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Free agent running back Damien Harris is doing something not a lot of players do. He's joining the enemy.
The former New England Patriot is packing his bags and heading to play for the arch-rival Buffalo Bills in 2023. The Bills are the cream of the crop in the AFC East, the same division in which the Patriots play. It's a move that certainly won't sit well with the fans in New England; however, it may turn out to be a very good move for the fans of Buffalo.
Is Harris a good fit for the Bills? How will it affect his fantasy football value in 2023? Let's dig deeper and get some answers.
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Is Damien Harris A Good Free Agent Signing For Buffalo?
Along with the Chiefs and the Bengals, the Bills are one of the top teams in not only the AFC but the NFL. They seem to have all the pieces of a championship team. The only aspect of their play that has lacked in recent seasons has been their running game.
Buffalo hasn't had a running back put fear in any opponent for a long, long time. Last season, Devin Singletary and James Cook led the way in the Bills' backfield, but neither was anything close to dominant. Singletary has since left in free agency, leaving second-year player Cook as the 2023 running mate of the newly acquired Harris.
Cook certainly has the potential to become "the guy" for the franchise, but obviously nothing is guaranteed. Bringing in a veteran like Harris is a smart move for the team considering their quarterback, superstar Josh Allen, has been the team's most effective back the past few seasons. Harris didn't have his most productive season in 2022, mostly due to injury, so the Bills are hoping they get the 2021 version when he ran for almost 1,000 yards and had an impressive 15 touchdowns on the ground.
What Is The Significance Of The Damien Harris Signing?
The former University of Alabama star saw the writing on the wall in New England this past season, as teammate Rhamondre Stevenson became the clear lead back. His days were numbered, and an opportunity presented itself in Buffalo. Since the Bills struggle on offense if someone is running the ball besides Allen, Harris will be a welcome addition with his ability to not only find the end zone but to pick up needed yards when called upon.
Initially, Cook and Harris should see split carries, and there is no way to predict if either will outpace their new teammate. That said, both should complement each other well, as Cook is the more dangerous pass-catching threat, while Harris should prove successful in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
Since the Bills' passing attack is one of the best in the league, it's unlikely Harris becomes a major player in fantasy football. He will definitely see his share of carries and will absolutely score touchdowns, but putting up large numbers isn't something I'd bet the house on. You can be certain the former Patriot will be an asset for the Buffalo offense, but he is nothing more than a risky RB2 in fantasy.
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