Bills Must Sign Kick-Return Weapon to Replace Hines; Signing Running Back?
A Buffalo Bills' position of weakness just grew weaker. Unfortunately, so did a position of strength.
With the likely season-ending injury to Nyheim Hines, the Bills - who are just beginning training camp this week - must replace both a backup running back and, more importantly, one of the most electrifying kick-returners in the NFL.
The Bills worked out three running backs Monday and - according to NFL reporter Aaron Wilson - are signing at least one: Former Titans' third-round pick Darrynton Evans. Also in for tryouts were free agents Kylin Hill and Abram Smith.
Evans played five games as a rookie for Tennessee and had 16 touches for 81 yards and a touchdown before missing most of 2021 with a knee injury. He played for the Bears last season, getting 15 touches for 97 yards.
Hines averaged a whopping 29 yards on kickoff returns in 2022, and in Buffalo's first home game after Damar Hamlin's injury scare scored touchdowns of 96 and 101 yards to help beat the New England Patriots. And though he only had six carries as a running back, Hines also produced a receiving touchdown out of the backfield.
The problem of replacing their primary punt/kickoff-returner is compounded for the Bills, because backups Isaiah McKenzie (Indianapolis Colts) and Jamison Crowder (New York Giants) both left in free agency.
If they look inward to fill the role, receiver Khalil Shakir was the kick-returner last season before Hines arrived via trade. Free-agent receiver Deonte Harty also returned some kicks for the New Orleans Saints the last two seasons.
Ideally, Buffalo can find a return specialist who - likes Hines - can also be a receiver out of the backfield. The leading candidate among available free agents is likely J.D. McKissic.
During his career in Washington, McKissic had 220 receptions as a running back and 57 kickoff returns with an average of 19 yards per attempt. Last offseason, the Bills agreed to a two-year, $7 million contract with McKissic but Washington matched and convinced him to return before the deal was signed. He became a free agent last March.
With only minus-3 yards rushing in 2022, replacing Hines as a running back won't be nearly as vital. Although, even before his injury Buffalo's backs were fifth-worst in the league by the video game, Madden 24. Devin Singletary, who led the team with 819 yards and five touchdowns, signed with the Houston Texans.
James Cook rushed for 507 yards as a backup, but Buffalo brought in former Patriot Damien Harris and journeyman Latavius Murray to compete for the starting job. The Bills reportedly are interested in trading for Green Bay Packers' backup A.J. Dillon, and high-profile free agents still available include Dalvin Cook, Kareem Hunt and former Dallas Cowboys' two-time rushing champ Ezekiel Elliott.
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