JD McKissic to sign with the Buffalo Bills

The running back room gets an injection of receiving talent. JD McKissic is set to sign with the Buffalo Bills once the league year begins on March 16th. He’ll ink a two-year deal worth up to $8M. The deal will likely be structured similarly to that of WR Isaiah McKenzie’s contract extension, with minimal cap hits of roughly $2M per year. Contract details are yet to be verified.

Adam Schefter on Twitter: “Former Washington RB J.D. McKissic intends to sign a two-year, $7 million deal with upside to $8 with the Buffalo Bills, per source. / Twitter”

Former Washington RB J.D. McKissic intends to sign a two-year, $7 million deal with upside to $8 with the Buffalo Bills, per source.

What He Brings To Buffalo

Most recently of the Washington Football Team (now Commanders) McKissic is a solid veteran at the position. He brings a unique skillset to Josh Allen’s pass-first offense, though he’s not an every-down back. More of a receiver than a rusher, McKissic has hauled in 522 more yards than he’s run for in his career. His work out of the backfield was important to the fluidity of a stale offense in Washington. On the Buffalo Bills, his talents will expand the offense. This move allows the offense more versatile play when going ‘up-tempo’. An effective pass-blocker as well, he’s an enigma from snap-to-snap.

Pete Hailey on Twitter: “The Bills are going to be even scarier with McKissic on that offense. Devin Singletary led that group with 40 receptions in 2021. McKissic will take over the pass-catching RB role there and own it. He’s a stud and makes hidden plays like this one all the time https://t.co/NYoLnC2n5u / Twitter”

The Bills are going to be even scarier with McKissic on that offense. Devin Singletary led that group with 40 receptions in 2021. McKissic will take over the pass-catching RB role there and own it. He’s a stud and makes hidden plays like this one all the time https://t.co/NYoLnC2n5u

Appearing in 62 games with 14 starts over his six seasons, JD McKissic will keep defense guessing as a complement to Devin Singletary, barring any further moves at the position. JD was injured for part of 2021, but his effectiveness when on the field cannot be overstated. His injury history isn’t much to worry about, but the Bills will likely bring three running backs into 2022 as a precaution. I would expect Zack Moss to fill that role as RB3.

The move indicates that the team made addressing the running back position a priority. The philosophy of a running back ‘committee’ isn’t something that everyone agrees with, but this is a good move for the strategy we implement. In fact, roster construction has been an issue of much discussion amongst the fan base. Still, signing JD McKissic is a move we should all be fans of.

UPDATE: As of 1:30pm EST, March 16th, McKissic has backed out of his deal and will instead be signing with his former team: The Washington Commanders.

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