Where Can the Buffalo Bills Trade C.J. Spiller?
By Erik Lambert
Dec 29, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller (28) celebrates a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the second half of New England
The addition of Bryce Brown and a pending contract dispute has made C.J. Spiller trade bait for the Buffalo Bills. Where could they end up sending him?
Carolina Panthers
Running the football is the focal point of the Carolina Panthers offense. So keeping their cupboard stocked with bodies is obviously a priority. Lately though that cupboard is either filled with expiring or damaged goods. DeAngelo Williams is 31-years old. Jonathan Stewart suffered another in a long stretch of nagging ailments and recent rookie addition Tyler Gaffney tore up his knee before the season even began. Carolina is hurting badly. Adding a young but experienced body like Spiller could solve their problems.
Seattle Seahawks
More than a few experts would say the Seattle Seahawks offense began and ended with Marshawn Lynch. That might be a slight exaggeration but it is based in some truth. The man known as “Beast Mode” was the engine that propelled the ship. Now he is firmly set in holding out from training camp. Whether that is all he holds out for is debateable, but it does leave the Seahawks in a compromising position. They do have an intriguing stock of reserve runners such as Christine Michael and Robert Turbin. However, neither of them are proven at all as starters. An aggressive trade for C.J. Spiller from the Buffalo Bills would be exactly the kind of move that helped Seattle become world champions.
Baltimore Ravens
Ozzie Newsome always seems to find a way to stockpile his roster with talent either via the draft, free agency or even trades. One area that is steeped in questions is the backfield. Not only did Ray Rice begin to show his age last season, he is also suspended for two games this year. Backup Bernard Pierce is more of a situational guy. Rookie Lorenzo Taliaferro has generated some buzz but he is dealing with off-the-field concerns and is questionable as a full-time starter. Throwing Spiller into that mix would create a lot more security for the Ravens and Joe Flacco.
Indianapolis Colts
As if the doubts surrounding Trent Richardson weren’t enough for the Indianapolis Colts to sort through, their depth took a serious hit this off-season when reserve back Vick Ballard tore his Achilles. With him out for the season the Colts backfield is a quagmire of borderline busts, older vets and unknowns. That is not the best recipe to help balance the offense for Andrew Luck. Making another trade to support by getting Spiller from the Buffalo Bills could do the trick.