The Buffalo Bills will enter the 2024 season with a significantly revamped secondary, having lost three of their longest-tenured players.
The Bills released cornerback Tre’Davious White and opted not to re-sign safeties Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde. Though Hyde might still return, Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder suggested the Bills could target another veteran to strengthen their secondary.
In an article outlining the Bills’ offseason priorities, Holder proposed pursuing free agent Justin Simmons to add experienced depth to the safety position.
“The Buffalo Bills parted ways with Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde in free agency, creating a gap at safety,” Holder wrote. “While there’s hope that Taylor Rapp, Mike Edwards, or rookie Cole Bishop will emerge as reliable starters this year, it wouldn’t hurt to explore remaining free agents like Justin Simmons before training camp.”
Pro Bowl Safety Seeking New Opportunity
The release of the three veterans was part of several cap-saving moves by the Bills, including cutting veteran center Mitch Morse. These decisions freed up nearly $35 million in cap space but left a leadership void in the secondary.
Simmons could fill this gap. He was set to enter the final year of a four-year, $61 million contract with the Denver Broncos but was released in March to save costs. The two-time Pro Bowl safety saw it as a chance to spend time with family and thoughtfully consider his next steps.
“When one door closes, another one will open at some point,” Simmons told reporter Mike Klis of 9News on June 1. “I’m staying faithful and patient, trusting in the Lord’s plan for my family’s next step.”
Simmons continued to perform well in 2023, recording 70 total tackles, three interceptions, and eight passes defensed.
The Bills have a history of impactful late roster additions, such as signing veteran edge rusher Leonard Floyd in June last year, who later led the team in sacks.
Potential Return for Micah Hyde
The Bills are also awaiting Micah Hyde’s decision, as he considers retirement but remains open to returning for another season in Buffalo.
At his charity softball game in Buffalo, Hyde said he hadn’t decided yet and was focusing on family time.
“I’ve been an open book. You guys know everything I know,” Hyde said, via Jay Skurski of the Buffalo News on X. “After the season, I went to San Diego. My days are spent working out, swimming with the kids, and helping my wife with the kids, preparing myself physically and mentally—if anything were to happen.”
