Former Alabama running back T.J. Yeldon has not had the easiest time in the NFL. After being a star at Alabama, and being selected No. 36 overall in 2015 by the Jacksonville Jaguars, he has been forced into the role of ‘next man up.’ Now, there is a risk Yeldon could enter the 2020 season without a team.
The former Crimson Tide running back made the 53-man roster for the Buffalo Bills, and currently sits as the third-string running back in a positional group of four on the recently released depth chart.
He is listed behind the starter, Devin Singletary, entering his sophomore season with the team after a strong collegiate career under Lane Kiffin at FAU, and 2020 third-round selection Zack Moss.
The only running back below Yeldon is veteran Taiwan Jones.
While these are the current depth chart standings, changes could be made due to cuts and new additions to the team, like a late signing before the season gets under way.
ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that veteran running back Lamar Miller, who played at the University of Miami and has bounced around three different teams during his seven-year career, will be visiting and working out with the Buffalo Bills.
The report was confirmed by the Bills’ general manager, who claims the team has invited Miller to work out, but has not yet met with him.
“We have not visited with Lamar, but he is coming to town at some point. We’ll get him in here, we’ll talk to him, and if there’s a fit, we’ll see where it goes,” Beane said. “Long way to go before we know if we’ll add him to our roster.”
Miller, who missed all of 2019 with a torn ACL, is looking for a chance to revitalize his career. A veteran with plenty of experience as the lead back could be beneficial to the development of Singletary’s young career.
If the Bills like what they see, they could bring him on board, but would likely have to let go of a running back on the roster.
When looking at the contracts, Jones is owed almost $400,000 more than Yeldon in 2020. Both contracts expire at the end of this season.
Production wise, both backs haven’t seen the field much. however, Yeldon has seen more carries in recent years, but in a role that doesn’t rely on him too heavily.
At the end of the day, it would come down to who they feel would bring the most amount of value to the team on, and off the field.
Yeldon hasn’t been given too many opportunities with Buffalo in his one season with the franchise. In 2019, the 26-year old saw 17 carries and 13 receptions for a total of 187 yards from scrimmage and zero total touchdowns.
As of right now, Yeldon holds a spot on the Buffalo Bills roster, but that could all change with the work out of Lamar Miller and the way the coaching staff views the running back room.
Roll Tide Wire will keep you updated on Yeldon as he looks to begin season No. 6 in the NFL.