CJ Spiller saw it coming. The Buffalo Bills running back is preparing to be a free agent in the coming week and had yet to have positive contract talks with his current team. With Rex Ryan in at head coach, it was unknown if Spiller's future was in Buffalo or elsewhere. The Bills made things very clear when they traded for LeSean McCoy on Tuesday.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Bills and Eagles have a trade in place for McCoy. The Philadelphia running back was rumored to be on the outs and the team made a move to save salary cap space. With McCoy coming in, Spiller is on his way out.
Spiller just happened to be speaking on the NFL Network when the trade went down. He told the network that the Bills had called him and thanked him for his services over the past few years and he confirmed that he would not be returning to Buffalo after the trade for McCoy is finalized.
"My feeling is still the same. Nothing's changed," Spiller said, via the NFL Network. "The gameplan's still the same. The only thing is that I won't be returning to Buffalo. Very few guys get to play (their) whole career at one team, but you know, unfortunately, that don't happen in this business, and I found out today that that don't happen in this business."
So where could Spiller land in free agency. Several teams will be eyeing the speedster as he remains one of the better options on the open market. Spiller has had injury issues in the past that will force him to take a smaller contract, but he will have plenty of teams eyeing him once the market opens. Any team that misses out on DeMarco Murray, Mark Ingram or even a trade for Adrian Peterson or Marshawn Lynch will immediately aim to get Spiller.
The Oakland Raiders could be favorites. The team was highly interested in a trade for McCoy during the season and now could aim to get Spiller. The Raiders are not expected to re-sign Darren McFadden while Maurice Jones-Drew could get released. The team will need someone like Spiller to carry to load. The Indianapolis Colts could be releasing Trent Richardson and will like how Spiller looks. If the Dallas Cowboys fail to re-sign Murray, Spiller will be an option. However, according to the running back, he is eyeing the Eagles.
Spiller told the NFL Network that he was positive head coach Chip Kelly had his agent's number. Could the Eagles simply exchange running backs in 2015 with the Bills? The Eagles need to add another strong rusher to compliment Darren Sproles. Spiller is not a bad option, but they could get priced out in the end.
