Lewis Cine appeared to be headed to the Jets, but the safety is instead going to one of their rivals.
Cine, a former Vikings first-round pick, is now expected to sign with the Bills’ practice squad, according to the NFL Network.
Reports indicated that the 24-year-old would sign with the Jets after Minnesota released him during final roster cutdowns.
The former Georgia Bulldog was heavily recruited by many teams, according to multiple reports.
However, Cine ultimately decided it might’ve been the opportunity to reunite with Bills cornerbacks coach Jahmile Addae, who coached him in college.
It’s a no-risk, high-reward signing for Buffalo, who was forced to move on from safeties Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer last season.
The Bills’ latest depth chart has Damar Hamlin starting at free safety while Taylor Rapp will start at strong safety.
Cine likely sees a better path to playing time in Buffalo than in New York, as Tony Adams is set to start at free safety while Chuck Clark starts at strong safety.
The Georgia product was not listed on the Jets’ official practice squad announcement on Wednesday evening so this report Thursday sheds some light as to why.
Cine has only played in 10 games during his two-year NFL career after being drafted No. 32 overall in 2022 by the Vikings.
Injuries have been the major issue for Cine, as he suffered a scary leg injury in October 2022, a compound fracture that has severely limited his playing time in his career.
Cine delivered a highlight reel bone-crunching hit during a preseason game on Tyler Huntley that created quite a stir on social media and shows that he is healthy entering this regular season.
