Bills sign T.J. Yeldon: Grade, reaction and analysis

The Buffalo Bills added another running back on Monday, as they announced a deal with T.J. Yeldon.

On Monday morning, the Buffalo Bills announced they’ve signed running back T.J. Yeldon.

Yeldon spent his first four NFL seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, appearing in 51 games with 30 starts. In 2018 he had 104 carries for 414 yards and one touchdown, along with 55 receptions for 487 yards and four touchdowns. He seemed to find a place as a pass catcher after starting 25 games over his first two seasons, with 50 or more catches in two of the last three campaigns.

Contract terms

Per the Bills’ announcement, and other reports, Yeldon got a two-year deal.

National reaction

The Bills’ PR staff put out a cool infographic on Yeldon.

Jay Skurski of the Buffalo News pointed to Buffalo’s running back depth, with a speculative comment regarding another move.

https://twitter.com/JaySkurski/status/1120340283005329408

At least one Bills’ fan offered a thought on who that move might involve.

Yeldon will join a crowded Buffalo backfield, with LeSean McCoy and fellow free agent signing Frank Gore. But McCoy is 32 years old and in clear decline (3.2 yards per carry last year), while Gore is 35. The Bills have been committed to the idea McCoy will be around for the final year of his contract, even with the ability to clear over $6.4 million in cap space by cutting him, and it’s unclear if signing Yeldon changes that. Other teams probably aren’t clamoring for McCoy, but trading him could be back in consideration for the Bills if there is a deal to be had out there.

If nothing else, Yeldon should find a niche as a capable receiving weapon for quarterback Josh Allen. But with what’s around him in terms of age question marks, a more prominent role is within reach.