Recommendations are being made for the Buffalo Bills to enhance their backfield in the upcoming season by adding a three-time Pro Bowl running back.

After years of searching for a reliable complement to quarterback Josh Allen, the Buffalo Bills found success in 2023 with second-year running back James Cook. Cook, who became the first Bills running back to surpass 1,000 yards since LeSean McCoy, bolstered the rushing attack and alleviated pressure on the passing game. However, the team faced challenges in terms of consistency behind Cook, dealing with injuries and erratic play in the power rushing game, leading to continued reliance on Allen in short-yardage situations.

An insider suggests that the Bills could address this issue by pursuing former division rival Ezekiel Elliott in the offseason. Matt Bove, the sports director for Buffalo’s WKBW, believes that Elliott, a former running back for the Dallas Cowboys and the New England Patriots, could add a new dimension to the running game. Bove argues that the 28-year-old running back could fit within the Bills’ financial constraints, potentially being acquired for $2 to $3 million per year.

Bove emphasizes that Elliott’s addition would provide a strong contrast to the smaller Cook, creating a complementary duo in the backfield. He highlights Elliott’s skills as a pass protector and short-yardage specialist, qualities the Bills were hoping for from Damien Harris before his season-ending injury last year.

While Elliott’s role as a lead running back may be diminishing, given his lower rushing yardage and average last season, he remains a potent dual-threat back with impressive receiving stats. The Bills face uncertainty at the running back position for the 2024 season, with Harris, Ty Johnson, and Latavius Murray all entering free agency. Analysts predict that the Bills may aim to re-sign Johnson, who emerged as the No. 2 back after Harris’s injury. Additionally, there’s speculation that the team might look to add another running back in the late rounds of the upcoming NFL Draft.