The Buffalo Bills signed former Pitt Panthers running back Desmond Reid to a three-year, $3.115 million undrafted free agent contract, including a $15,000 signing bonus and $15,000 in guaranteed money. After spending his first two seasons with the Western Carolina Catamounts, Reid transferred to the Panthers in 2024 and enjoyed a strong inaugural campaign. Reid rushed for a career-high 966 yards while averaging 5.3 yards per carry and five touchdowns in 11 games, along with 52 receptions for 579 yards and four touchdowns.
The star running back had a disappointing 2025 season, battling multiple lower-body injuries that sidelined him for six games and led to a dip in production. He rushed for 278 yards on 60 carries and two touchdowns in seven games, along with 23 receptions for 317 yards and two touchdowns. His injury history and 5-foot-6 1/4, 174-pound frame resulted in him going undrafted.
In his rookie season, Reid will compete for a roster spot against Ty Johnson, Ray Davis, and Frank Gore Jr. alongside bell cow James Cook.
The Buffalo Bills’ RB named the most exciting UDFA for 2026
Jun 9, 2026; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Desmond Reid (27) during Buffalo Bills Minicamp. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
In a Bleacher Report article, Gary Davenport identified each NFL team’s most exciting undrafted free agent heading into the 2026 NFL season. For the Bills, he named Desmond Reid, noting his breakout 2024 campaign with the Pitt Panthers in which he averaged 5.3 yards per carry, caught 52 passes, and surpassed 1,500 yards from scrimmage. Although Reid’s injury history and small frame led to him going undrafted, Davenport highlights his explosiveness, pass-catching skills, and experience returning punts, which could earn him touches in his rookie season.
“Reid struggled with injuries last year at Pitt, but back in 2024 he demonstrated the damage he can do with the ball in his hands. That season, Reid averaged 5.3 yards per carry, caught 52 passes and surpassed 1,500 total yards.
“There’s just one small problem—Reid is just 5’6″ and weighs less than 175 pounds,” Davenport said.
“That lack of size and Reid’s injury history led to his going undrafted, and he’s not going to be a lead back in the NFL. But the youngster’s explosiveness in the open field, plus pass-catching skills and experience returning punts (including two touchdowns) makes him an interesting prospect if a team can figure out a way to scheme him touches in space.”
“Reid is a small, versatile back who made a significant impact on games despite missing time due to injury in both of his seasons at Pitt. He’s listed as a running back but finding manufactured touches no matter the alignment will be the goal. Slot snaps are likely, but his value often rests in his ability to become a ‘second slot’ when running routes out of the backfield. The decision-making and ball-handling aren’t always great as a punt returner. He’s dangerous when the ball is in his hands, though. Durability concerns will be prevalent at all times but the explosives he can generate as a backfield mismatch and return man will earn him consideration.”
He projects as an average backup.