Why Buffalo Bills Need to Keep Ian Wheeler over Veteran RB

Since signing with the Buffalo Bills ahead of the 2023 season, Ty Johnson has proven to be a reliable backup, especially on third downs. In three seasons with the Bills, Johnson has 545 yards and four touchdowns as a runner, while averaging 4.5 yards per attempt.

As a receiver, he's hauled in 49 receptions for 609 yards and six touchdowns while averaging 12.4 yards per reception. Simply put, he's been an efficient back, but looking ahead to 2026, he shouldn't be a lock to make the 53-man roster.

Johnson, who will turn 29 in September, saw a decline in his numbers this past season. His rushing yards per attempt went down from 5.2 in 2024 to 4.0 in 2025. His yardage per reception dipped as well, with Johnson averaging 11.0 yards per catch, down from the 15.8 in 2025.

Those numbers aren't likely to increase this season for two reasons. One is his age, as most running backs begin to decline as they approach 30 years old. More importantly, offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael made it clear that Buffalo plans to use Cook as a receiver more often. Doing so will limit Johnson's snaps on third down, which is where he has done the majority of his damage.

Ian Wheeler has sparked offense

Buffalo Bills RB Ian Wheeler runs with the ball against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at New Highmark Stadium. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

If that truly is the plan, keeping Ian Wheeler over Johnson could make sense. Wheeler is a more traditional RB2 and has shown during the preseason that he has no issues making the most of every touch. We recently wrote about his jaw-dropping hit during Thursday's joint practce.

Against the Panthers, Wheeler ran for 41 yards and a touchdown on seven carries. This week, he added 56 yards on 14 attempts, plus another 21 yards on two receptions. That gives him 118 yards on 23 touches, for an average of 5.1 yards per touch. As a pure runner, Wheeler is averaging 4.6 yards per attempt.

Not only is Wheeler proving to be an effective player, but he also makes significantly less than Johnson. Wheeler, an undrafted free agent out of Howard, has a cap hit of $885,000 compared to $3.275 million for Johnson. Buffalo would save $2.455 million by moving on from Johnson, who has been dealing with a knee injury this offseason.

Another option could be placing Johnson on the short-term IR to begin the season, allowing him to get his knee fully healthy. That could also give Wheeler time to prove he belongs in the NFL, without the risk of losing Johnson.

— Sign up for OnSI’s Free Buffalo Bills Newsletter —

Add us as a preferred source on Google