Options:
I was really excited to see what Hines could look like in this offense, given full off-season to really gel with the team. I had visions of two tight end sets, with Diggs out wide and Hines and Cook in the backfield, and what kind of options would give the team. While we won’t get to see that, the Bills did bolster the running back room this year. With Cook slated to take on a bigger role, the Bills added a couple more bruising backs in Damien Harris and Latavious Murray. The loss of Hines may create an opportunity for Jordan Mims to make an impact, but I think Beane would more likely add another veteran to the room if anything. Despite this loss, the running back room will still be strong. The impact will likely be felt more in the return game, but the team is not without options here. Shakir spent some time returning punts last year, and Harty can be a very electric return man for both punts and kickoffs. My biggest concern is what either of those player's roles looks like on offense, as we have seen the team be reluctant to have their primary returners be too involved in the offense. I will be happy if whoever takes over the return duties safely gets the ball into 17’s hands.
Possible Additions:
If the Bills look to add another player to the group, there are plenty of intriguing options out there. The team has already brought in a few players for workouts, but at the time of writing this, no one has been signed. With all the talk of running backs being underpaid and teams not willing to budge, there are some interesting names on the market:
Ezekiel Elliott
Kareem Hunt
Dalvin Cook
Darrell Henderson
Kenyan Drake
J.D. McKissic
Ameer Abdullah
