He was brought in as a tryout player during the Bills rookie minicamp in early May. Despite a crowded offensive backfield Justise Hairston made enough of an impression to land a contract with Buffalo. The Bills signed the running back on Monday.
Hairston (6'1" 210) originally entered the NFL as a sixth-round draft pick by New England in 2007 after a huge senior season at Central Connecticut State. He rushed for 1,877 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2006 after transferring from Rutgers.
Making the Patriots roster, however, proved difficult as Hairston spent a portion of his rookie season on the New England practice squad. After being released by New England he spent part of the 2007 season on the Indianapolis practice squad as well.
Come 2008 Hairston couldn't find an NFL home and did not play last season.
Hairston is now the sixth running back on Buffalo's roster joining Marshawn Lynch, Fred Jackson, Dominic Rhodes, Bruce Hall and Xavier Omon.
Buffalo's offseason roster is now at its maximum of 80 players. The Bills' draft picks do not count toward the roster total until they are signed to a contract. Once draft picks begin to sign the coaching staff will need to reduce their roster accordingly.
