After it was announced that the Buffalo Bills were bringing back safety Damar Hamlin on a one-year deal, the Bills would then turn around and sign another safety in Darrick Forrest. According to Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network, the Bills and Forrest are in an agreement on a one-year deal.
Forrest was drafted by Washington in 2021 in the 5th round out of the University of Cincinnati. He was a defensive back coming out of college, but has played safety the last two seasons with the Commanders. At one point, Forrest looked like he could become a cornerstone player for Washington’s defense, but then injuries played a role in him not being a starter.
In his career, Forrest has recorded 137 total tackles, 4 interceptions, and 9 pass deflections. He’s a solid player, but there is not a super “wow” factor to his game. Now he gets the chance to come to Buffalo and work with Sean McDermott, who was a defensive back himself in college.
Bills continue to add depth and competition on defense
Brandon Beane has had himself a very busy time period since last night. The Bills were somewhat active on the first day of free agency with signing wideout Josh Palmer and defensive lineman Michael Hoecht. Then things started to quiet down and then the splash signing of Joey Bosa was announced last night.
Since then, the Bills have signed defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi, re-signed Damar Hamlin, and have now brought in Forrest on a one-year deal.
Adding Forrest to a room that has Hamlin, Taylor Rapp, Cole Bishop, and Cam Lewis gives the Bills options heading into training camp. The best part as well is that they still have the draft to bring in even more competition.
Forrest was once looked at as a solid starter for Washington, but things just didn’t go his way. Now he joins the Bills to get a fresh start and continue to be part of a winning culture.
Being on a prove-it like deal, Forrest could push hard for some playing time. Will he be a starter? I would guess more than likely not just because Taylor Rapp is already a starter and Cole Bishop was drafted just last year and took over starting duties late last season. However, anything is possible so training camp will be interesting to watch this summer.