For the first time last season and quite sometime, the Buffalo Bills did not have the services of safety Jordan Poyer. Signed by the Bills in 2017, Poyer joined a defense in Buffalo that went through a revamp in Sean McDermott’s first year as the head coach. It was the first year start for the duo of Poyer and Micah Hyde, who became the best safety duo in the league for a long time.
However, all good things always come to an end and the Bills released Poyer as part of their disastrous salary cap issues. After being released by Buffalo, Poyer stayed in the AFC East by signing with the Miami Dolphins (who were projected to overtake the division going into last season). He was brought in to help support the backend of the secondary.
It didn’t necessarily work out for Poyer and Miami’s season was underwhelming when you look at the expectations that were put on them. As for Poyer, he seemed to have lost a step in his game. While he did rack up 98 total tackles, he wasn’t the same impactful player he was when he was with the Bills.
Despite down season in 2024, Jordan Poyer deserves a training camp invite
Even though Poyer may have lost a step in his game, he deserves an invitation to training camp somewhere in the NFL. The Buffalo Bills don’t necessarily need Poyer as they will have battle at the position between Damar Hamlin, Darrick Forrest, and Cam Lewis while also having Taylor Rapp and Cole Bishop as the projected starters.
However, there are plenty of teams that could use a veteran safety who can still provide leadership value and depth. Teams like the Dolphins and Steelers could use someone like Poyer for training camp at the minimum.
As for the Dolphins, while they acquired Minkah Fitzpatrick (again), Poyer already has a year under his belt in Miami’s defense with familiarity. Not to mention, the Dolphins could use all the help in the secondary right now, they are just destined to be the worst in the league.
For the Steelers, since they traded away Fitzpatrick, they could use someone with veteran leadership and can be a great depth piece for Mike Tomlin’s defense. Overall, Poyer deserves another shot for a team in the NFL, whether it's Buffalo or not because he still has some value to provide.