Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane has developed a reputation for discovering hidden gems in both the draft and free agency. Since arriving in Buffalo in 2017, he’s consistently added high-value talent while other franchises have overspent. He’s the complete antithesis of former GM Doug Whaley in how he operates the front office.
This past offseason, Beane once again delivered—especially by addressing key areas of need. In the secondary, the team re-signed Tre’Davious White and drafted promising prospects Maxwell Hairston, Jordan Hancock, and Dorian Strong. On the defensive line, they made significant additions by signing Joey Bosa, Larry Ogunjobi, and Michael Hoecht. They also aggressively moved up in the draft to grab defensive tackles T.J. Sanders and Deone Walker, and landed a potential steal in edge rusher Landon Jackson. Beane entered the offseason with a clear plan, and he executed it to perfection.
While the Bills brought in numerous contributors ahead of the 2025 season, one under-the-radar signing might turn out to be their best move—and it’s not Joey Bosa.
CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso recently named five players entering contract years in 2025 poised for breakout seasons, and safety Darrick Forrest made the list. Here’s what Trapasso had to say:
“Forrest is a big-time athlete — 9.69 Relative Athletic Score — who showed flashes early in Washington, collecting four interceptions, nine pass breakups, and 88 tackles in his second year as a starter. A coaching change derailed his momentum, and he started only six games afterward.
Now 26, Forrest still has the athleticism, range, and ball skills to outperform his modest one-year deal. With the Bills no longer relying on All-Pro safeties, don’t be surprised if Forrest becomes a major contributor in Buffalo’s secondary by 2026.”
— Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports
Last year was the Bills’ first season without long-time safety duo Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer, once considered the league’s best. In their place, Buffalo now fields Taylor Rapp, Cole Bishop, Damar Hamlin, and Darrick Forrest.
Rapp brings starting experience, but may not be a long-term answer. Bishop, a second-round pick, showed real potential late in the season. Hamlin is a fan favorite and reliable depth option. But Forrest—signed for just $1.3 million on a one-year deal—could be the true game-changer.
As Trapasso pointed out, Forrest’s early career in Washington was impressive before injuries and a coaching shift limited his opportunities. Now in Buffalo, he’ll have the chance to not only validate Beane’s savvy investment but also potentially emerge as the best safety on the roster—a player many may be sleeping on.
