Fresh off a dominant MVP performance in the United Bowl, explosive playmaker Ian Wheeler joins a crowded Buffalo backfield to compete for a roster spot this summer.
The Buffalo Bills are bringing in an MVP running back to the fold.
The team announced on Thursday that it has signed former Chicago Bears running back Ian Wheeler to a one-year contract.
Wheeler joins the Bills after playing for the United Football League's (UFL) Louisville Kings this spring. In his time with Louisville, Wheeler ran for 370 yards and six touchdowns on 68 carries in nine regular season games.
His 5.4 yards per carry was best in the league for running backs with at least 65 carries.
In the playoffs, Wheeler ran for 175 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries.
His performance in the 2026 United Bowl---10 carries, 81 yards, and a touchdown---was enough to earn him the game's MVP. Counting playoffs and regular season, Wheeler finished with a 6.4 average yards per carry.
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Wheeler comes in to compete for a roster spot as the Bills get ready for training camp at the end of July. The team had hoped undrafted rookie Desmond Reid could be a potential depth running back, but he was waived with an injury designation at the end of mandatory minicamp.
Wheeler joins a backfield of the NFL's leading rusher James Cook, Ray Davis, Ty Johnson, and Frank Gore Jr. And though his path to the 53-man roster might be long, he's already shown to have the skills to be an elusive back in the league.
As an undrafted free agent in 2024, Wheeler had 100 yards and two touchdowns in the preseason with the Chicago Bears. His rookie season ended early, however, after suffering a torn ACL that summer.
In 2025, Wheeler caught on with the New Orleans Saints practice squad before going to Louisville.
Wheeler will wear number 27 for Buffalo, a number previously worn by cornerback Tre'Davious White.
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