Micah Hyde’s locker with the Buffalo Bills remained unused throughout the 2024 season, and his number was not issued. On Wednesday, 13 weeks into the season, the veteran safety returned to the team, as coach Sean McDermott announced Hyde’s re-signing to the practice squad.
McDermott stated on Wednesday that Hyde will not start right away and that his role will be evaluated on a daily basis.
“Just to set expectations, Micah is in a practice squad role,” McDermott told reporters. “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.
Micah Hyde became a free agent after his contract with the Bills expired at the end of the 2023 season. Now in his 13th year, Hyde had considered retirement but remained unsigned. He made it clear that if he returned, it would only be with the Bills.
On Wednesday, Hyde explained that he spent time in San Diego focusing on his mental and physical health. He stayed in contact with general manager Brandon Beane and made the decision to rejoin the team last week.
“I just wanted to come back and contribute in any way I can,” Hyde said. “Whether it’s helping younger players navigate the NFL, mentoring veterans, or anything else, I’m here to help. This is a new role for me, and I’m ready to embrace it.”
Hyde mentioned feeling much better than he did at the end of last season but confirmed he plans to retire for good after this year.
Although other teams expressed interest, Hyde cited his deep connection to Buffalo, the team, and its fanbase as reasons for his return. He credited veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips for helping initiate the process. After Hyde texted Phillips to congratulate him on re-signing, Phillips urged Hyde to return, which set things in motion with Beane.
Phillips joked that all he wanted in return was a hug, which Hyde delivered.
Meanwhile, the Bills have fortified their defense by drafting Bishop in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft and extending Taylor Rapp. Rapp and Damar Hamlin have started throughout the season, contributing to a defense that is tied for second in takeaways (24) and leads the league in lowest opponent QBR (50.4). The Bills have already clinched their fifth consecutive AFC East title.
Hyde played alongside Jordan Poyer for seven seasons in Buffalo, forming one of the NFL’s most durable safety duos. Poyer, now with the Dolphins, and Hyde both joined the Bills in 2017, shortly after Sean McDermott was hired as head coach.
McDermott tempered expectations for Hyde’s role. “Respectfully, very little,” he said. “We’re in a good place with the guys who’ve played all season. It’s about understanding Hyde’s role and taking it one day at a time.”
During Wednesday’s walk-through, Hyde participated as a scout team running back and on scout special teams.
Hyde, 33, missed most of the 2022 season due to neck surgery following a Week 2 injury. In 2023, stingers sidelined him for three regular-season games, though he finished the year and playoffs.
As one of the team’s most experienced players, Hyde brings leadership and wisdom. Quarterback Josh Allen praised Hyde, calling him “one of my favorite humans” and a valuable presence in the locker room.
Hyde has recorded 16 interceptions and 42 passes defensed during his seven seasons with Buffalo. After beginning his career with the Packers, who drafted him in 2013, Hyde found a home in Buffalo, where he became a team leader.
Reflecting on his new role, Hyde said, “I’m taking it day by day. I don’t need to rush back onto the field. My goal has always been to bring a championship to Buffalo, and until that happens, you’ll probably still see me around.”
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