Chargers agree to deal with free-agent running back out of the league for two full seasons

The Los Angeles Chargers have added an interesting name to the mix of running backs on the roster, agreeing to a deal with veteran running back Nyheim Hines. 

It was surprising to hear that Hines — who hasn't played in an NFL game since 2022 — was planning to attempt a comeback. The Chargers worked him out on Monday and offered him a deal, so he appears good to go, at least for training camp. 

Originally a fourth-round pick in 2018 by the Indianapolis Colts, Hines spent five seasons there before heading to the Buffalo Bills. He missed the entire 2023 season in Buffalo after suffering a horrible knee injury during a jet ski accident where he collided with another person. 

The Bills released Hines last March, but one week later, he was signed by the Cleveland Browns. Still unable to play because of that knee injury, Hines never played a down in Cleveland and was released by the team in February, his career appearing to be in peril. 

The Chargers have decided to give Hines a shot despite a loaded running back room that includes Omarion Hampton, Najee Harris, Kimani Vidal, Hassan Haskins, Jaret Patterson, and exciting undrafted free agent Raheim Sanders. 

He may face long odds to make the roster, but if there is a path for him to do so, it might be as a return specialist. At his peak, Hines was one of the best kick returners in the league. He returned a kickoff for a touchdown in a highlight that will stand forever in Buffalo as it was literally the very first play after the on-field incident that nearly claimed the life of Bills safety Damar Hamlin. 

— Peter DiBiasi (@DibiasiPeter) July 2, 2025

Derius Davis is in line to handle kickoff and punt return duties for the Chargers, but if Hines can add a spark there, the team could focus on Davis just being a wide receiver. 

It's an interesting move for sure, but Joe Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh appear to be looking for a spark following a week where Mike Williams retired and Najee Harris started camp on the NFI list. 

For his career, Hines has rushed for 1,202 yards, averaging 3.9 yards per carry and scoring 10 touchdowns on the ground. He has added 240 receptions for 1,778 yards and eight more scores. As a return man, he has added four more touchdowns (2 punt, 2 kickoff) on returns. 

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