As belated birthday presents go, Buffalo Bills rookie first-round pick C.J. Spiller had no trouble waiting an extra day to get the one gift he really wanted: A signed NFL contract.
A day after turning 23, the running back was excited to arrive at training camp Friday to sign a five-year deal that has the potential to be worth $37 million.
"It's something that I'll always remember," Spiller said, noting he learned the deal had been agreed to on Thursday, shortly after he had a birthday lunch with his family in Lake Butler, Fla. "Whatever day, I would have always remembered it. But it's always special to do it on your birthday. It was a great feeling."
A league source told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora the deal is worth $25 million, with $20.8 million guaranteed, and it includes escalators that could make it worth as much as $37 million. The contract is also laced with incentives to take into account Spiller's versatility as a rusher, receiver and returner.
Spiller wasted little time once arriving at the team's training camp complex in suburban Rochester. He headed directly to attend team meetings before taking the field for the Bills' evening practice.
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Selected ninth overall out of Clemson, Spiller has some catching up to do after missing 11 practices since camp opened July 29. He was also one of the final NFL first-round draft picks to sign this summer.
"Any time you miss any day, that's one day you can't get better," Spiller said. "Of course you miss that, but at the same time, you understand that you've got to get the business done first before you get on the field. And I'm glad I was able to get it done so I can get out there."
As for becoming a rich man, Spiller shrugged that aside.
"That's on the back-burner now," he said. "Now my mind is focused on coming out here tonight and trying to get better."
The ACC's player of the year last season finished his four-year college career with 51 touchdowns, including 32 rushing. Listed at 5-foot-11 and 196 pounds, Spiller has dynamic speed and is unafraid to run up the middle.
Because of his versatility, Spiller has drawn comparisons to Reggie Bush of the New Orleans Saints. Spiller and Bush are the only two players to finish their college careers with 3,000 yards rushing, 1,500 yards in kickoff returns, 1,000 yards receiving and 500 yards in punt returns.
Spiller is being counted upon to play a big role in the new offense first-year coach Chan Gailey is installing. He'll be part of a three-back rotation that includes Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch, who split the starting duties last season.
Gailey hasn't ruled out the possibility of splitting Spiller wide as a receiver, or using a formation using two running backs.
Spiller said he studied his notes as much as he could while also working out regularly.
"I'm excited, a little nervous to see how the first day will go," he said. "After that, hopefully it'll be easy."
Quarterback Trent Edwards was pleased to learn of the news about Spiller after the Bills' morning session.
"I'm excited, honestly, because I feel like he's a big impact player on our offense and our team," Edwards said. "The potential is all there. He's got all the talent in the world, and it's just a matter of us blocking for him."
Jackson said he's remained in contact with Spiller through contract talks, and expects the player to be up to speed for practice.
"He's been in his playbook and all the notes he took, so I expect him to come right in and get in the mix of things," Jackson said.
Jackson had a career-best and team-leading 1,062 yards rushing last season, and has no trouble giving up some playing time or with the team's decision to draft Spiller.
"It's a business. They do what they've got to do and I've got to do what I've got to do," Jackson said. "The reps I do get, I'm going to take care of them and continue to try and make plays when I get out there."
The Bills have two other running backs on their roster, Joique Bell and Chad Simpson, both rookie undrafted free agents.
Gailey, general manager Buddy Nix and Bills owner Ralph Wilson all praised Spiller in the days after he was drafted.
Wilson referred to Spiller as "one of the best players in the country," and someone who could provide a spark to what he called a "dull team." Buffalo's offense has ranked 25th or worst in yards the past seven seasons.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
