For Lewis Cine, this preseason and training camp were crucial. A good showing would have been necessary for him to be added to the Minnesota Vikings roster for the 2024 NFL season. Unfortunately, it did not transpire, and prior to the deadline, the former first-round pick was waived.
According to early reports, Cine was anticipated to sign a contract with the New York Jets. That, too, did not transpire, as a recent report indicates that the young defensive back ended up signing with another AFC East team.
Former safety with the Vikings Lewis Cine isn’t actually going to the Jets
It was revealed on X by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo that Lewis Cine is now anticipated to sign a contract to become a member of the Buffalo Bills practice squad. This occurs less than a day after the first rumors surfaced that the Jets were expecting him to sign a contract.
Given that Minnesota players have a history of playing around with the Jets before opting not to sign with them, Vikings fans may find this news amusing. It’s hard to say if Cine signed with Buffalo instead of the Vikings due to a miscommunication, but he will start anew on the practice squad and have a chance to establish himself as a valuable member of the team.
Cine played 10 defensive snaps and 118 special team snaps in his two seasons with the Vikings. One tackle in ten games during his time with the purple and gold is not exactly what a franchise wants to see from a first-round pick.
While Cine’s aggressive style of play in college was encouraging, during his two seasons as a member of Minnesota’s 53-man roster, he missed a lot of time due to health issues and was also designated inactive on game day.
Lewis Cine might benefit greatly from a new beginning free from the expectations that come with getting selected in the first round. Maybe he can make a name for himself with the Bills and eventually become a valuable member of the team.
Naturally, there’s always the possibility that Cine signs with a team other than the Jets or Bills due to unforeseen circumstances. Fans probably wouldn’t be too astonished if things didn’t go as planned in the lead-up to the 2024 season, given how erratic this NFL offseason has been.
