The Bills are thin at offensive tackle at the moment, but they are still tinkering with other areas of their roster. That will include a depth addition to their backfield.
Buffalo is set to sign running back Ty Johnson, reports ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler (Twitter link). The deal will allow Johnson to remain in the AFC East after his tenure with the Jets came to an unexpected end. The 25-year-old initially re-signed with New York on a one-year deal this offseason, but he was later released due to a torn pectoral muscle. The subsequent addition of Dalvin Cook took away the chance of any potential reunion with the Jets for Johnson.
Fowler notes that the latter has healed in full, setting the stage for a workout earlier today which yielded an agreement. Johnson will now have the chance to carve out a role as a third down specialist given his pass-catching skills. The former sixth-rounder totaled 559 yards and three touchdowns on 62 receptions during his time in the Big Apple, contributing on special teams as well.
Johnson should be able to step into the role Nyheim Hines was set to occupy before his ACL tear. That injury appeared to leave 2022 second-rounder James Cook, free agent signing Damien Harris and post-draft addition Latavius Murray comfortably positioned to make Buffalo’s 53-man roster. The latter may now once again find himself on the bubble with Johnson in the fold.
Much of Buffalo’s success in the ground game will come from Cook’s ability to handle a much heavier workload than the one he received as a rookie. Depth contributions will be welcomed on a Bills team looking to find better offensive balance and limit the hits quarterback Josh Allen takes as well, though, and Johnson should prove to be a useful addition in that regard if he can duplicate his Jets form.