The Buffalo Bills have added depth to the defense by bringing back a former Pro Bowl safety. The team has reunited with Micah Hyde.
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According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Hyde will first head to the practice squad as he returns for his eighth season in Buffalo. He joins fellow defensive backs Kareem Jackson and Lewis Cine on the practice squad.
"Micah Hyde is in a practice squad role," head coach Sean McDermott said on Wednesday, per the Bills. "Extremely confident in Taylor Rapp, Damar Hamlin, and Cole Bishop."
McDermott added that these players will remain in this role as Hyde joins the practice squad.
A former fifth-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, Hyde began his career with the Green Bay Packers. The safety appeared in 63 games over four seasons — starting 33 — while accumulating 227 combined tackles and eight interceptions.
Hyde headed to Buffalo for the 2017 season and became an integral part of the defense while earning his first trip to the Pro Bowl.
From 2017-23, Hyde started 95 games and racked up 16 interceptions. He tallied 347 tackles and three forced fumbles while working alongside fellow safety Jordan Poyer. Hyde also returned an onside kick for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins.
Since Micah Hyde is back decided to bring this back out pic.twitter.com/a1Upej72mu
— ۟ (@worknnnx) December 4, 2024
The Bills enjoyed six winning seasons and six playoff appearances in this stretch. They reached the divisional round four times and the conference championship one time.
Hyde became a free agent after last season, but he did not re-sign with the Bills or join any other team. He remained out of football while the team kept opportunities open for a possible reunion as the season continued.
Now that the Bills have clinched the AFC East for the fifth consecutive time, Hyde will provide insurance as the team looks forward to the postseason.
Before the playoffs begin, however, the Bills must complete the regular season. Their final five games will be against the Rams, Lions, Patriots, Jets, and Patriots.
