**Bills Named Best Fit to Add Veteran Safety With ‘Outstanding’ Production**
The Buffalo Bills’ secondary experienced significant changes this offseason with the departure of longtime safeties Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer, who were key leaders on and off the field. To mitigate these losses, the Bills drafted Utah safety Cole Bishop in the second round. However, Marcus Mosher of The 33rd Team suggests that bringing in another veteran, like two-time Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons, could further fill the void.
“While the Bills are high on Bishop, asking him to be a Day 1 starter on a Super Bowl-caliber team might be too much. He would better fit as a No. 3 safety, at least as a rookie,” Mosher wrote. He highlighted Justin Simmons as the top safety available, noting his impressive ball production with 30 interceptions since 2016.
**Justin Simmons Called ‘Clear Upgrade’ for Bills**
Mosher suggested that Simmons could immediately enhance the Bills’ secondary, serving as a bridge that allows Bishop to develop at a slower pace. “He isn’t quite as dynamic as he was earlier in his career and will turn 31 during the 2024 season, but he is a clear upgrade for the Bills,” Mosher wrote. “He would be a welcome addition to a young safety room that could use some leadership. Simmons isn’t a long-term solution, but he would be an excellent stop-gap option until Bishop is ready to take the job.”
Simmons is coming off a season where he earned Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors, recording 70 total tackles, three interceptions, and eight pass defenses. Known for his durability, Simmons has appeared in at least 15 games in six of the last seven seasons and at least 12 games in all eight of his NFL seasons.
**Potential Return for Micah Hyde**
There is still a possibility that the Bills could bring back a familiar face for veteran leadership. In May, during his charity softball tournament in Buffalo, Hyde expressed that his next career move would be either to return to the Bills or retire. “It’s Bills or retire,” the All-Pro safety told reporters.
The Bills are open to Hyde’s return. General manager Brandon Beane mentioned that the team would welcome Hyde back if he decides to continue playing. “Bills GM 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,’ ” ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg reported.
Additionally, the Bills have added veteran safety Mike Edwards in free agency to bolster their secondary.
