Breaking News: Colts Trade Explosive Back Hines During Deadline Frenzy
The Colts were sellers today as the team sent veteran running back Nyheim Hines to Buffalo. The team coordinated the deal at the ”eleventh hour” of the NFL’s trade deadline. Several beat writers noted it was not a matter of if, but when, Hines was traded.
Colts Extended Hines Last Year
Touted as a savvy utlity player, the team inked Hines to a contract extension just last year. The deal was a three-year contract that tied the running back to the organization through 2024. The agreement made Hines a top-10 highest paid back in the NFL at just 24 -years-old. Worth $18.6 million, with $12 million guaranteed, the deal was a good faith measure to Hines, who was a welcomed “ying” to Jonathan Taylor’s “yang”.
After being selected in the 2018 draft by Chris Ballard, Hines had a career year in 2020. He racked up seven touchdowns and totaled 380 yards while averaging 4.3 yards per carry. He also caught 63 passes for 482 yards.
Nyheim Hines’ touchdown celebration is 🔥.@TheNyNy7 | @Colts | #ForTheShoe 📺: #INDvsDET on CBS 📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/J6oAb5WnGm pic.twitter.com/zUEqd7QWba — NFL (@NFL) November 1, 2020
Colts Highly Underutilized Hines
It’s no secret that Nyheim Hines was criminally underutilized the last two seasons. Between the struggles of Carson Wentz and the ineptitude of this year’s offense, Hines hasn’t looked spectacular. For example, in 2021, Hines saw a dip in his playing time (31.6%), and had the fewest targets of his career (57) and second-fewest carries (56). This was supposed to change with Matt Ryan at the helms in 2022.
However, Hines has only played in 25.3% of the offensive snaps. His best game of the season came this past Sunday, with Sam Ehlinger at quarterback, where he tallied 49 yards and a touchdown. Sadly, the team will not see the remaining fruits of his labor as he moves on to Buffalo.
TOUCHDOWN COLTS!#Colts#ForTheShoe#Commanders#HTTC#WASvsIND pic.twitter.com/pmeX0GqyOO — Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) October 30, 2022
Colts Send Hines To A Place Where He Can Thrive
Nyheim Hines has got to be ecstatic. After being vocal about the constant changes at quarterback during his tenure with the Colts, Hines will now have the electric Josh Allen throwing passes to him. Not to mention, the running back should fit in nicely in an offense built around explosive plays, his speciality.
Hines is absolutely fantastic in space. He’s smooth, yet shifty, and should be a welcomed boost to a team struggling at running back. Lost in what he brings on the field, is the fact that Hines is by all accounts a great locker room guy. Buffalo is getting a good one!
Yeah, @JoshAllenQB is going to love his new running back. (via @NFL) | @TheNyNy7 pic.twitter.com/kVhQxH1cNs — NFL On Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) November 1, 2022
Conclusion
Fans will certainly miss Hines. From his end zone back flips to his warm smile, he was a bright spot on the team. The tide now turns to Deon Jackson to be running back number two on the depth charts. While Jackson is not Hines, he is comparable and should theoretically fit in well. Onward and upward, Colts.
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