The Cleveland Browns have officially released veteran running back Nyheim Hines, the team announced. Hines, who joined the Browns in the offseason, had yet to play a snap for the team after missing the entire 2023 season due to injury.
Hines, 27, originally entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, selected by the Indianapolis Colts. He quickly became a versatile weapon for the Colts, contributing as both a running back and a return specialist. His speed, agility, and ability to catch passes out of the backfield made him a valuable asset in Indianapolis. Over the course of four and a half seasons with the Colts, Hines recorded 1,205 rushing yards, 1,725 receiving yards, and 24 total touchdowns.
In November 2022, Hines was traded to the Buffalo Bills, where he played a limited role in their offense but made an immediate impact on special teams. He famously returned two kickoffs for touchdowns in the Bills’ first game following the cardiac arrest incident involving Damar Hamlin. His performance electrified the Buffalo crowd and solidified his reputation as one of the league’s top returners.
Unfortunately, Hines suffered a significant setback ahead of the 2023 season. While preparing for training camp, he sustained a torn ACL in a jet ski accident, forcing him to miss the entire year. The Bills released him in March 2024, and Cleveland took a chance on him in hopes he could provide depth at running back and contribute on special teams.
However, the Browns ultimately decided to move on before Hines could make his debut for the team. His release could indicate that Cleveland is confident in its current running back depth, which includes Nick Chubb, Jerome Ford, and Pierre Strong Jr. Chubb is recovering from a serious knee injury suffered in 2023, but the Browns appear to be optimistic about his return.
As a free agent, Hines will now look for another opportunity to continue his NFL career. If healthy, his versatility as both a pass-catching back and a return specialist could make him an appealing option for teams in need of special teams help.
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