Buffalo Bills received Nyheim Hines from Indianapolis, giving…
Buffalo Bills received Nyheim Hines from Indianapolis, giving up Zack Moss and the 2023 fifth-round selection that became Will Mallory. Hines provided immediate return-game value, including two kickoff-return touchdowns in the 2022 playoffs, but his Buffalo tenure was interrupted before 2023. That useful but short contribution supports a C+ for Buffalo rather than a stronger long-term grade.
Buffalo Bills Received
- player Nyheim Hines
Indianapolis Colts Received
- player Zack Moss
- pick 2023 5th round pick (162nd overall, Will Mallory )
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Buffalo acquired Nyheim Hines at the 2022 trade deadline and sent Indianapolis running back Zack Moss plus a conditional 2023 draft choice. The condition ultimately resolved into the fifth-round selection at No. 162, which the Colts used on tight end Will Mallory. That final package matters because the trade was not simply Hines for Moss; Indianapolis also received a second asset that could create value beyond the immediate running-back swap.
Buffalo Bills Return
Hines gave Buffalo a specialized weapon. His biggest moment came in the 2022 postseason, when his explosiveness as a returner was obvious, and he also offered receiving ability out of the backfield. The drawback is duration. Buffalo did not get a long run of offensive production from Hines, and his 2023 season was lost after an off-field injury. A C+ recognizes that the Bills did receive meaningful short-term help, but the overall return was too brief and too specialized to justify a higher mark.
Indianapolis Colts Return
Indianapolis received more durable value. Moss became a useful runner for the Colts, including stretches in which he handled a significant workload and produced as a starter. The draft choice then became Mallory, giving Indianapolis another player from the transaction. Neither asset became a franchise cornerstone, but the combination provided multiple seasons of roster value and more ways for the Colts to benefit from the deal.
Value in Hindsight
This is a good example of quantity and longevity overcoming one dynamic skill player. Hines had memorable moments for Buffalo, so the Bills should not be graded as though they received nothing. Indianapolis, however, converted the outgoing player into two useful pieces and received the broader return over time.
Final Verdict
Indianapolis Colts Win. The Colts earn a B+ for turning Hines into Zack Moss and Will Mallory, while Buffalo receives a C+ for a shorter burst of return-game and situational offensive value.