Bills Rework Nyheim Hines Contract, Create Cap Relief for Free Agency
The Buffalo Bills are "in the process" of restructuring the contract of running back Nyheim Hines, a move that will keep him in Orchard Park next season while also providing the team with cap relief, per reports from NFL Network on Monday.
Per the report, Hines will "convert part of his base salary to signing bonus to provide some cap relief. Incentives added give him the chance to earn more than his previously scheduled $4.79 million" next season.
Hines was under contract until 2025, but was not guaranteed any money on the rest of his deal, meaning he could've been cut by the team this offseason in order to save the Bills $4.79 million.
The Bills made a buzzer-beating deal right before the trade deadline on Nov. 1, acquiring Hines from the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for running back Zack Moss and a 2023 conditional sixth-round pick.
However, his offensive usage left more to be desired one he arrived in Buffalo.
The Bills leaned on Devin Singletary and rookie James Cook in the backfield while quarterback Josh Allen did his usual dual-threat dance, leaving Hines without a true offensive role for the final stages of the season. He finished with just six carries for -3 yards and five catches for 53 yards and a touchdown.
But it's safe to say that he was well worth trading for.
In what was one of the most memorable and emotional moments in NFL history, Hines took the opening kickoff back for a 96-yard touchdown in the 35-23 win over the New England Patriots in Week 18, which was Buffalo's first play since Damar Hamlin suffered from on-field cardiac arrest against the Cincinnati Bengals on Jan. 2.
His kick-returning performance went from emotional to historical after he took another one 101 yards to the house in the third quarter of that game. The score gave Buffalo the lead for good.
Now, Hines will have a chance to grow into an increased offensive role next season after Monday's move.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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