Former Titans draft bust could benefit from unfortunate Bills' injury
The Tennessee Titans have had a few draft busts over the last few seasons. One of these busts would definitely be Darrynton Evans. Evans was drafted in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Appalachian State. It was expected that Evans would be a productive compliment to Derrick Henry, but things never […]
The Tennessee Titans have had a few draft busts over the last few seasons.
One of these busts would definitely be Darrynton Evans. Evans was drafted in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Appalachian State. It was expected that Evans would be a productive compliment to Derrick Henry, but things never panned out as Evans battled ineffectiveness and injury.
However, it appears that one player's misfortune might be Evans' chance at redemption.
The Buffalo Bills recently announced that running back and kick returner Nyheim Hines would be lost for the season due to a jet ski accident.
This is a huge loss for the Bills, who were relying on Hines to be the kick and punt returner. Hines notably ran two kicks back for touchdowns in 2022, including a memorable 96-yard return after the terrifying Damar Hamlin injury.
The Bills acted quickly to replace Hines, as it was announced on Monday that several backs would be brought in for workouts. XFL standout Abram Smith, former Titan Darrynton Evans, and former Packer Kylin Hill were those auditioned.
Shortly after the tryout, it was announced that the team had signed Evans.
Evans entered the NFL as a third-round pick in 2020. The running back got in five games as a rookie with the Titans, finishing with 14 attempts for 54 yards. Evans got limited run as a returner during his rookie year, but failed to impress.
After his 2021 season was lost to injury, the Titans parted ways with the back. Evans quickly launched on with the Chicago Bears, and saw the field in six games in 2022. Evans again ended with 14 carries for 64 yards.
Evans signed with the Colts back in March, but was waived just a month later. Evans had been on the market since, but apparently showed enough to land a deal with Buffalo.
Evans will join James Cook, Latavius Murray, Damien Harris, and UDFA Jordan Mims in Buffalo's backfield. While unlikely to factor much into the offense, it seems likely Evans will have a shot to earn the returner job.
It will be interesting to see if the former Titan can end up redeeming himself in Buffalo.
Featured image via © Steve Roberts | 2021 Oct 24
