After joining the Los Angeles Chargers this offseason, the team will move on and cut running back Nyheim Hines. According to reports, the Chargers are heading in a different direction, to no surprise, as they’re trimming down their players on roster to 53. Hines has been known to be a versatile backfield rusher and a special teams player ever since entering the league. Originally selected in the 2018 NFL Draft, the former NC State product had somewhat of a promising rookie debut, serving as a runner and a running back who could catch passes in the aerial attack.
However, after spending four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and signing an extension, the team traded him to the Buffalo Bills in 2022. It was unfortunately all downhill for the veteran after suffering a leg injury in a personal watercraft accident during the offseason before the start of the 2023 campaign. The year after that, the Bills decided it was time to part ways, and Hines has been a journeyman since his injury. It’s hard to imagine Hines signing with a new team this 2025 regular season unless a roster wants to improve their practice squad.
Hines isn’t going to get the best contract next, but these four teams might roll the dice on him and give him a chance.
Breaking: Chargers Cut Former Colts Fourth Rounder Nyheim Hines – 4 Possible Fits
Potential Destinations
Dallas Cowboys
Even though Javonte Williams has shown that he could be a full-time capable starter for the Cowboys’ ground game, they must continue building their running back room. Miles Sanders had a fair share of moments, but that all came crashing down after a costly fumble where the Eagles were able to recover and turn it over. With that, the Cowboys should be searching and adding firepower to the running room since they’re still exploring who will step up and stay consistent. Depending on how 2025 draft pick Jaydon Blue debuts, hopefully in Week 2, they should play it safe and sign Hines on a low-stakes contract to increase the passing game.
Hines could be a solid option for Dak Prescott whenever he faces the pass-rush in certain moments as a dump-off receiver.
New Orleans Saints
Meanwhile, the running back room was coming together for the New Orleans Saints this preseason between Cam Akers and Clyde Edwards-Helaire as two potential options to help Alvin Kamara. However, they stuck with rising Kendre Miller, who has yet to prove he could eventually take over starting duties once Kamara retires years from now. With the Saints finding a way to pinch pennies to improve any side of the ball or position, they could sign Hines to help move the chains.
Kansas City Chiefs
While the Kansas City Chiefs are searching for a new wide receiver to help players like Marquise Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Tyquan Thornton, the team might have to settle for Hines. Even though the Chiefs have one of the deepest groups of running backs between Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, Elijah Mitchell and rookie Brashard Smith, they must get Hines in the mix to help Mitchell in those dump-off situations. Hines won’t get all of the attention, but it gives the Chiefs an emergency, cheap running back receiver to help Patrick Mahomes.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens had all of their boxes checked off against the Buffalo Bills, but they couldn’t finish the job. After their loss, there were several mistakes for the Ravens’ offense, but the huge one was Derrick Henry and his fumble. It’s hard to put the blame just on him; everyone had their own role to stop the comeback. However, when you have a player like Justice Hill in the backfield, they must take advantage of it and pair him with Hines to give Lamar Jackson a solid short pass-catching unit.
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