This isn't a post about Nyheim Hines but I wanted to mention him to lead into this article to say that even though Hines is under contract for the 2024 season, the Bills can save nearly $5 million on the cap by releasing him. Which would open up a spot in the running back room. If you told me that Damien Harris could get through the season and stay healthy, I'd be all about re-signing him. But that is something he has struggled to do throughout his career.
If he agrees to sign on for the vet minimum, with numerous incentives, I'm on board. If not, my second option would be to fill out the RB room through the draft. Harris is a good running back but he can't stay on the field. He played in six games last season, and 60 snaps. He had 94 yards rushing and one touchdown. He also added 16 yards receiving.
The Bills running back group seems to change every year with one or two new running backs too. We know James Cook is set but after him are three pending free agents and Hines. It's very possible the 2024 season will include two new backs and one on the practice squad. Not that Brandon Beane cares much for my thoughts, but I would try to re-sign Ty Johnson and draft a third back late in the draft.
Buffalo could decide not to re-sign Harris but bring Ty Johnson back and roll with a backfield of Cook, Johnson, and Hines. This sounds like a solid backfield, but you don't have your "power" back. I'm not a big fan of using a roster spot on a guy that is exclusively a short-yardage back. I prefer backs that offer versatility in both the running and passing game. Harris can be that guy and get those tough yards, but I'm not confident he can stay healthy to re-sign him.