The Buffalo Bills ended their 2025 campaign feeling like an opportunity had been missed. Buffalo put together another strong season, ending the year with 12 wins. However, losses to New England, Miami, and Atlanta doomed the Bills, causing them to drop from the top of the AFC East standings for the first time in five seasons.
The Bills season, once again, ended heartbreakingly. Buffalo could not finish the job in the AFC Divisional Playoff Round, falling to the Denver Broncos in overtime.
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Buffalo started their offseason with a bang, firing head coach Sean McDermott after nine seasons at the helm. Owner Terry Pegula highlighted McDermott’s inability to get the team to the Super Bowl as a primary reason for moving on from arguably the franchise’s second-best coach behind Marv Levy.
This series of articles will explore each positional group ahead of free agency. This edition will focus on the running back position.
Season Review
Jan 17, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III (4) runs against Denver Broncos linebacker Jonah Elliss (52) and defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike (96) during the fourth quarter of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The Bills had an outstanding 2025 season on the ground. James Cook, fresh off signing a new long-term extension, moved into the premier tier of running backs with his performance last year. Cook led the NFL with 1,621 rushing yards. More impressively, Cook carried the ball for a career-best 309 times, showing he can be the bellcow back for the Bills.
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Ty Johnson and Ray Davis complemented Cook well. Johnson is a solid third-down back for the Bills. He can block well, and he’s a matchup problem when he releases from the backfield. Buffalo used Davis sparingly, but when called upon, the Kentucky product was a great change-of-pace runner for Buffalo.
Contracts
Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson tries to escape New York Jets defensive tackle Harrison Phillips and linebacker Mykal Walker during their home game at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Jan. 4, 2026.
Frank Gore Jr.–through 2027
Important Stats
James Cook–309 carries; 1,621 yards; 12 touchdowns. 33 receptions, 291 yards, 2 touchdowns.
Ty Johnson–50 carries, 200 yards, 1 touchdown. 24 receptions, 263, 2 touchdowns
Ray Davis–58 carries, 275 yards, 1 touchdown. 10 receptions, 86 yards, 2 touchdowns
Big Question
Dec 28, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III (4) runs the ball against Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (27) during the first quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Will the Bills continue their dominance on the ground?
Buffalo averaged nearly 160 yards on the ground per game last season, best in the NFL. Cook was stellar, making the most out of all runs. His elusiveness was on display all season, as Cook had a penchant for bursting through small holes and making explosive plays.
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The Bills benefited from the continuity of their offensive line. However, two of their starters, David Edwards and Connor McGovern, are pending free agents. The offensive line, as a whole, did well to create holes and get into space when run blocking.
Buffalo needs their run game to be effective, as this will help take some pressure off Josh Allen. There’s bound to be some regression. However, if it’s a major step back with their running attack, then the Bills offense will struggle.
Draft Status
Most likely, the Bills are not in a spot where they need to draft a running back. Cook is the clear leader in the backfield. His breakout performance cemented his role as a dominant force in Buffalo’s offense. If the Bills do look to the draft to supplement their backfield, they are doing so to add depth. Ty Johnson’s contract expires at the end of next year. If Buffalo finds a good change-of-pace/third-down back available in the draft, they could take a swing and add the player to the roster. However, there is plenty to like about the current state of the backfield, where the Buffalo doesn’t need to add another back to the group.
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This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: 2025 Bills positional review and lookahead: Running backs