Buffalo Bills linked to 2-time Pro Bowler to fill compelling need at starting safety

The Buffalo Bills still have a number of issues to resolve before the new season begins. One of the most important, however, is finding the right person to safely hit the ground running once the new campaign is launched.

The Bills currently have a few options, but NFL analyst Matt Holder of Bleacher Reports believes it would be in their best interest to consider introducing a more reputable name into the mix.

Buffalo Bills urged to sign Justin Simmons

USATSI 21980571 168400517 low resolution scale — November 26, 2023; Denver, Colorado, United States; Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons (31) celebrates the victory over the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The summer departures of Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer left the Bills with a significant void to fill at safety. There are a number of guys on the current roster who could step up and potentially fill that spot, but Holder argues that a guy like Justin Simmons could be a more viable option for Buffalo:

“The Buffalo Bills let Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde leave during their free agency period, leaving the defense with a need at safety. While one would hope that Taylor Rapp, Mike Edwards, or rookie Cole Bishop step up and become formidable starters this year, it couldn’t hurt to explore the remaining free agents and bring in someone like Justin Simmons before training camp,” Holder wrote.

Simmons is a two-time Pro Bowl safety, with his second nod coming last season with the Denver Broncos. He’s still a free agent at the moment, and the Bills could do a lot worse than add a tested veteran to their team.

December 12, 2021; Tampa, Florida, United States; Buffalo Bills safety Micah Hyde (23), free safety Jordan Poyer (21) and outside linebacker Matt Milano (58) tackle Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) during the second half at Raymond Stadium James. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

More needs to be met

Bills linebacker Matt Milano celebrates a defensive stop against the Eagles.

Besides Buffalo’s security, Holder also believes the Bills have two other major needs to address.

The first is adding a veteran linebacker to their roster. Holder argues that Matt Milano’s return from injury will likely require some sort of fallback plan, and adding an experienced LB could be the answer to that dilemma.

Second, draft another guard to protect superstar quarterback Josh Allen. Holder notes that O’Cyrus Torrence hasn’t exactly been an elite pass protector and that “keeping Josh Allen up will be crucial to the team’s Super Bowl hopes, so adding another guard to the mix would be smart .”

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