The Buffalo Bills squandered quarterback Josh Allen’s all-time performance on Sunday, failing to keep the Los Angeles Rams out of the endzone in a 44-42 loss.
The setback dashed Buffalo’s aspirations of surpassing the Kansas City Chiefs for the top overall seed, but the team is still fighting for a playoff spot after winning the AFC East last week.
According to one observer, it may be time for the Bills to add some defensive depth in the form of an All-Pro defensive back waiting for his next shot.
Bills Urged to Sign Former Rival
Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine recommended that the Bills consider signing former Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard, a 31-year-old free agency. According to Ballentine, the Bills have a good chance of winning the championship this season and could benefit from some small defensive adjustments.
“Perhaps this is the week that makes the Bills take a serious look at bringing in another defensive back,” according to Ballentine. “This is a team that is dangerously close to putting together a Super Bowl run, but it just has a few tweaks to make.”
Ballentine also stated that adding Howard would be “a fairly cheap way to attempt to push the Bills over the top at this point.” He mentioned that Howard was effective in his final NFL season, allowing a passer rating of 81.3 when targeted in 2023.
Though the Bills’ defense has been good for much of the season, they have faltered at times against powerful offenses, allowing 44 points to the Rams and 35 to the Baltimore Ravens.
Bills Brought Back Another Veteran Defensive Back
The Bills have already made one move to improve their secondary, returning longtime safety Micah Hyde to the practice squad. Hyde had previously intimated that he would explore returning to the Bills, and Bills general manager Brandon Beane also stated that the organization was open to bringing him back at some point.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott emphasized that Hyde’s arrival was to create depth, not because any of the team’s current safety players are failing.
“Just to set expectations, Micah is on a practice squad,” McDermott told ESPN. “We are completely confidence in Taylor Rapp, Damar Hamlin, Cole Bishop, and Kareem Jackson. They’ve all been doing an excellent job for us in their current roles. They’ll stay in those roles, and Micah is on the practice squad; it’s great to have him back, as is his family.
Hyde was satisfied with his job on the practice squad, stating he was excited to help the team’s younger players progress. The Bills also have the option to insert Hyde into games if needed, with three practice squad upgrades available over the last four games and the possibility of more in the playoffs.
“I just wanted to come back and do anything I could do to help,” Hyde told me. “Whether it’s helping young people comprehend the NFL on and off the field, experienced guys assisting them with what they have to do on the field, or whatever it is, I’m here to help. I am an open book, so I am enthusiastic for this role, which is new to me. And I’m ready to succeed now.”
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