CJ Spiller has not been able to escape the trade rumors since the start of the offseason in 2014. The running back has an expiring contract to his name and has proven to be one of the better backs in the league which only opens him up to a slew of rumors. The Buffalo Bills had attempts at negotiating a new contract for Spiller, but things did not go well and now the running back must start to contemplate his future. Spiller says he is simply trying to tune out all the talk and stay focused on the season.
Spiller has seen less snaps come his way over recent weeks. The running back played just 12 of the team's 69 offensive snaps, but the running back denies it is because the Bills are fixing to trade him. Spiller stresses that he is very dedicated to Buffalo and helping the franchise succeed despite what his contract says.
"This organization is going to do what's best for the organization to be in position to win ball games and win championships," Spiller said, via The Buffalo News. "I want to be involved in that, be a part of that here at Buffalo, but if this organization decides to go in a different direction, I won't have any bad feelings at all. That's part of the business. I want to be a Bill."
The mid-season trade deadline is coming up at the end of October and any team in contention could make a run at Spiller. While it is unlikely the Bills deal the running back before the end of the season, there is a market for him. The Baltimore Ravens could be in contention for the postseason and after losing Ray Rice to a suspension, it would be wise to pick up a player like Spiller. The question remains what his return value would be. Spiller is 27 and would likely not garner a high draft pick like Trent Richardson did when he was traded. Buffalo would want something big back for their former first-round draft pick.
If and when Spiller hits free agency, the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings could be major players. DeMarco Murray will be a free agent as well and given his season so far, he will command a bigger contract. Spiller might be the more affordable option. The Cowboys had their eyes on Adrian Peterson, but he appears to no longer be an option given his pending legal issues.
The running back market was weak this past offseason. Most players coming off career-high years only got a one-year contract. The biggest deal handed out was for three years. Spiller will have to lower his expectations regardless.