NFL free agency is two weeks away and impending free agent running back C.J. Spiller is still assessing his options. His representative has been in contact with the Bills over the past week or so, but as GM Doug Whaley described it there is some ground to cover between the two sides. On Tuesday in an interview on SiriusXM NFL Radio, Spiller left the door open for a return to Buffalo.
"There's a possibility that I could be in a Bills uniform," Spiller said. "We never know how this situation is going to play out. The organization knows that I want to be there, so pretty much the ball is in their court. At the same time we're going to weigh all our options and see what suits me best. The biggest thing is you want to go somewhere where you're wanted. That's the biggest thing. That's pretty much how I'm approaching this thing. I'm looking forward to it."
Spiller, who missed seven games last season due to a broken collar bone that required surgery, finished 2014 with the fewest rushing attempts (78) since his rookie season (74). His yards per carry average matched a career low (3.8). The fifth-year back also had no rushing touchdowns and just one score receiving.
While Spiller and his fellow backs did struggle to be productive behind an offensive line that took a step back in 2014 finishing 25th in rushing, the Bills still see the former first-round pick as an asset.
"We're hoping we can close the gap and get the deal done," said Whaley last week. "There's going to have to be some work done, but I'm confident that we'll each come to the table with an open mind and try to get a deal done that's great for both sides."
With this being his first time as a free agent Spiller is trying to take each step of the process in stride.
"This is a situation that I'm not going to stress over," he said. "I'm going to enjoy it and let it play out. Obviously it's a critical time and a crucial time in my career during this period, but at the same time I don't want to stress. You've got to have patience, don't get frustrated with the process and be confident in yourself. I've never doubted what I can do in the NFL and I never will."
When asked for what he's looking for in a long term commitment Spiller first mentioned being suited to a team's offense.
"Got to go to a place that fits your style of play," he said. "You've got to be comfortable with the offensive coordinator. You want to have a great quarterback, but only certain teams have that. You want to be in a good situation. As far as location I don't think that's going to be high on the list. Playing in Buffalo has prepared me to go anywhere if I happen to leave there to play in the cold. Obviously being from Florida I know how to adjust to the hot weather. Location is not going to be a big thing on the list if you want to compete for championships because that's what it's all about.
"Obviously I've been in the NFL for five years and we haven't been to the playoffs. That's really high on my list, having a chance to get to the postseason and experience that and having a chance to hoist that Vince Lombardi trophy. Those two things are extremely high on my list. I want to have a chance for multiple years (to go to the playoffs)."
Free agency opens March 10 at 4 p.m. ET.
