The Buffalo Bills underwent major changes in their secondary this offseason, parting ways with three veteran starters and bringing in a combination of returning players and new additions.
These shifts have raised concerns about the defense’s vulnerability, particularly at the safety position, according to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic. As the season approaches, Buscaglia highlights the safety position as the area of greatest concern, especially with a new starter stepping in.
The Bills made significant cuts on defense, releasing veteran safety Jordan Poyer and cornerback Tre’Davious White to save cap space, and allowing safety Micah Hyde to leave in free agency.
Buscaglia points out that these moves have left a gap in the defense and led to a “step back” with a new starter who struggled last season.
“The Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer duo was a reliable fixture for the Bills over seven years,” Buscaglia wrote. “Their departure could lead to a substantial decline. Starting strong safety Taylor Rapp had a tough year in spot starts last season.”
Rapp, who started four games last year, recorded one interception and 33 tackles, earning a Pro Football Focus grade of 56.4.
Buscaglia also noted other uncertainties, particularly at free safety, where second-round rookie Cole Bishop and free-agent addition Mike Edwards both missed significant time during training camp and the preseason. Damar Hamlin is also vying for the free safety role, though he has primarily played strong safety.
Additionally, the Bills will be missing another key defensive player, with former Pro Bowl linebacker Matt Milano expected to miss most of the season due to a torn bicep.
The Bills may receive a boost for their season opener against the Arizona Cardinals, as Bishop appears to be on track to play. He returned to practice before the team’s preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers on August 24.
“Good to be back out there,” Bishop said via video conference. “I’d obviously prefer to be playing, but it’s been valuable to get mental reps. Being on the sideline gives you a different perspective.”
It remains uncertain how significant a role Bishop will have when the season starts. Defensive coordinator Bobby Babich noted that Bishop is “behind the eight ball” after missing a lengthy stretch of summer workouts.
“We’ve been doing what we can to catch him up,” Babich said. “We’re using various resources to test him mentally. However, nothing compares to game day or practice. It’s a day-by-day process, and he needs to keep progressing.”