Washington Commanders safety Darrick Forrest celebrates his interception with linebacker Jon Bostic Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

New Buffalo Bills safety gets strong endorsement from former head coach

Originally posted on Buffalo Bills on SI | By Randy Gurzi | Last updated Apr 1, 2025 9:46 AM ET

The Buffalo Bills bolstered their secondary during NFL free agency this offseason when they signed free agent Darrick Forrest Jr ., who spent the past four seasons with the Washington Commanders.

A fifth-round pick out of Cincinnati in 2021, Forest appeared in 40 games with 17 starts. While most of his experience came prior to the arrival of Dan Quinn, the current Washington head coach was impressed with what he saw from Forrest.

Quinn, who led the Commanders to the NFC Championship Game in his first season with the franchise, spoke about his former player during the annual owner’s meeting. Quinn said that the Bills are getting a “really committed” safety who brings a physical presence.

Dan Quinn on new Bills safety Derrick Forrest: “D-Fo is a really tough, strong safety. Really committed. But I think his toughness, the physicality, that's what stands out to me.”
— Sal Capaccio (@SalSports) April 1, 2025

Forrest joins a safety corps that includes Taylor Rapp, Damar Hamlin, and Cole Bishop. The Bills are likely going to add more names in the upcoming NFL Draft, but Forrest is in line for an increased role with Buffalo.

In 2024, he was primarily used on special teams and finished with 13 tackles.