PITTSFORD, N.Y. — First-round draft pick C.J. Spiller has reached an agreement on a five-year deal potentially worth $37 million with the Buffalo Bills on Friday, The Associated Press has learned.
The running back's contract includes just under $21 million in guaranteed money, a person familiar with negotiations told the AP on condition of anonymity because the Bills have not announced the deal.
Selected ninth overall out of Clemson, Spiller was scheduled to arrive at training camp in Rochester later in the day. Through Friday morning, he'd missed 11 practices since camp opened July 29.
Bills general manager Buddy Nix declined to comment as he walked off the field following the team's morning practice. A Bills media relations official, walking with Nix and CEO Russ Brandon, told reporters that the team would make an announcement once the contract had been signed.
ESPN first reported the deal had been reached.
Spiller took part in all of the team's offseason minicamps in May and June, but has some catching up to do as Buffalo continues to install a new offense under first-year head coach Chan Gailey. Spiller is expected to play a significant role in the scheme — used as both a rusher and receiver — while sharing time with running backs Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch, who split the starting duties last season.
The ACC's player of the year last season finished his four-year college career with 51 touchdowns, including 32 rushing. Listed at 5-foot-11 and 196 pounds, Spiller has dynamic speed and has showed that he's unafraid to run the ball up the middle.
Because of his versatility, Spiller has drawn comparisons to New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush. Spiller and Bush are the only two players to finish their college careers with 3,000 yards rushing, 1,500 yards in kickoff returns, 1,000 yards receiving and 500 yards in punt returns.
Nix, Gailey and Bills owner Ralph Wilson all praised Spiller in the days after he was drafted.
Wilson referred to Spiller as "one of the best players in the country," and someone who could provide a spark to what he called a "dull team." Buffalo's offense has ranked 25th or worst in yards gained in each of the past seven seasons.