If you asked Bills Mafia what area of the team needs the most improvement, you'd get one consistent answer: safety. Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott left nothing to the imagination with his response on the current state of safety on the roster.
"We're looking for that other safety to play alongside Taylor Rapp," McDermott said.
We’re live with Coach McDermott as he meets with the media before today’s practice. | #BillsMafia https://t.co/2fAEukykah
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) August 19, 2025
After Cole Bishop was finally healthy enough to get some preseason reps , he struggled at times while paired with Damar Hamlin. The defense, while starting a majority of second- and third-stringers outside of Bishop against a Caleb Williams-led first-team offense, was gashed. Despite it only being the preseason, there's a sense of urgency at One Bills Drive for that position.
Watch Hamlin....
— Gregory (@TheSportsBully1) August 18, 2025
How is this dude on a roster? https://t.co/cgdMkFa8OR
It wasn't all bad, though, and McDermott wants to make that clear.
"There's been really good moments for all of those guys back there," he added. "Young and some of the more veteran guys that are back there and have played for us."
One of the lone bright spots in the blowout loss to the Chicago Bears was rookie Jordan Hancock. His raw talent was on full display as he flashed throughout the contest. Still, there were moments when he looked a little lost in coverage. He performed much better than expected, but it didn't last long. It was a rough day overall because Hancock, despite flashing at times, had to leave the contest with a reported shoulder injury.
If Hancock continues to show signs of promise in run support it’s going to be very hard for the #Bills to keep him off of the field.
— Ben | BillsAccess (@bills_access) August 18, 2025
pic.twitter.com/kpDXVaIiRs
"I think we're still looking to find who it is going to be and how consistent can they become, and how quickly can they grow if they're a younger player?" McDermott said about the safety room.
Buffalo had been spoiled during the past few seasons with an All-Pro tandem of Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer. Admittedly, it wasn't a position many even thought about because they were the cornerstones of that unit. Since their departure, it's been a struggle to find a cohesive unit that can stay healthy and succeed.
McDermott wasn't happy with the current group's performance, and it looks to be an open competition for that spot next to Rapp. We previously reported that Justin Simmons was an available free agent target. Whether it's Simmons or someone else, it's clear that they are working on a problem, and the solution might not be on their current roster.
With one preseason game remaining, there isn't a whole lot of time to figure this out.
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