BREAKING NEWS: Bills To Target All-Pro Safety Amid Micah Hyde Retiring soon
One of the significant challenges the Buffalo Bills will confront this offseason is the need to fill the void left by All-Pro safety Micah Hyde, who is poised to enter free agency and is reportedly contemplating retirement.
According to an insider, a potential replacement may have recently become available on the open market. The Chicago Bears parted ways with All-Pro safety Eddie Jackson this week after his seven-season tenure in Chicago. SI.com’s Ralph Ventre suggests that Jackson could be a sensible target for the Bills as they seek to rejuvenate one of the league’s premier secondaries.
New Target for the Bills
Ventre suggested that Jackson could be an excellent fit for the Bills, given their emphasis on leadership and versatility in the secondary. Jackson has been a mainstay in the Bears’ defensive backfield since being selected in the fourth round of the 2017 draft.
“Jackson’s impressive track record should catch the attention of a team like the Bills, who have prioritized the safety position under McDermott’s leadership,” Ventre remarked. “As a 2017 fourth-round pick, he amassed 100 starts for Chicago, tallying 15 interceptions and 10 forced fumbles. Additionally, he averaged 65.5 tackles per season.”
The Chicago Bears released OL Cody Whitehair and S Eddie Jackson, saving over $20M in cap space. pic.twitter.com/44IeGbrg48
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) February 15, 2024
ESPN’s Courtney Cronin pointed out that Jackson’s $18.1 million cap hit was the third-highest on the Bears’ roster, making his release a sensible financial move for the team.
Jackson faced challenges staying on the field at times, having missed 13 games over the past three seasons due to foot injuries. Despite this, Bears general manager Ryan Poles commended Jackson for his resilience in playing through the injuries and for his leadership in the secondary.
“I know [Jackson was] dealing with some injuries, but his influence, particularly with Brisker and the communication in the defensive backfield, was evident,” Poles stated, as reported by ESPN. “When Eddie was on the field, you could sense Brisker’s heightened comfort level. He truly affects the communication within the entire group, and that was noticeable.”
Changes Coming in Buffalo
As Ventre pointed out, the Buffalo Bills may be facing significant changes in their secondary, especially with Micah Hyde’s uncertain contract status and potential retirement from the team. Amanda Hyde, Micah’s wife, shared a heartfelt letter on Instagram after the season, seemingly bidding farewell to fans and the franchise that welcomed them in 2017.
“In good times and bad, you all stood by our side, and we appreciate you. This truly is the city of good neighbors, and it has been an honor,” she expressed. “So, to Bills Mafia, thank you. Thank you for turning this place into our home… And thank you for making it so difficult to leave. You will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we cherish you!”
Additionally, Ventre speculated that the Bills might part ways with another All-Pro safety, Jordan Poyer, as the team navigates a tight salary cap situation.
“Poyer still has one year remaining on his contract, which he signed in 2023, but there’s a chance he could be released to alleviate salary cap pressure,” Ventre noted. “Furthermore, Taylor Rapp, the Bills’ third safety, played on a cost-effective one-year deal last season, adding another element of uncertainty to the situation.”