Last season, the Bills were eliminated from the AFC Divisional Round playoffs by the Kansas City Chiefs, while the Cardinals missed the playoffs with a 4-13 mark.
Analysis of the Bills’ options at safety
In the final year of his rookie deal, Hamlin went from potential on the roster bubble heading into training camp to playing everything at the position that came his way. Now, the Bills have rewarded both his work and his overall availability with his first start since the 2022 season. Hamlin took advantage of early training camp injuries to both second-round rookie Cole Bishop and veteran Mike Edwards, taking nearly every first-team rep from late July until the team’s joint practice in Pittsburgh in mid-August. Bishop and Edwards are also in their first year in the defensive scheme, with Hamlin in his fourth year, which gives him a legitimate upside. The Bills shut Hamlin down late in the preseason with a minor hamstring injury, which likely would have allowed him to be ready to start the season.
Hamlin’s hold on the starting job isn’t set for the entire season. The safety position has been in flux all spring and summer, and with offseason investments in both Bishop and Edwards, they could factor into the starting conversation if they start showing signs in practice. The Bills could also consider splitting snaps at some point if they feel Bishop, Edwards or both have had enough practice time to get a good feel for their defensive scheme. McDermott listed safety as one of the three toughest in their scheme for a young player to transition from college to the NFL. What’s more, the Bills haven’t closed the door on a potential Micah Hyde reunion, leaving it open as recently as a week ago. Hyde, a seven-year starter for the Bills, has openly considered retiring at the end of the 2023 season but has not yet made a decision on his future. — Joe Buscaglia, Bills Writer
