Washington Commanders running back J.D. McKissic has explained the reasoning behind his controversial U-turn after almost joining the Buffalo Bills in free agency.
McKissic was ready to move to Buffalo, who are 15/2 to win Super Bowl LVII, before Washington matched the Bills' offer to keep him in D.C.
Home is where the heart is
The 28-year-old running back chose familiarity and family over the lure of playing for a team that look likelier to contend at the sharp end of the playoffs.
"Much respect to the [Bills]. You can't ask for a better organization to be chosen by," McKissic said, via Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post.
"But I had unfinished business in Washington. The way we left off, I felt like we were inclining. With my injury, I had things I wanted to prove in Washington. Washington is home."
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A neck injury cut short his 2021 season but, in 11 games, the dual-threat back generated 212 rush yards on 48 carries with two touchdowns and hauled in 43 catches for a further 397 yards and two additional TDs.
McKissic's about-face drew some frustrated comments from Bills general manager Brandon Beane, whose ire was directed at Washington.
Bills beef
"There were some things that went down with the other organization, which is painful," he told reporters.
"They chose to do what they did, and I couldn't stop them."
The Commanders didn't offer McKissic a contract until he agreed to join the Bills. When McKissic learned Washington were willing to match Buffalo's offer, he chose to stay.
"Once you have an agreement, the agent is supposed to say, 'It's over,'" Beane added, "and this agent did that. This agent told the other club, 'It's over.' But the other club didn't back off."
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