CJ Spiller is well-aware that his name has been in the papers lately and not for reasons he likes. The running back is currently entering a contract year with the Buffalo Bills, opening himself up to trade rumors as the team appears to have his replacement already on the roster. With training camp in full swing and Spiller at the top of the depth chart, Spiller hopes he is headed elsewhere anytime soon.
Spiller's status with the Bills came into question the second the team traded for running back Bryce Brown during the NFL Draft. The Bills originally wanted to move up in the draft to acquire Carlos Hyde, but the San Francisco 49ers denied them that option and drafted the former Ohio State standout instead. So the Bills got Brown in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick, an odd move considering Spiller was already on the roster. They also extended Fred Jackson's contract another, shaking the ground Spiller was on even more.
Since then, trade speculation has been at an all-time high. Spiller is listed as the starting running back for the Bills, but the team is not negotiating a contract extension with the running back and numerous sources including the Buffalo News is reporting that Spiller's time with the team could be cut short for the right price. Spiller has heard the talk, but he is not putting much stock into it.
"I have friends and family members that inform me on some of the things that are being said with the trade rumors," Spiller said, via The Buffalo News. "I'm not oblivious to that stuff. I'm not living on Mars or anything. I can't control what happens. My response to them is 'don't worry about it.' Once you start worrying about that type of stuff, you get off focus of what you're trying to do. Until anything happens, I'm excited to be with the Bills and hopefully I'll be around for this coming season."
According to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com, the market for Spiller could heat up in the coming weeks. Right now, Buffalo has more backs than they need with Brown, Jackson and Anthony Dixon all on the roster. The team has faith Brown can be a productive starter and while Spiller is one of the best offensive performers for the Bills, an upgraded wide receivers corps has made him expendable.
Spiller is entering his second contract and is expecting a large pay raise, one the Bills do not appear keen on giving him. Spiller's career with the Bills has certainly been solid, but the team will point to nagging injuries and lack of consistency as a reason to not pay the running back. Several teams could be interested in a trade once Spiller signs with an agent. The Dallas Cowboys could be a target if DeMarco Murray struggles. The Atlanta Falcons may need someone should Steven Jackson's hamstring not heal. The San Francisco 49ers lost two backs to injuries. There is a market for Spiller should the Bills truly make him available.