Breaking: Bills agrees deal to land Top safety in the market in Blockbuter
This offseason, the Buffalo Bills witnessed a significant transformation in the secondary with the departure of veteran safeties Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer, who were leaders both on and off the field.
One analyst speculates that the Bills may add another veteran to help cover the vacuum left by the departures, despite selecting Utah safety Cole Bishop in the second round to try to balance the losses. Justin Simmons, a two-time Pro Bowl safety who was released by the Denver Broncos earlier this offseason, is still a free agent. Marcus Mosher of The 33rd Team said that the Bills might be the ideal team to sign him.
Bishop is highly valued by the Bills, but it might be asking too much for him to start on a Super Bowl-caliber team on Day 1. At least as a rookie, he would fit in better as a No. 3 safety, according to Mosher.
“Justin Simmons, who was cut by the Denver Broncos earlier in the offseason, is the best safety available. Simmons is a superb ball player who has produced 30 interceptions since 2016.”
Justin Simmons Called ‘Clear Upgrade’ for Bills
Simmons, according to Mosher, could provide an instant boost to a Bills secondary that has undergone significant adjustments. He could also act as a stopgap, allowing the club to gradually work in Bishop.
Mosher stated, “He is a clear upgrade for the Bills, but he isn’t quite as dynamic as he was earlier in his career and will turn 31 during the 2024 season.” His presence would be greatly appreciated in a nascent safety room that would benefit from some guidance. Although Simmons isn’t a long-term answer, he would make a great temporary replacement until Bishop is prepared to take over.
After recording 70 total tackles, three interceptions, and eight pass defenses in a season that garnered him Pro Bown and second-team All-Pro honors, Simmons is coming off a successful campaign. Moreover, he has proven to be incredibly resilient, participating in at least 15 games in six of the previous seven seasons and at least 12 games in each of his eight NFL seasons.
Potential Return for Micah Hyde
The Bills may still turn to a well-known individual to provide some seasoned leadership in the secondary. At his charity softball tournament in Buffalo in May, Hyde revealed to reporters that he is only thinking about two alternatives for the next stage of his career.
On May 16, the All-Pro safety told reporters, via Sal Capaccio of WGR 550, “It’s Bills or retire.”
General manager Brandon Beane of the Bills has stated that the team would be prepared for Hyde’s comeback as soon as he makes up his mind to retire.
ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg reported on X that “Bills General Manager Brandon Beane said he doesn’t think Micah Hyde has’shut the door’ on playing and that the Bills ‘definitely wouldn’t shut the door to ever bringing a Micah Hyde back if he decides to play.” “Beane stressed that he is unsure of Hyde’s decision at this time.”
The Bills did add Mike Edwards in free agency to bolster their veteran group at safety.
