The Buffalo Bills continue to make moves to solidify their roster, recently signing Taron Johnson to a three-year contract extension and elevating Dion Dawkins to the ranks of the NFL’s top-paid tackles. Amid these contract negotiations, the Bills Mafia eagerly awaits news regarding the future of veteran safety Micah Hyde, whose 2023 campaign was speculated to be his last with the team.
In his first press conference appearance of the offseason, Bills general manager Brandon Beane addressed the burning question on the minds of fans: the status of Micah Hyde.
Micah Hyde’s return to Bills is still a possibility
Bills fans received a glimmer of hope regarding Micah Hyde’s future with the team, as general manager Brandon Beane addressed reporters on Sunday, hinting that Hyde’s return to the Bills is still on the table. However, Beane acknowledged that any decision must align with the team’s salary cap constraints and overall business model.
“I wouldn’t close the door and obviously it has to fit within the cap. Maybe he’ll say I’ll play for Buffalo or another team but I’m not playing for less price. It would still have to fit within the business model that we could make it work,” he said, per the Buffalo News.
As Hyde’s contract approaches its expiration in March and he continues to recover from a surgically repaired neck, speculation has swirled regarding his future with the Bills. Following the team’s disappointing loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, some fans speculated that the veteran might retire or that the Bills could opt to part ways with the veteran player.
Nevertheless, Beane’s comments have sparked renewed hope among Bills fans, with many anticipating another season with Hyde in Buffalo. While he may not be in his prime, Hyde’s experience and ability to contribute to an NFL roster make him a valuable asset worth considering for the Bills or potentially another team.
Micah Hyde’s performance previous season
Throughout the previous season, Micah Hyde was a consistent presence on the field, playing in 14 regular-season games for the Buffalo Bills, as well as making appearances in the team’s two postseason matchups. In regular season-play, Hyde contributed 37 tackles and secured two interceptions, earning a respectable PFF coverage grade of 7.
During the Bills’ postseason campaign, Hyde’s performance remained steady. In the AFC Wild Card playoff game, he tallied three tackles, followed by four tackles in the AFC Divisional round against the Kansas City Chiefs. Nevertheless, he could not record any interceptions in either playoff game.
With seven seasons under his belt in Buffalo, the 33-year-old has established himself as a mainstay in the team’s defense. The vet safety has started all 95 regular-season games he was available for, along with nine postseason appearances.
Over his tenure in Buffalo, Hyde has amassed an impressive stat line, including 18 interceptions, six forced fumbles, nine fumble recoveries, 46 passes defensed, and 456 tackles.
