In a move that further crowds an already deep backfield, and could eventually lead to a trade, the Buffalo Bills reached contract agreement with unrestricted free agent tailback Richard Huntley on Tuesday.

A five-year veteran who has played with three different teams in his career, Huntley joins young tailbacks Travis Henry and Shawn Bryson in competition for playing time. Henry is the projected starter, having rushed for a team-high 729 yards in his 2001 rookie year.

Huntley, 29, will sign a one-year contract for $675,000. The deal includes a base salary of $650,000 and a $25,000 signing bonus.

The addition of Huntley, who played last year for the Carolina Panthers, likely will fuel speculation that the Bills might trade Bryson, a three-year veteran. There have been rumors that the Philadelphia Eagles, still seeking a backup to starter Duce Staley after the season-ending knee injury suffered by Correll Buckhalter this spring, could be interested in acquiring Bryson in a trade.

Bryson ran for 341 yards in 2001 and had a pair of 100-yard outings last season when he moved into the starting lineup after Henry was injured. Bryson recently signed a one-year, $563,000 contract as a restricted free agent.

While still somewhat immature, and prone to mild off-field indiscretions, Huntley always has been a solid reserve tailback. He is a player with an abundance of talent, one who has never quite lived up to expectations, but who understands his role.

Bills general manager Tom Donahoe is very familiar with Huntley, having signed him while working for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Huntley also has worked before with Bills new offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride, who knows his value as a third-down back and a player capable of productive numbers when used the right way.

In five seasons, Huntley has appeared in 60 games and started 12 of them. He has carried 361 times for 1,697 yards and 11 touchdowns and has 62 receptions for 477 yards and four touchdowns. Huntley also has some experience returning kickoffs and is willing to play on the special teams coverage units.

He gained a team-high 665 yards on 165 carries for the Panthers last season, and both those numbers represented career bests for him. Twice he has rushed for moer than 500 yards in a season.

The former Winston-Salem State star has played with Atlanta (1996), Pittsburgh (1998-2000) and Carolina (2001).

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.