The Buffalo Bills have agreed to a 2-year deal with former Jacksonville Jaguars running back Chris Ivory. Ian Rapoport shared the news and the Bills made it official on Twitter.
The #Bills are expected to sign former #Jaguars RB Chris Ivory to a 2-year deal, sources say. Back in the AFC East for the former #Jets star.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 6, 2018
It’s official: Chris Ivory is the newest Bill! ?
More on our running back: https://t.co/X96Tauwazc pic.twitter.com/GbkzQ0Phty
— Buffalo Bills (@buffalobills) March 6, 2018
The deal is reported to be worth $5.5 million with the chance to earn up to $6 million with incentives. Sources confirm that the deal includes $3.25 million guaranteed.
Ivory was an undrafted free agent signed by the New Orleans Saints in 2010. He then was traded to the Jets where he began making a name for himself. Ivory then left New York and signed a 5-year, $32 million deal with the Jaguars.
Ivory played well during his time in Jacksonville. His best year was 2015 when he set career highs for carries (247), rushing yards (1,070) and rushing TDs (7). Ivory played in the Pro Bowl as a replacement player that year. However, Ivory’s playing time severely diminished after the team drafted Leonard Fournette. Ivory was officially cut by the team on February 23.
Signing Ivory gives the Bills a nice no. 2 option behind starting running back LeSean McCoy. McCoy was responsible for 59% of Buffalo’s rushing attempts last season. Having a veteran running back like Ivory, who has proved himself to be a solid running back, can help relieve some of the pressure off of McCoy.
It was a solid year for the Bills. They finished the season with a 9-7 record and earned a trip to the AFC Wildcard round. If the Bills want to make it back to the playoffs, they will need to continue to sign solid veterans, as well as have a good draft in April.
