The Buffalo Bills were hoping to avoid off-the-field issues this season. The team took a major step forward under head coach Rex Ryan and they are hoping to build on that for the future. However, LeSean McCoy is not going to make that easy for them after the running back was involved in a fight with off-duty police officers. Will a looming suspension force the Bills to alter their offseason plans?
According to Mark Schwarz of ESPN.com, charges are pending on McCoy as he is under investigation following an alleged assault on police officers in Philadelphia. A statement released said that four men are suspected of assault on two 40-year-old police officers who were treated for serious injuries following the incident. CSNPhilly.com reports that all indications point to McCoy being involved in the fight leaving the Bills to release a statement saying they were aware of the allegations and were gathering more information.
If charged, McCoy faces suspension from the league and much more. According to ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio, until the investigation is complete, McCoy could be asked to take paid leave which is a typical move by the NFL Players Association. ESPN.com believes the Bills will be patient with what they do with McCoy. Either a team suspension or a league suspension is looming for the franchise. That would leave them without their starting running back and in need of another body.
Heading into 2016, the running back position looked dominant for the Bills. McCoy and Karlos Williams formed a deadly duo last year and assuming both stay healthy, the Bills could really ride that tandem during next season. However, if McCoy is not available following the fight, Williams and Mike Gillislee would be the tandem which leaves a lot to be desired. Additions to the roster should not be ruled out as the Bills could either use a late-round draft pick for the role or target a cheaper contract in free agency.
Adding depth via free agency could be wise for Buffalo. McCoy struggled with injuries last year and even if he is not charged in the fight, history with health issues could repeat themselves. There are a lot of running backs available for cheap in free agency. Players like Bilal Powell, Matt Asiata, Lance Dunbar and Stevan Ridley could all be options on a short-term contract. That would give the Bills guaranteed talent should McCoy not be available.
This is not the first off-the-field incident McCoy has been involved in with the Bills, but traditionally the team holds off before making any moves. The league could get involved before the team does should the investigation escalate quickly.
