Keep Ian Wheeler cut Ty Johnson?

[DC Grid]

I know the value Ty brings on third downs early and often in the season.  But it seems like at the end of the year he’s banged up / can’t be counted on. Given his cap number, isn’t it better to keep Wheeler, cut Johnson and put the $2M in cap savings towards an in season trade acquisition who might be available in the playoffs or use the space to help reduce the cap burden the team is facing in 2027. 

[Breakout Squad]

Just now, DC Grid said:

I know the value Ty brings on third downs early and often in the season.  But it seems like at the end of the year he’s banged up / can’t be counted on. Given his cap number, isn’t it better to keep Wheeler, cut Johnson and put the $2M in cap savings towards an in season trade acquisition who might be available in the playoffs or use the space to help reduce the cap burden the team is facing in 2027. 

Absolutely not. Johnson is an incredible asset to have as a 3rd RB. You don’t want a player of his caliber going to an AFC rival. 

[GoBills808]

I think they love ty johnson

[NewEra]

No

[Urban Achievers]

I’d go wheeler over gore on ps

[jkeerie]

Depending on injury, may IR Johnson for a few weeks and keep Wheeler on the roster.  I don't see them cutting Johnson.

[NewEra]

Just now, GoBills808 said:

I think they love ty johnson

And he’s just a better all around player.  Wheeler might actually be better running the ball, but Johnson is a better pass protector, pass catcher and can return if needed.  Wheeler will likely make it to the PS and can be activated if we need him. 
 

 

The only way I see moving on from Ty is if Beane is planning on making a move and needs the money…..and I think there’s very little chance of that being the case

[BillsFanForever19]

On 8/23/2026 at 4:27 PM, DC Grid said:

I know the value Ty brings on third downs early and often in the season.  But it seems like at the end of the year he’s banged up / can’t be counted on. Given his cap number, isn’t it better to keep Wheeler, cut Johnson and put the $2M in cap savings towards an in season trade acquisition who might be available in the playoffs or use the space to help reduce the cap burden the team is facing in 2027. 

 

Methinks you place too much value in meaningless Pre-Season games...

 

 

Edited August 25 by BillsFanForever19

[T.E.]

Gotta remember that these no-name guys who shine in preseason are also going against other no-name guys. Not saying he can't be good, but Ty Johnson has made huge plays against top-tier teams.

[H2o]

Keep Wheeler on the PS, sure, but certainly not over Ty Johnson on the 53. 

[BillsFan130]

Na. Bills have enough operating cap right now.

Cutting Ty and keeping Wheeler just makes your team worse, and the goal is Super Bowl 

Edited August 23 by BillsFan130

[DC Grid]

I get the points of Tys value, but if a guy can’t be there in the playoffs what’s the point for a team aiming for the SB? 

Edited August 23 by DC Grid

[4merper4mer]

Kyle Allen looked pretty good yesterday.  If cap savings are what we’re after…………..just sayin.

[BillsFanForever19]

5 minutes ago, DC Grid said:

I get the points of Tys value, but if a guy can’t be there in the playoffs what’s the point for a team aiming for the SB? 

 

[UConn James]

5 minutes ago, DC Grid said:

I get the points of Tys value, but if a guy can’t be there in the playoffs what’s the point for a team aiming for the SB? 

So it's guaranteed in your head that Wheeler would be available / 100% for the playoffs after 17 games?

[BuffaloBillyG]

Ty does a lot for the offense. More even than what we see or know. He's probably not going anywhere.

 

That said I'm always in favor of going younger/cheaper at depth spot like RB3. If they feel like Wheeler or even Gore can produce at the same level for cheaper, I'm ok with it. If not, gotta suck it up and maybe look for a Ty Johnson replacement next offseason. 

[That's No Moon]

[quincy]

I agree with the OP but I cannot see it happening.

 

For me the primary role of the running back is to run! Yes Ty is better for the role he is asked to fill but it raises questions over roster construction.

 

Can Ray Davis be RB1, KR1 and PR1 on a game day if James Cook is banged up/misses a game? That is a big workload. 

 

I don't think they want Keon to return punts whilst he is the starting outside WR alongside Moore and the same argument is for Shakir, a guaranteed starter. 

 

On a 3rd and 8 for an example, Buffalo would pass I'd assume 85% of the time. Opponents know that Ty is coming into pass block is it really any different if VanSumeran or Hawes or Latu is out there versus Ty Johnson? 

 

If given 5 to 10 carries a game Wheeler I'd argue that Wheeler would be more dangerous for opponents than Johnson. If Hardman makes the roster he can be the KR and PR and Davis can get more carries in the game with 100% focus on being RB2 or just do KR only plus RB2. 

 

Being healthy during preseason seems to get more and more important and those who are injured just seem to be constantly trying to catch up, sometimes not being successful in doing so over the course of the full season. 

 

This is a good problem to have I suppose and I will be content with whatever the front office and coaching decide. 

[HamptonBillsfan]

29 minutes ago, DC Grid said:

I know the value Ty brings on third downs early and often in the season.  But it seems like at the end of the year he’s banged up / can’t be counted on. Given his cap number, isn’t it better to keep Wheeler, cut Johnson and put the $2M in cap savings towards an in season trade acquisition who might be available in the playoffs or use the space to help reduce the cap burden the team is facing in 2027. 

Ty has been very productive in the 5 playoff games between 2024 and 2023. He has 160yds on 35 carries and is a big time threat in the passing game. He gets dinged in the preseason and he got blown up in the last game of last season, missing the playoffs and you want to cut him in favor of a guy, who’s an undrafted free agent from Howard University.Ty’s recognized as one of the best 3rd down backs in the NFL. Are you a Patriots fan?

 

[boyst]

Honestly a conditional 7th for Gore Jr to the seagulls or commanders is what I'd try to do.