After two years away from the league due to injuries, NFL free agent running back Nyheim Hines is looking to make his return before the regular season starts in September. According to Bleacher Report, the veteran is eyeing a comeback since he suffered a torn ACL in a jet-ski accident, which led to him missing a ton of time away from the league. Originally selected in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the former NC State product spent time between the Colts and Bills but didn’t get any playing time in Cleveland. While he did return in Week 18 of the 2022 season to return two kickoffs for a touchdown, Hines couldn’t stay healthy the following season.
The running back isn’t going to get a ton of interest since teams will look at health as a concern to reconsider signing him, but he could be a servicable third option at least in a team’s depth chart. Hines spent most of his career as a third-down running back and contributor to the kickoff return game, so that might make him stand out for other teams looking to sign him to a deal, since he has that specialist ability. With that, he can not only run but catch balls in quick slant situations, which is something that several rosters might look for. Hines might not sign before the 2025 campaign, but these four teams could easily keep him in mind for the future.
“Bruised” NFL Free Agent Nyheim Hines Looking to Return – 4 Best Possible Destinations
Potential Landing Spots
New Orleans Saints
After releasing Jamaal Williams this offseason, the New Orleans Saints need another running back to help Alvin Kamara. Even though the backfield piece is one of the best runners in the league, it doesn’t mean he isn’t aging. Kendre Miller doesn’t provide a ton of support, and there’s no guarantee after the signing of Cam Akers, so they might as well get Hines to boost the competition in that room.
Baltimore Ravens
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens must continue to support back-to-back MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson. Despite signing a contract deal, Derrick Henry is aging as well, and even though there’s hope in Keaton Mitchell, he hasn’t proven to be the long-term starter once Henry retires. Justice Hill paired with Hines could give Jackson two mini bullets to lean on to push the screen pass plays.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers head coach, Jim Harbaugh, wants to win games with a strong running unit, just like with their defensive trenches. However, between Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris, it wouldn’t hurt to add Hines to add as another support for quarterback Justin Herbert. Hines won’t win the starting job in Los Angeles, but he could be a reliable backup if Harris leaves after a season.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have one of the worst running back units in the league. Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders will probably last at least in their one-year minimum contracts. 2025 draft pick Jaydon Blue has a promising future, but it will depend on what type of role he has in Dallas. If the Cowboys want to protect their backfield future, they should sign Hines to a low-stakes one-year contract as well to fight for the 53-man roster between Williams and Sanders.
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