Damien Harris

Buffalo Bills running back Damien Harris—a former Alabama Crimson Tide standout and two-time national champion who also played for the New England Patriots—announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday. Harris posted a message on his Instagram account, saying, “I am grateful I have found the strength to walk away from the game I love so much,” adding that “playing football has been one of the greatest privileges in my life.”

Still just 27 years old, Harris played four seasons for the Patriots before signing with the Bills during the 2023 offseason. His 2023 campaign ended abruptly, though, as Harris was taken off the field in an ambulance after suffering a neck injury and a concussion in a Week 16 contest vs. the New York Giants. This injury likely factored into his decision to retire.

During his five-year career, Harris amassed 2,188 rushing yards and scored 21 rushing touchdowns, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. He was an especially prolific runner during his time in New England, starting 34 of the 38 games he played. Furthermore, his best year came in 2021 with the Patriots, a season in which Harris rushed for 929 yards and a whopping 15 touchdowns to help lead the team to the playoffs during quarterback Mac Jones’ rookie season. Unfortunately, injuries and a reduced role have limited Harris to just 129 carries for 556 yards over the past two seasons.

While Harris wasn’t likely to factor much into Buffalo’s plans in 2024, his retirement further cemented James Cook’s status as the undisputed RB1 in the Queen City. Cook figures to garner fourth-round attention in 12-man fantasy leagues and projects as an even higher draft selection for dynasty managers. The former Georgia standout established himself as a three-down back and security blanket for quarterback Josh Allen. Ty Johnson and Darrynton Evans should have minor roles when Cook isn’t on the field.