JUST IN: Bills’ $19 Million Star Makes Surprising 4-Word Comment About Future With Team
After months of ambiguity, former Buffalo Bills safety Micah Hyde clarified his future intentions.
“It’s Bills or retire,” the All-Pro safety stated to reporters on May 16, as reported by Sal Capaccio of WGR 550.
The 33-year-old safety, who became an unrestricted free agent in March, had previously received indications from Bills general manager Brandon Beane that the team would welcome him back if he decided to continue playing in the NFL. Hyde’s remarks on Thursday were his clearest yet about a potential return to Buffalo, though he admitted he had not yet decided which route to take.
Micah Hyde Taking Time on Decision
Ahead of his charity softball tournament in Buffalo this weekend, Hyde shared that he has been spending the offseason enjoying family time and assessing his physical condition.
Micah Hyde says it's #Bills or retire for him.
(via @WKBW)#BillsMafia | #BuiltInBuffalo pic.twitter.com/S6CliEW8YC
— Built in Buffalo (@BuiltInBuffalo_) May 16, 2024
“I feel like I’ve been an open book. You guys know everything that I know,” Hyde said, according to Jay Skurski of the Buffalo News on X. “After the season, I went out to San Diego. My days now are filled with working out, swimming with the kids, helping my wife with the kids, and staying physically and mentally ready — just in case.”
Hyde mentioned his past injury challenges, including a neck injury that ended his 2022 season prematurely, and stated that he is not rushing his decision about playing another season.
“I really don’t know. You all know how tough it was with my neck and those stingers. So, I decided to step away for a bit. If the time comes and I feel the urge to play again, I’ll consider it. But there’s no hurry on my end.”
Bills Open to Micah Hyde’s Return
The Buffalo Bills have suggested the possibility of Micah Hyde returning for another season. In March, GM Brandon Beane mentioned that the team was awaiting Hyde’s decision regarding his future, unsure if he was leaning towards retirement or continuing his NFL career.
“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 wrote on X. Beane emphasized that he is unaware of Hyde’s decision at this point.
In March, the Bills released veteran safety Jordan Poyer as a cost-saving measure, but they have also taken steps to reinforce the position. The team selected Utah safety Cole Bishop with their second-round draft pick, No. 60 overall, and Beane expressed high praise for Bishop. Beane indicated that the team was prepared to trade up if necessary to secure Bishop.
“I would have been thrilled to give up something in the draft to go up and get him,” Beane said via video conference.