Browns Rumors: Nyheim Hines Lands Contract amid Nick Chubb Injury After Bills Stint

The Cleveland Browns are adding to its running back depth for the 2024 season.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that the Browns had signed free agent tailback Nyheim Hines to a one-year deal worth up to $3.5 million.

The former Buffalo Bill missed the entire 2023 season after suffering an offseason ACL and LCL injury. He has 1,202 career rushing yards with 10 touchdowns and his career-high for a season is 380 yards in the 2020 season when he was with the Indianapolis Colts.

Hynes joins a backfield that includes Nick Chubb, who suffered a torn ACL, MCL and meniscus in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The injury required two surgeries and Chubb is expected to be ready for the 2024 season.

Jerome Ford was the feature back for Cleveland in Chubb's absence in 2023, and rushed for 813 yards and four touchdowns. Kareem Hunt was next with 411 yards and nine touchdowns, but he is currently a free agent and notably underwent surgery for a ruptured adductor in the offseason.

With Pierre Strong Jr. also on the roster, Hines' signing could signal the end of Hunt's time in Cleveland as the franchise has a loaded backfield.

Still, the signing of Hines shows that Cleveland wants to remain prepared for any injury situations like Chubb's in 2023. The Browns went 11-6 in 2023 and fell to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round.

This came despite Chubb and quarterback Deshaun Watson suffering season-ending injuries, so it appears the Browns recognize the role that strong depth played in the team's success last season.