Photo Credit: Al Tielemans/Associated Press
The Bills addressed the depth at their running back position Tuesday agreeing to terms with free agent RB Chris Ivory on a two-year deal.
Ivory visited with the Bills a week ago, and met with a couple of other NFL clubs on his free agent tour before signing with Buffalo.
"It just felt good when I got here. It just felt like the place to be," said Ivory of Buffalo. "What caught my attention the most was the staff. A great staff and a playoff team and I just look forward to building with these guys."
Ivory, who will turn 30 in a couple of weeks, served as a backup running back with the Jacksonville Jaguars the past two seasons, rushing for 821 yards and four touchdowns while averaging 3.6 yards per carry.
He's expected to serve in a similar role in Buffalo behind feature back LeSean McCoy.
"I'm just here to work hard and perform when my number is called," Ivory said.
The only time in Ivory's career when he was a starter was from 2014-2015 when he was the leading rusher for the New York Jets. Over those two seasons, Ivory ran for almost 1,900 yards, including a 1,070-yard campaign in 2015 with 15 total touchdown both rushing and receiving.
Known as a downhill runner, Ivory brings a different dimension of power to the Bills run game to complement McCoy's elusive and darting running-style.
"I'm a north and south runner and I'm a physical guy who can run between the tackles," he said. "I don't get noticed as much for what I can do in space. I'm just trying to make plays and be a guy they can count on."
Over the last three years, Ivory has expanded his receiving exploits making 71 receptions over that span for 418 yards.
Ivory also has familiarity with Bills running backs coach Kelly Skipper, who coaches him in Jacksonville in 2016.
For the Bills, Ivory is the second free agent signed by the club prior to the league free agency period. Ivory was already a free agent following his release by Jacksonville on Feb. 23rd.
