Although the Buffalo Bills don’t meet the New York Jets until Week 6 of this season, they have already defeated the division opponent in a significant way.

August 29, one day after NFL.com’s Eric Edholm revealed that former Minnesota Vikings first-round safety Lewis Cine had chosen to join with the New York Jets, Cine was added by the Bills to their practice squad.

Now, Cine will offer some much-needed depth at a position that witnessed major adjustments in Buffalo this offseason.

“Heart Shift” for Lewis Film
Despite being the 32nd overall choice by the Vikings in 2022, Cine had trouble seeing the field. According to ESPN’s Rob Cimini, Cine only played in 10 defensive snaps in 10 games in his first two NFL seasons after breaking his leg in Week 4 of his rookie season.

After being cut by the Vikings, Cine looked to be going to the Jets. However, he ultimately decided to sign with the Bills, and on Thursday, he was signed to the practice squad. Joe Douglas, general manager of the Jets, stated that the 24-year-old defensive back just had a change of heart.

According to ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg, Douglas remarked, “Just a change of heart, I guess.”

Plot twist: Former #Vikings first-round S Lewis Cine is expected to sign with the #Bills’ practice squad, sources tell me and @RapSheet.

Cine, who is headed to Buffalo now, had initially leaned toward the #Jets but opts to go elsewhere in the AFC East. pic.twitter.com/Ety9fbH6K1

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 29, 2024

Cine was regarded as a top talent out of college, and in 2021, Georgia selected him to the first team of the SEC.

Earlier in the week, the Bills and Jets had already united in an uncommon move. On August 27, ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed that the Bills and Jets had successfully completed a trade for undrafted rookie Brandon Codrington, which included the exchange of late-round picks for the 2026 NFL Draft. The previous transaction that brought the two teams together was in 1987.

Bills Expand Safety’s Main Aspects

This offseason, the Bills made significant changes at safety, losing the stalwart tandem of Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer. In an attempt to save cap space, the organization let Hyde go free in March and released Poyer; nonetheless, the veteran has made it clear that he may still be interested in going back to Buffalo.

Though there haven’t been any discussions on Hyde’s comeback, general manager of the Bills Brandon Beane stated on August 28 that the door remains open.

When asked if he had been in contact with Hyde, Beane responded, “Nothing recent,” per SI.com. Sort of just following the trail. We haven’t closed the door on our love for Micah, and from what I gather, Micah hasn’t either. We’ll communicate again. Embrace Micah.

This summer, the Bills added experienced free agent Mike Edwards to their safety group and selected Cole Bishop with a second-round draft pick. Due to injuries, Edwards and Bishop missed significant portions of the offseason, which leaves the team’s depth chart unclear as the season gets closer. Damar Hamlin, a fourth-year safety who mostly played on special teams in 2023 and saw limited action, could be a viable option for the team.

Dion Dawkins Demands the Bills’ Offensive Line to Continue.

In football, few position groups are harder to develop chemistry with than an entire offensive line. This is the reason why many teams still have trouble fielding effective squads each and every year, despite their investment in the position. Though they haven’t exactly been a constant throughout the years, the Buffalo Bills are still a respectable team. Buffalo’s offensive line, which is led by Pro Bowl tackle Dion Dawkins, has been a major factor in the team’s four consecutive division crowns and five postseason victories. Even so, it would be advantageous if the team’s starting lineup was consistent from season to season.

According to Dawkins, “I’ve had a different guard next to me since I started,” FOX News said. “I’ve spent eight years in this league. You figure things out, but in most cases, the quarterback does better when [the] guys stick together. It’s a complete process—timing, position, figuring out who’s bigger, and blocking from shorter to faster guys.” Late in the 2023 season, Buffalo made a drastic change to their offense and turned into a running club, which helped them defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs.