Nyheim Hines was pressured to overlook the 2023 marketing campaign, and his preparation for the approaching season will now include uncertainty. Buffalo plans to launch the veteran operating again this week, ESPN’s Adam Schefter experiences.
Schefter provides that Hines – who suffered a torn ACL throughout a jet ski incident in July – is anticipated to be wholesome in time for coaching camp this summer time. That constructive well being observe might assist his market to a level, however the missed marketing campaign will nonetheless little question hinder his means to land a profitable settlement with a brand new group.
This transfer will create $4.66M in cap financial savings whereas incurring solely $500K in lifeless cash. It can subsequently assist the cap-strapped Payments of their effort to attain compliance. Buffalo entered right this moment within the worst monetary form within the league, on monitor to examine in roughly $41M over the cap ceiling. One 12 months remained on Hines’ contract, however he’ll now hit the open market early.
The 27-year-old was traded from the Colts to the Payments on the deadline in 2022, and he was used sparingly on offense whereas serving because the group’s main kick returner. Hines scored a pair of touchdowns within the latter respect, offering comparatively excessive expectations for the 2023 season. His roster spot seemed to be unsure to an extent even earlier than struggling the harm, nevertheless.
Because of this, it comes as no shock Buffalo will transfer on. The group has James Cook dinner safely atop the depth chart after he delivered a Professional Bowl season in his first alternative as a starter. Latavius Murray, Ty Johnson and Damien Harris crammed out the RB room in the course of the season, every seeing restricted alternatives. Quite a few gamers dealt with return duties, in the meantime, with Johnson operating again essentially the most kicks and Deonte Harty serving as the first punt returner. The same setup will doubtless be employed shifting ahead.
As his restoration continues, Hines will now flip his consideration to free company. A plethora of high-profile backs are set to succeed in the market, and it could come as a shock if the place’s market noticed a rebound from the previous few years. Given his return expertise and skill as a pass-catcher, although, Hines will doubtless have the chance to latch onto a roster within the hopes of carving out a task for himself. Additional cost-shedding strikes on Buffalo’s half will likely be wanted as the brand new league 12 months (March 13) attracts nearer.
