaffrey before he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers. Buffalo was also a popular suitor for Aaron Jones had he been traded and Saquon Barkley before he had the franchise tag placed on him.
In fact, Brad Spielberger of PFF believes adding a running back is the one move the Bills should make before training camp. He suggested that Darrell Henderson be the player they bring in to compete for touches on early downs.
“The former Los Angeles Rams third-round pick was waived last season and landed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he was productive as an early-down runner in 2020, earning an 83.8 rushing grade that ranked 14th among running backs. His 40 explosive rushes over the span also placed in the top 20.
2022 second-round pick James Cook looks to be the leader of this backfield going forward, but the Bills still need an early-down bruiser who can lower his shoulder and fall forward behind a good push from the offensive line. Buffalo is now one of two teams in the NFL with more than $300 million in cash spending for 2023, so while adding James Cook’s brother Dalvin or another wide receiver in DeAndre Hopkins would be flashier, a more under-the-radar move could be more prudent.”
That splash move that Spielberger mentions has evaded the Bills this offseason. There is still a chance that they make a big splash like that, but going for a smaller move and keeping some salary cap space would be prudent.
However, adding another veteran running back to the mix may not be atop the team’s to-do list. They have to figure out the situation with star wide receiver Stefon Diggs, otherwise wide receiver becomes a massive need for the Bills.
