The Buffalo Bills made an extremely notable signing on Monday that both helps their offense and takes away from an AFC East rival in the process.
New England Patriots running back Damien Harris saw his role dramatically decline this past season due to the emergence of star running back Rhamondre Stevenson last season. Harris will now seek additional opportunities in Buffalo moving forward.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Monday that Harris has agreed to terms with the Bills on a one-year deal.
Former Patriots’ RB Damien Harris reached agreement on a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 20, 2023
Bills general manager Brandon Beane made it clear earlier this month that they were seeking a “bigger back”. This led to speculation that they could sign former Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott, but they instead signed Harris.
Many took notice of this move and seem to think it could be a very underrated move for them.
Bigger back. Physical back love it for Bills https://t.co/RuVYwEO8J3
— Booger (@ESPNBooger) March 21, 2023
#Bills find their bigger back https://t.co/6QK0KPFekE
— Jon Scott (@JonScottTV) March 20, 2023
annnnnd there's the Bills big, power RB at a likely lost cost. I'm cool with it. https://t.co/kjX5XnRar8
— Chris Trapasso 🏈 (@ChrisTrapasso) March 21, 2023
Now that is a good signing by the Bills.
He is exactly the type of RB they've needed. https://t.co/BYAarVunlL
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) March 20, 2023
knew this would happen. Great signing for them. Really good player https://t.co/J9yoBvA1YH
— DJ Bean (@DJ_Bean) March 20, 2023
The #Bills add the "bigger" RB that they were looking for. Harris adds much needed size to a room that was lacking it https://t.co/OGAt4G3169
— Carl Jones (@Jones11_) March 20, 2023
Buffalo notably lost starting running back Devin Singletary on Monday as well after he signed with the Houston Texans.
The #Texans have reached an agreement to sign former #Bills FA RB Devin Singletary, source said, giving them an additional weapon alongside Dameon Pierce. The player called “Motor” has averaged 4.6 yards per rush in each of the last two seasons. pic.twitter.com/BbRNQ7W7Ka
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 20, 2023
The Bills backfield will now look incredibly different with both Damien Harris and former Georgia standout James Cook likely heading the backfield next year.
Harris has certainly shown in the past that he can be a difference-maker if he is given opportunities. His best season came in 2021, rushing for 929 yards and 15 touchdowns for New England.
The Bills have plenty of experience watching Harris play since they play the Patriots twice a year. They clearly saw something they liked, and they will now hope he can be a valuable piece to their offense moving forward.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.